INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the second cause to disabling of young people in the world. Attempts to find an appropriate cure for MS have not been successful yet. In recent years, trying to use plants to cure illness has been increased. Carvacrol from Labiatae family may give us the opportunity to deal against MS.
MATERIAL AND METHOD: 30 female Lewiss rats (180-200g) were used. The model used for MS was EAE-model using spinal cord guinea pig antigen injected in the base of the tail. In addition, pertussis toxin was used (intraperitoneally) to break the BBB. Biochemical factors were measured to assess the toxicity of Carvacrol and Real-Time PCR took place to check the expression of genes (GFAP, CCL5, CXCL1, OPN, B2-Adrenergic).
RESULT: Toxicity tests showed no significant differences in Carvacrol group in compare to Control group. The results of RT-PCR were unexpected. In case of CCL5, CXCL1, OPN and B2-Adrenergic, there were no significant change. However, in our study, the EAE-model could increase the expression of GFAP (p<0.05) which shows the ability of this model to induce MS-like condition. On the other hand, Carvacrol could diminish the expression of all genes significantly (p<0.05) in compare to Control group.
CONCLUSION: From this study and our previous studies, it could be impressed that Carvacrol with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory etc. properties is worth of much investigations related to MS.