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Abstract
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Abstract: Shirazi thyme is an active phytobiotc contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids which
have strong antioxidant properties. This study was conducted to investigate the potential protective
effects of Shirazi thyme compared to that of vitamin E against cadmium toxicity. Common carp
juveniles (34±3 g) were divided into four groups and fed by three different diets, including
commercial diet without any additive (for control and metal only group) and supplemented with
either 1% ground Shirazi thyme or 100 mg/kg vitamin E. All treatments except the control were
exposed to sublethal concentration of waterborne cadmium (1.5 mg/L free ion) for 15 days and liver,
kidney and gill were sampled 3, 7, 10 and 15 days after the exposure. The results showed that
treatment of the fish with cadmium for 15 days resulted in a significant reduction in glutathione
reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) and led to liver, kidney and gills
dysfunction. On the other hand, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly increased during
metal exposure. Supplementation of diets with Shirazi thyme and vitamin E led to a significant
protection against metal exposure in different tissues. Moreover, Shirazi thyme was found to be as
effective as vitamin E. The current finding can provide a useful reference for stress protective effects
of thyme and its beneficial role in aquaculture.
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