Protective Effects of Myrtus communis Essential Oil Against Bisphenol A‐Induced Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Wistar Rats

ABSTRACT Endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA) are increasingly associated with metabolic disorders, including metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). This preclinical study investigates the effect of BPA on liver function and lipid metabolism in Wistar rats and evaluated the protective potential of Myrtus communis essential oil (EOMC) and vitamin E (Vit E). MASLD was induced in Wistar rats by oral administration of BPA (100 mg/kg/day) for 30 days. Rats were co‐treated with EOMC at doses of 50,100, or 200 mg/kg body weight, or Vit E at 100 mg/kg. Liver and kidney function markers, lipid profiles, oxidative stress parameters, and organ histology were assessed. BPA exposure significantly increased plasma liver enzymes (AST: 195,76 ± 4,47 U/L, ALT: 91,05 ± 0,58 U/L) and lipid levels (triglycerides: 1,30 ± 0,13 g/L) compared to controls, and elevated oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA). Co‐treatment with EOMC improved these parameters in a dose‐dependent manner. At 200 mg/kg, EOMC reduced plasma triglycerides 0,62 ± 0,09 g/L, corresponding to an approximate 52% decrease compared to the BPA‐only group, along with an approximately 84% reduction in hepatic MDA levels. Liver histology confirmed marked attenuation of steatosis and hepatocellular damage. Vitamin E showed similar protective effects, though slightly less pronounced. Both EOMC and Vit E demonstrated potential in mitigating against BPA‐induced MASLD. These findings indicate that EOMC may have a protective effect against fatty liver changes in this experimental model, but further studies are needed to confirm its relevance in humans.