Effects of Thymus vulgaris Oil on Sodium Hypochlorite-Induced Damage in Rats

We aimed to determine the potential damage mechanisms of exposure to widely used sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and the effects of Thymus vulgaris on this exposure. Rats were divided into six groups: control, T. vulgaris, 4% NaOCl, 4% NaOCl + T. vulgaris, 15% NaOCl, and 15% NaOCl + T. vulgaris. Serum and lung tissue samples were taken after applying NaOCl and T. vulgaris by inhalation twice a day for 30 min for four weeks. The samples were examined biochemically (TAS/TOS), histopathologically, and immunohistochemically (TNF-α). In serum TOS values, the mean of 15% NaOCl was significantly higher than in 15% NaOCl + T. vulgaris. This was the opposite in terms of serum TAS values. Histopathologically, there was a significant increase in lung injury in 15% NaOCl; significant improvement was observed in 15% NaOCl + T. vulgaris. Immunohistochemically, there was a significant increase in TNF-α expression in both 4% NaOCl and 15% NaOCl; significant decreases were observed in both 4% NaOCl + T. vulgaris and 15% NaOCl + T. vulgaris. The use of sodium hypochlorite, which is harmful to the lungs and is widely used in homes and industries, should be limited. In addition, using T. vulgaris essential oil by inhalation may protect against the harmful effects of sodium hypochlorite.