Carnosic acid attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in rats via fortifying cellular antioxidant defense system

► Pretreatment of rats with CA could reduce LPS-induced liver damage. ► CA inhibited oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammatory cytokines. ► CA could enhance the body's cellular antioxidant defense system. ► CA decreased LPS-induced protein carbonylation in liver.