Crude Extract of Turmeric Reduces Hepato-Toxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rats Chronically Fed Carcinogens

Abstract The crude extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.; Zingiberaceae) is widely used in traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda as a remedy for various diseases. Although various medicinal effects of its active principle, Curcumin, have been extensively studied in various animal models, there appears to be no systematic study on whether the crude extract can reduce hepato-toxicity and oxidative stress in rats induced by chronic feeding of p-dimethyl aminoazobenzene and phenobarbital, two known carcinogens of liver. Tests were conducted in experimental and controlled animals involving several widely accepted toxicity biomarkers at four fixation intervals, namely, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. Results revealed an increase in activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases, alanine and aspartate amino transferases, gamma glutamyl transferase, lipid peroxidation and in levels of serum triglyceride, cholesterol, creatinine, urea, bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen and decrease in reduced glutathione content, catalase, glucose-6-phospahate dehydrogenase and blood glucose, HDL-cholesterol, albumin, and hemoglobin contents in carcinogen intoxicated rats. Most of these changes were reversed by the administration of crude extract of turmeric, indicating its hepato-protective potentials and ability to reduce oxidative stress in experimental rats. Further, from the analysis of expression of matrix metalloproteinases, p53 and Bcl-2 proteins in liver at 90 and 120 days (post tumor development), its anti-tumorigenic activity is also evident. The results would thus validate its traditional use in various ailments, particularly against liver disorders. Submitted: August 22, 2008 · Accepted: October 31, 2008 · Published: December 16, 2008 Recommended Citation Khuda-Bukhsh, Anisur Rahman; Banerjee, Antara; Biswas, Raktim; Pathak, Surajit; Boujedaini, Naoual; and Belon, Philippe (2008) "Crude Extract of Turmeric Reduces Hepato-Toxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rats Chronically Fed Carcinogens," Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine: Vol. 5 : Iss. 1, Article 34. DOI: 10.2202/1553-3840.1185 Available at: http://www.bepress.com/jcim/vol5/iss1/34 Related Files gel doc tables.doc (164 kB) Gel Doc Analysis Tables for p53 and bcl-2 -proteins