The Protective Effects of Curcuma longa Extract on Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Hepatotoxicity in Mice

Acetaminophen is widely used as an analgesic and antipyretic drug, and when given in high doses can causes hepatic and renal injury in both human and animal. The liver damage in form of centrilobular necrosis is induced by using acetaminophen, depends on the cytochrome P-450 activities. In the present study hepatoprotective effects of Curcuma longa extract on hepatic injuries in male NMRI mice was examined. This is an experimental study in which fifty six NMRI male mice were randomly divided into 7 groups. After one night fasting, normal saline was given to the first group (C), the second group (B) received 1000 mg/kg Curcuma longa extract and the third group (A) were fed 700 mg/kg acetaminophen. The test groups were treated with 700 mg/kg acetaminophen and Curcuma longa extract in doses 200, 400, 800, 1000 mg/kg at the same time. After 24 hours the blood samples were collected from the jugular arteries of the mice's necks for biochemical tests. The livers were also removed and fixed in %10 formalin solution for further histopathology tests. The acute elevation of serum levels of transaminases (ALT, AST) were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in the Curcuma longa receiving groups compare to the positive group (A). The histopathologic observation revealed a decline in liver necrosis with increasing dose of Curcuma longa extract. The results of this study indicated that the extract of Curcuma longa may protect liver against acute hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen in mice. Further studies at the level of ultrastructural and molecular level are suggested in this field.