The protective effects of Curcuma longa extract on oxidative stress markers in the liver induced by Adriamycin in rats

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Curcuma longa (C. longa) extract on Adriamycin-induced hepatotoxicity in rat. Methods: Animals were divided in six groups: Control (CO), Adriamycin (ADR), Adriamycin with Vitamin C (ADR+VitC), Vitamin C (Vit C), C. longa with Adriamycin (CL+ADR) and without Adriamycin (CL-ADR). Hepatotoxicity was induced by Adriamycin 5mg/kg and rats were treated with C. longa 1000 mg/kg and Vitamin C 100 mg/kg , per day, orally for 4 weeks. Results: In the liver tissue of ADR group, Malonyldialdehyde (MDA) level was increased significantly compared to CO group, (p < 0.05). MDA level in the treatment groups, Vit C, CL+ADR and CL-ADR were increased significantly compared to ADR group (p < 0.05, for all three groups), and compared to ADR+VitC group (p < 0.01). Thiol level in ADR, ADR+VitC and CL+ADR groups were decreased compared to CO group (p < 0.001), and also thiol level in CL-ADR and Vit C were increased significantly compared to ADR group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively). The activity of catalase in liver tissue in ADR group was lower compared to CO group (p < 0.01), though was increased in CL-ADR, ADR+VitC and Vit C groups in comparison with ADR group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The results showed that chronic administration of C. longa hydroalcoholic extract in Adriamycin-induced hepatotoxic rats could decrease the oxidative stress injuries in the liver tissue.