Hepatoprotective effect of Curcuma longa against lead induced toxicity in Wistar rats

Aim: The present investigation has been conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Curcuma longa against lead induced toxicity. Materials and Methods: For this study, 24 Wistar albino rats were taken. Control group (n=8), group – I rats (n=8) were given lead acetate @ 1000 mg/kg bodyweight (BW) and group – II rats (n=8) were treated with Curcuma longa @ 500 mg/kg BW along with lead acetate @ 1000 mg/kg BW (daily orally for 28 days). Serum biomarkers, oxidative stress parameters and lead concentration in liver were estimated. Results: Oral administration of lead acetate for 28 days resulted in a significant increase in Aspartate amino transferase (AST), Alanine amino transferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), significant increase of Lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decrease in Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Reduced glutathione (GSH) and increase in lead accumulation in liver. Treatment with Curcuma longa @ 500 mg/kg BW significantly (P < 0.01) decreased the elevated ALP, (p < 0.05) AST, ALT, LPO levels and increase in GSH levels and as compared to lead acetate treated group. But there was no significant difference in SOD level and lead concentration in liver when compared with lead acetate treated group. Conclusions: The study concludes that supplementation of Curcuma longa @ 500 mg/kg daily oral for 28 days has shown protection against lead inducedhepatotoxicity.