Investigation of curcumin effects on liver tissue in adult male rats treated with cyclophosphamide

 Background & Objective: Cyclophosphamide is an antineoplastic drug that has many clinical uses in cancer treatment, but it has toxic effects due to creation of free radicals. In this study, the effects of curcumin" as an antioxidant drug” on liver tissue was investigated. Materials & methods: 50 wistar adult male rats were selected randomly and were divided in to five groups including control, sham (receiving normal saline and olive oil), cyclophosphamide (5 mg/kg intraperitoneal), cyclophosphamide (5 mg/kg) + curcumin (50 mg/kg), and curcumin (50 mg/kg by gavage). This study continued for 30 days. The liver histopathological changes were investigated after the last administration. Results: Severe apoptosis, hepatocytes necrosis, congestion, focal inflammation, and endotheliosis were revealed in cyclophosphamide receiving group. However, focal inflammation and hepatocyte necrosis were decreased considerably in cyclophosphamide + curcumin group compared to cyclophosphamide group. Congestion and endotheliosis were very small. None of the above mentioned complications was observed in curcumin receiving group. Conclusion: The results of this study show the concurrent consumption of cyclophosphamide and curcumin can reduce the cyclophosphamide free radicals effects on liver tissue.