Effect of Chelidonium majus on Metabolic Abnormalities Induced by HAART in Mice

Abstract

Aims: Extracts of Chelidonium majus , extensively used in traditional systems of medicine, have been tested for their possible anti-tumor, hepato-protective and anti-genotoxic effects, to investigate their potential in cancer therapy. Although the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has changed the natural history of HIV infection, several adverse events may limit its efficacy. Antiretroviral drugs are associated with increased risk of severe hepatotoxicity. These complications increase morbidity and mortality significantly. Current study evaluated the effect of Chelidonium majus on metabolic alterations induced in mice subjected to HAART. Methodology: Four-weeks old male Swiss Webster mice, weighing approximately 28-30 g, provided by the Central Animal Laboratory of the State University of Maringa, were used in the experiments. The drug in the form of mother tincture was prepared with the juice of the root of C. majus , mixed in equal parts of grain alcohol (P.A.) and comprised 12 animals per experimental group: (I) animals treated with HAART diluted in 1.2 mL water gavage/day, (II) animals treated with HAART diluted in 1.2 mL water gavage/day + C. majus diluted 1x10 12 in water 1.0 mL, daily added