Hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa on thioacetamide induced liver cirrhosis in rats

Suzy M Salama,Salim S Alkiyumi,Mahmood Ameen Abdulla,Ahmed S Alrashdi,Salmah Ismail,Shahram Golbabapour

doi:10.1186/1472-6882-13-56

Suzy M Salama, Salim S Alkiyumi + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-13-56

Copy DOI

Abstract

BackgroundHepatology research has focused on developing traditional therapies as pharmacological medicines to treat liver cirrhosis. Thus, this study evaluated mechanisms of the hepatoprotective activity of Curcuma longa rhizome ethanolic extract (CLRE) on thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis in rats.MethodsThe hepatoprotective effect of CLRE was measured in a rat model of thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis over 8 weeks. Hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 and serum levels of TGF-β1 and TNF-α were evaluated. Oxidative stress was measured by malondialdehyde, urinary 8-hydroxyguanosine and nitrotyrosine levels. The protective activity of CLRE free-radical scavenging mechanisms were evaluated through antioxidant enzymes. Protein expression of pro-apoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in animal blood sera was studied and confirmed by immunohistochemistry of Bax, Bcl2 proteins and proliferating cell nuclear antigen.ResultsHistopathology, immunohistochemistry and liver biochemistry were significantly lower in the Curcuma longa-treated groups compared with controls. CLRE induced apoptosis, inhibited hepatocytes proliferation but had no effect on hepatic CYP2E1 levels.ConclusionThe progression of liver cirrhosis could be inhibited by the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of CLRE and the normal status of the liver could be preserved.

Highlights

Hepatology research has focused on developing traditional therapies as pharmacological medicines to treat liver cirrhosis
The ferric reducing anti-oxidant power (FRAP) of 1 mg/mL of Curcuma longa rhizome ethanolic extract (CLRE) measured 1736.7 ± 0.032 nM/1 mg (Figure 1), which is relatively lower than the standards for gallic acid, quercetin, ascorbic acid, rutin, trolox and BHT
We observed significant increase in the serum level of Bcl-2–associated X protein (Bax) protein and decrease in Bcl-2 protein in silymarin-treated and CLRE- treated animals compared with the cirrhosis group animals

Summary

Introduction

Hepatology research has focused on developing traditional therapies as pharmacological medicines to treat liver cirrhosis. This study evaluated mechanisms of the hepatoprotective activity of Curcuma longa rhizome ethanolic extract (CLRE) on thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis in rats. Hepatic fibrosis occurs in response to liver damage and regenerates apoptotic cells after repeated injury [2] This inflammatory response is accompanied by limited deposition of extra cellular matrix (ECM), so that if the regeneration of dying cells fails during persistent liver injury, hepatocytes are replaced by abundant ECM, including fibrillar collagen, depending on the origin of injury [3]. In Malaysia, commonly known as Kunyit, turmeric plant is a popular ingredient for preparing culinary dishes. We assessed the hepatoprotective effect of the ethanolic extract of C. longa rhizomes against TAA-induced liver cirrhosis in Sprague Dawley rats

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion