PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CURCUMA LONGA ADMINISTRATION ON LUNG OF MICE EXPOSED TO CADMIUM

Abstract

Objective: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal which is introduced into the environment by various anthropogenic and natural activities. It can cause various health problems even at low concentration by inducing oxidative damage in tissues of organisms. Nowadays, the focus has been raised toward the use of herbal treatment against the heavy metal toxicity. Hence, the present study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of curcumin (Cur) against Cd-induced toxicity in the lung of albino mice.Materials and Methods: Albino mice were divided into 4 groups and 5 mice were kept in each group. The experiment was carried out for 15 and 45 days. Group 1 mice were kept as control. Group 2 mice were given an oral dose of 1mg/kg body weight of Cd on alternate days. Group 3 mice were administered an oral dose of 1mg/kg body weight of Cd on alternate days and 100 mg/kg body weight of Cur daily. Group 4 mice were received an oral dose of 100 mg/kg body weight of Cur daily. Autopsies were done on 15 and 45 days post-treatment.Result: Biochemical observations showed an increased level of lipid peroxidation and decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. However, Cur administration improved the level of malondialdehyde and oxidative stress in lung tissue by its antioxidant activity. Furthermore, cotreatment of Cd and Cur ameliorated the antioxidant level.Conclusion: The results of the present experiment showed the protective action of Cur on the Cd-induced oxidative damage in the lung of mice.