The Hepatoprotective Effect of Curcuma longa Extract on Dengue Virus Serotype-2 infected BALB/c Mice

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dengue infection has a wide clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe form with organ damage. Liver is among the common organ affected. Curcuma longa is a widely used herb that exhibits a hepatoprotective effect. AIM: This study aimed to investigate effect of C. longa on liver necroinflammatory activity and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in dengue virus serotype-2 (DENV-2) infected BALB/c mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BALB/c mice were assigned into Group 1 (healthy mice), Group 2 (without C. longa administration), and Group 3 (C. longa administered). DENV-2 was inoculated intraperitoneally in Groups 2 and 3. C. longa extract was given at dose of 0.147 mg/mL intraorally in the 1st to 7th day. Liver histopathology and ALT level were assessed on the 7th day. Necroinflammatory activity was assessed with a Knodell histology activity index (HAI) score. RESULTS: The median Knodell HAI score in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 were 1.0 (0–5), 7.0 (4–10), and 3.5 (0–8), respectively. The mean difference of Knodell HAI score between Group 2 and Group 3 is 4.1 (95% CI 1.75–6.45, p = 0.002). The mean ALT in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 58.22 ± 18.31 IU/L, 58.26 ± 18.31 IU/L, and 57.00 ± 10.71 IU/L, respectively. One-way analysis of variance test showed no significant differences in ALT level levels among the three groups (F = 0.26, p = 0.974). CONCLUSION: This study showed the hepatoprotective effect of C. longa that might decrease the liver necroinflammatory activity in dengue infection.