HEPATOPROTECTIVE AND NEPHROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF
TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA) IN RIFAMPICIN AND ISONIAZID-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY
AND NEPHROTOXICITY IN RATS
MAHDI M THUAWAINI1*, MAWAHIB B GASIM AL-FARHAAN2, KARIMA F ABBAS3
1Department of Pathological Analysis, College of Health and Medical Sciences/Southern Technical University, Basrah, Iraq.
2,3Department of Basic Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Karbala University, Karbala, Iraq. Email: Mahdi.Murshd@stu.ed.iq
Received: 15 November 2018, Revised and Accepted: 24 January 2019
ABSTRACT
Objectives: The present study was designed to estimate the influences of oral administration of aqueous extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa) in
hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced in rats by isoniazid and rifampicin (RIF) for 4 weeks. Influences were determined through the estimation
of liver and kidney functions and histopathological changes.
Materials and Methods: A total of 48 male albino rats were randomly divided into six groups: Normal control, INH+RIF treated rats, Turmeric
aqueous extract 100 mg/kg treated rats, Turmeric aqueous extract 100 mg/kg + INH and RIF treated rats, Turmeric aqueous extract 200 mg/kg
treated rats, Turmeric aqueous extract 200 mg/kg+ INH and RIF treated rats. Turmeric aqueous extract and INH + RIF (50 mg/kg bwpo, daily)
were given for 4 weeks. Liver and kidney function markers (aspartate transaminase [AST], alanine transaminase [ALT], alanine phosphatase [ALP],
bilirubin, blood urea, and creatinine) were determined enzymatically. In addition, tissues of liver and kidney were quickly separated and fixed in 10%
formalin and subjected to histopathological studies. Statistical analysis was carried out using t-test.
Results: The aqueous extract of turmeric (at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw, p.o. daily ) showed hepato- and reno-protective effects in hepato- and
reno- toxicity induced by RIF and INH in rats. Significant elevation of serum ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, creatinine, urea, and total protein, due to RIF
and INH treatment, were significantly decreased. The histopathological study further confirmed the biochemical results.
Conclusion: Results of the present study indicated that turmeric has hepatoprotective and renoprotective action against RIF- and INH-induced
hepatic and renal injury in rats.
Keywords: Nephroprotective, Hepatoprotective, Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Biochemistry, Histopathology, Rifampicin, Isoniazid.
