Protective Effects Of Curcumin Against Benzopyrene Induced Liver Toxicity In Albino Rats

Benzo[a]pyrene, a member of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon group which is usually generated during the partial burning of organic matter, has been shown to inflict damage on the liver. The study investigated the protective effect of curcumin, on liver toxicity induced by benzo[a]pyrene in rats. Thirty albino rats were randomly divided into five treatment groups with six animals each, designated as control, benzo[a]pyrene(2mg/kg), benzo[a]pyrene(2mg/kg) + curcumin(100mg/kg), curcumin(100mg/kg) + benzo[a]pyrene (2mg/kg), curcumin (100mg/kg). Rats were administered their respective doses orally, (benzo[a]pyrene, daily and curcumin, every other day) for 6weeks. Benzo[a]pyrene administration elicited significant increases (p<0.05) in activities of liver enzymes (ALT, ALP and AST) and significant reduction (p<0.05) in concentrations of total protein and albumin respectively when compared to control. Administration of curcumin brought about significant reversal of benzo[a]pyrene altered biochemical indices. Activities of liver enzymes (ALT, ALP and AST) and concentrations of serum total protein and albumin, of curcumin treated rats, were found to be comparable to that of the control after curcumin administration. Treatment of benzo[a]pyrene induced toxic effects with curcumin helped to restore the normal histological architecture of the liver tissues. These results portray curcumin to be a potent protective agent against benzo[a]pyrene induced alterations in livers of albino rats.