The protective effect of curcumin on carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage

Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound of turmeric has been reported to reduce non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and oxidative stress in rats. The aim of the present study was to examine the protective effect of curcumin (CUR) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) - induced NASH and to evaluate the detailed mechanisms by which CUR exerts its protective action. Thirty male Wistar-Albino rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into three groups: Administrations of oral olive oil (control), CCl4 (0.5 mg/kg in olive oil s.c.) every other day for 3 weeks, and CCl4 (0.5 mg/kg in olive oil s.c. every other day) plus CUR (200 mg/kg/d, orally in olive oil) every day for 3 weeks. The administration of CCl4 resulted in steatohepatitis and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the liver. The administration of CUR decreased lipid deposition during histopathological examination and decreased MDA accumulation. These findings indicate that CUR may have a protective role during liver injury occurring with oxidative damages.