Ultrastructural Changes in Hepatocytes and Chemopreventive Effects of Short-Term Administration of Curcuma longa L. against Oxidative Stress-Induced Toxicity: Improvement Mechanisms of Liver Detoxification

The rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. (CL) have been widely used in herbal medicines worldwide. It has been shown to possess prophylactic effects against oxidative stress. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the protective role of CL against oxidative stress in the absence of toxic agents. The aim of the study was to elucidate the antioxidative stress pharmacodynamics of CL. Eighteen 12-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats weighing about 300 ± 25 gm were divided equally into six groups. Four of the groups were supplemented with CL at 100 mg/kg b.w./day orally (P.O.) and labeled as 1(st), 3(rd), 5(th), and 6(th) day groups. The PCx (positive control) group was given distilled water orally, and the NCx (negative control) group rats were provided with food and water ad libitum. Blood samples were collected, and rats were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 5, and 6 (2 h) posttreatment. The blood was used for oxidative stress enzyme analysis (SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA) and liver (ALT) and kidney (creatinine) function assay, and the liver was dissected for histology. The results revealed that CL exhibited an antioxidative stress effect in the liver and kidneys as indicated by the low levels of ALT and creatinine. In response to antioxidant enzymes, especially that of the 3(rd)-day treatment group, an increase in SOD and GSH-Px indirectly caused an alleviation of oxidative stress, leading to a much lower level of MDA. It was concluded that treatment with CL at 100 mg/kg b.w./per day for three consecutive days demonstrated the highest efficacy in abating oxidative stress in rats.