Hepatoprotective Activity of Turmeric and Garlic against 7-12, Dimethylbenzanthracene Induced Liver Damage in Wistar Albino Rats

Aim: In present study the antioxidant activity of turmeric was studied in Wistar albino
rats.
Study design: The experimental animals were divided in to five groups each containing
six animals. Group I served as normal control. All the other four groups, viz. II, III, IV
and V were first challenged with7-12 Dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA). Thereafter,
group III, IV and V received Indole-3-Carbinol, turmeric and turmeric with garlic
respectively for four weeks. Group II have Received no intervention other than DMBA.
Methodology: At the end of the study all the animals were sacrificed and the effects of
DMBA, Indole-3-Carbinol, Turmeric and Turmeric with garlic were monitored by growth
rate during study period and also by assaying the levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA),
superoxidedismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in liver and kidney homogenates. In
addition serum alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline
phoshatase (ALP), urea and Creatinine levels were also studied.
Results: The results showed that the difference in total body weight gain was not
significant among all the groups. Body weight in group II was found to be reduced than
the body weight on zero day. There was significant decrease in SOD and CAT, but
significant increase in MDA in both the tissue homogenates. The levels of AST, ALT,
ALP, Creatinine and Urea were significantly increased in group II. Reversal effects of
DMBA were shown by group IV and V but they were lower than group III. Cyst formation
in liver was observed in group II rats only. Enlargement and paleness of liver was
maximum in group II as compared to other treated groups.
Conclusion: In present study the turmeric have shown the reversal effects of DMBA
induced carcinogenicity.