Protective effects of Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) on Methotrexate induced morphological changes in the liver of albino mice.

Abstract

Background. Drugs induced liver injury is a major health problem.1 Methotrexate which is antagonist of folic acid is used to treat different types of neoplasms, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.2 The therapeutic applications of Methotrexate is usually limited by its severe Hepatotoxicity. Herbs play important role for the treatment of various liver diseases.3 Turmeric (Curcuma Longa L, zingiberaceae) is used to treat cancer, inflammatory disorders, hepatitis and other liver disorders, skin diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis.4 Study Design: Laboratory based randomized controlled trial. Setting: Animal House of IBMS (Institute of Basic Medical Science), by the permission of Ethical Committee of (KMU) Khyber Medical University Hayatabad Peshawar. Period: March to September 2018. Material & Methods. 28 adult male albino mice were divided into control Group A and experimental Groups B,C and D. Group B was given Turmeric extract per oral (400mg /kg) daily for 14 days. Group C was given Injection Methotrexate (40mg/kg) intraperitoneally (I.P) on day 7. Group D was given Turmeric extract per oral (400mg /kg) daily for 7 days as pre administration to injection Methotrexate and on day 7 injection Methotrexate (40mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally (I.P) and Turmeric extract per oral (400mg/kg) was given daily for further 7 days as post administration to injection Methotrexate. Histological slides were prepared to see the effects of Turmeric plus Methotrexate on diameter of central vein and congestion in central vein. Results: The histological examination of liver sections of control group. A showed normal appearance of central vein. In Turmeric treated group (Group B) also no obvious histological changes were observed. Examination of liver tissue of Group C (Methotrexate group) showed severe histological changes which include dilation and congestion of central vein. Group D (Methotrexate + Turmeric group) showed significant reduction in dilation and congestion of central vein. Conclusion: This study is in accordance with other studies in which different types of herbals showed protective effects on Methotrexate induced liver damage.