EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS OF TUMERIC (Curcuma longa) EXTRACT ON PARACETAMOL-INDUCED LIVER INJURY IN MALE WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Paracetamol overdose is a major global cause of acute liver failure, primarily due to the accumulation of the reactive metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which triggers oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hepatocellular necrosis. This study evaluated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) extract in paracetamol-induced liver injury using male Wistar rats. Twenty-five Wistar rats were grouped into five groups, including a normal control, paracetamol-only group, turmeric-treated group, silymarin-treated group, and a combined turmeric-silymarin group. Liver injury was induced using a single oral dose of paracetamol (750 mg/kg), followed by 14 days of treatment with turmeric extract (200 mg/kg). Phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic turmeric extract revealed presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids, and proteins. Blood samples were collected for biochemical evaluation. It demonstrated that paracetamol administration markedly elevated liver enzymes and increased oxidative stress, (p-value < 0.005) indicated by high malondialdehyde and reduced total antioxidant capacity. Treatment with turmeric extract restored liver function, by lowering liver enzymes while reducing oxidative stress and improving total antioxidant capacity. These effects were comparable to those of the standard hepatoprotective drug silymarin. Histological analysis further confirmed substantial improvement in hepatic architecture among turmeric-treated rats. This indicate that turmeric extract exhibits potent hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol-induced oxidative liver damage, primarily by suppressing lipid peroxidation, enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses, and stabilizing hepatocellular integrity. Turmeric extract represents a promising natural therapeutic candidate for managing drug-induced liver injury, with potential benefits for resource-limited settings.