ASCORBIC ACID

ROLE IN PROTECTION AGAINST FOCAL NECROSIS INDUCED BY RIFAMPICIN

Abstract

Objective: Rifampicin continues to be an effective drug for treatment of
tuberculosis. A variety of drug reactions have been reported of which hepatotoxicity is well
known. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of ascorbic acid as dietary
supplementation in case of Rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity. Data source: Animal house NIH
(National Institute of Health). Study design: Randomized control trial. Materials and Methods:
Thirty adult BALB/c mice weighing 30-60 grams were taken. They were kept under standard
laboratory conditions. Mice were randomized and divided into three groups A, B and C each
containing 10 mice. Group A was given Rifampicin 100 mg/kg body weight, group B was
administered Rifampicin 100 mg/kg body weight along with ascorbic acid 500 mg/kg body
weight orally and group C was given regular NIH lab diet for six weeks. Result: Liver specimens of
animals given rifampicin showed formation of necrotic foci. Simultaneous administration of
ascorbic acid significantly reduced histological changes induced by Rifampicin. Conclusions:
Ascorbic acid has protective role against hepatotoxic effect of Rifampicin used in chemotherapy
of tuberculosis in animal models.