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.