Therapeutic Potential of <i>Curcuma longa</i> Rhizome Solvent Fractions Against Benz[a]Anthracene-induced Pulmonary Toxicity: <i>In vivo</i> Insights

Benz[a]anthracene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon found in environmental pollutants, poses significant health risks, particularly to the respiratory system. This study aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of different solvent fractions of Curcuma longa rhizome methanol extracts against benz[a]anthracene-induced pulmonary toxicity using an in vivo rat model. The methanol crude extract of C. longa was partially fractionated using partition chromatography with silica gel as the adsorbent. Four solvent fractions obtained using gradient elution (designated ethanol, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, and n-hexane fractions) were collected and used in the experiment. Albino Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were randomly divided into seven groups and administered benz[a]anthracene to induce pulmonary toxicity. Subsequently, rats were treated with different solvent fractions of C. longa or diclofenac sodium as a positive control. Body weights were measured weekly, pre-induction, post-induction and post-treatment blood samples were collected, and lung tissue samples were collected and analysed. Treatment with the ethyl acetate fraction of C. longa resulted in significant improvements in lung histopathology compared to benz[a]anthracene-treated rats alone, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, this fraction showed significant antioxidant enzyme activities, including glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase, indicating its ability to mitigate oxidative stress. Biochemical analysis revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction also significantly decreased serum levels of tumour biomarkers, such as epidermal growth factor receptor, cancer antigen 125, and carcinoembryonic antigen, suggesting its potential in inhibiting cancer-related processes induced by benz[a]anthracene exposure. Our findings suggest that the ethyl acetate fraction of C. longa rhizome may hold promise as a therapeutic agent against benz[a]anthracene-induced pulmonary toxicity, possibly through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific compounds present in this fraction and the underlying mechanisms through which they exert their effects, to optimize their therapeutic potential.