Hepatoprotectıve Property Of Turmeric (Curcumin) Administration On Chronic Acetaminophen Induced Liver Damage In Albino Wistar Rats

Acetaminophen is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic, but it is also known for its hepatotoxic effects, particularly at overdose level. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin as a hepatoprotective agent against paracetamol (acetaminophen) induced hepatotoxicity. This study used 30 albino Wistar rats (both males and females) weighing 130-150g, divided into five groups. These groups were administered various treatments; standard rodent feed (control), acetaminophen, curcumin, and combinations of acetaminophen and curcumin both simultaneously and sequentially. Intra-peritoneal administration was employed to enhance curcumin’s bioavailability. The administration of both agents lasted 6 weeks (42 days). Biochemical parameters, including serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP, were measured, and liver tissues were examined histopathologically to assess liver damage and the protective effects of curcumin. Elevated liver enzyme levels were observed, particularly in the groups treated with acetaminophen. The curcumin-treated groups showed a significant decrease in ALT (p0.05). Histopathological analysis revealed less hepatic damage and improved liver structure in curcumin-treated groups. Curcumin demonstrated the ability to reduce acetaminophen-induced liver damage by mitigating oxidative stress and preserving mitochondrial function, as supported by both biochemical and histopathological findings.