Abstract

PROTECTIVE EFFICACY OF TURMERIC EXTRACT IN ACUTE AND CHRONIC ALCOHOL MULTIORGAN TOXICITY IN WISTAR RATS

Sharma Ramakant*

ABSTRACT

Alcohol-induced toxicity is a significant health concern,affecting multiple organ systems and contributing to variouspathological conditions, including liver damage,neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders. Chronic alcoholconsumption leads to oxidative stress, inflammation, andcellular dysfunction, while acute alcohol exposure can causeimmediate toxic effects. Natural compounds with antioxidantand anti-inflammatory properties have gained attention for theirpotential therapeutic role in mitigating alcohol-related damage.Among these, turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been widelystudied for its bioactive compound, curcumin, which exhibitshepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatoryproperties. This study aims to evaluate the protective effects ofturmeric extract against alcohol-induced toxicity in both acuteand chronic exposure models. A total of 30 animals were randomly divided into five groups, each consisting of six animals (n = 6 per group). Group I(Control) received a normal diet and water for 12 weeks, serving as the baseline reference forcomparison. Group II (Experimental Group-1) was subjected to acute alcohol toxicity byadministering alcohol orally for a duration of one week. Group III (Experimental Group-2)was treated with alcohol for one week, similar to Group II, but additionally received oralturmeric extract as a potential therapeutic intervention. Group IV (Experimental Group-3)was subjected to chronic alcohol toxicity, receiving oral alcohol administration for a durationof 12 weeks. Group V (Experimental Group-4) received the same chronic alcohol exposure asGroup IV but was also administered turmeric extract orally for 12 weeks to evaluate its protective effects over a prolonged period. Throughout thestudy, physiological, biochemical, and histopathological assessments were performed to analyze the extent of alcohol-induced damage and the potential mitigating effects of turmeric extract. Key parameters such as liver function markers (ALT, AST, ALP), oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH), inflammatory cytokines, and histological changes in liver and brain tissues were examined. The primary objective was to determine whether turmeric supplementation could attenuate alcohol-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, thereby reducing tissue damage and improving overall physiological functions. The study’s findings are expected to provide valuable insights into the protective role of turmeric extract against alcohol toxicity, particularly in modulating oxidative stressand inflammation. If proven effective, turmeric could serve as a natural dietary intervention to mitigate alcohol-induced organ damage, potentially contributing to preventive and therapeutic strategies in alcohol-related disorders. The research also aims to bridge the gap in understanding how turmeric exerts its protective effects over different exposure durations, offering a comparative analysis between acute and chronic toxicity models. By investigating a natural and easily accessible remedy like turmeric, this study aligns with the growing interest in alternative medicine and nutraceuticals for managing alcohol-related health complications. The results may pave the way for future research exploring turmeric extract as a potential adjunct therapy in individuals with alcohol-induced disorders, ultimately contributing to the development of evidence-based dietary recommendations and clinical interventions.

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