Abstract
Abstract
Curcumin and its analogue (bis.demethoxy curcumin analogue [BDMC-A]) were studied for their possible lipid-lowering properties in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Carbon tetrachloride (3 ml kg−1 wk−1) administration to albino Wistar rats increased the levels of hepatic marker enzymes such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ.-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the plasma. The levels of lipids cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acids were also increased in plasma and tissues (liver, kidney, heart, and brain). Phospholipid levels increased in plasma, heart, and brain but decreased in liver and kidney. Curcumin (80 mg/kg) and BDMC-A (80 mg/kg) administration to CCl4-treated rats for a period of 3 months significantly decreased the lipid levels. The effect exerted by BDMC-A was more prominent than that of curcumin. Studies on the histopathology of the liver are also in line with the biochemical parameters studied. These observations show the lipid-lowering efficacy of curcumin and its analogue in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.