Protection of centrilobular necrosis by Curcuma comosa Roxb. in carbon tetrachloride-induced mice liver injury

Aim of the study: To investigate the protective effect and possible mechanism of Curcuma comosa hexane extract on CCl₄-induced liver injury in adult male mice. Materials and methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ and was evaluated after 24h from the elevations of plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities, and histological analysis of liver injuries. Hexane extract of Curcuma comosa was given at different time points from 1 to 72h, prior to CCl₄ administration and the protection from liver injury was assessed. Results: CCl₄-induced damage to liver cells was resulted in elevations of plasma ALT and AST activities. Pretreatment with Curcuma comosa hexane extract 24h at a dose of 100, 250, and 500mg/kgBW resulted in a dose-dependent prevention of the increases in plasma ALT and AST activities as well as time dependent. The protective effect of the extract at a dose of 500mg/kgBW was seen at 12-24h. Pretreatment of the extract completely prevented elevation of plasma ALT and AST activities, and centrilobular necrosis. The protective effect of Curcuma comosa was associated with restoration of hepatic glutathione content, and CYP2E1 catalytic activity, and its mRNA and protein levels as well as increase in activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Conclusion: Curcuma comosa has a potent protective property against CCl₄-induced hepatic injuries via the activation of detoxifying mechanisms (GST) as well as reduction of the bioactive toxic metabolites. Therefore, Curcuma comosa may be beneficial for prevention of hepatotoxicity.