Hepatoprotective Effects of Dawa-Ul-Kurkum, a Unani Polyherbal Preparation and the Possible Mechanisms in Experimental Model of Ethanol Induced Liver Damage in Rats

Author(s): Mohd Rafi Reshi, Kavita Gulati, Maaz Naqvi, Nafaa Hassan and Arunabha Ray

Objective: Hepatotoxicity is commonly associated with necrosis, an increase in oxidative stress markers such as Nitrates and Nitrites (NOx) assay, Malondialdehyde levels, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels depletion, and increased liver markers.

Methods: In rats, liver toxicity was created by giving them a daily dose of ethanol, which caused hepatic derangement and an increase in various liver markers when compared to a control group. Different markers of liver damage were used to examine the effects of pharmacological treatments. Hydropic degeneration, fatty changes and hepatocellular necrosis is seen were also found on histopathological investigation in some locations.

Results: Both Dawa-ul-Kurkum and Hydro-alcoholic extract treatment revealed hepatoprotective effects that were comparable to those seen following normal medication treatment. When compared to controls, ethanol induced liver damage was associated with higher levels of Malondialdehyde levels and Nitrates and Nitrites (NOx) assay, but lower levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Different degrees of attenuation in various oxidative stress markers were elicited by Dawa-ul-Kurkum and Hydro-alcoholic treatments.

Conclusion: It finds that both treatment Dawa-Ul-Kurkum and its extract were helpful in preventing ethanol induced liver damage in rats, as they greatly reduced hepatotoxic damage markers.