Abstract

A HISTOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA) ON THE LIVER OF METRONIDAZOLE-TREATED ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Elioku.O.Grace, Anyabolu A.E, Ofoego U.C., *Okafor I. A.

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the ameliorative effect of turmeric on the cytoarchitecture of the liver of metronidazole (MTZ) - treated rats. Twenty adult wistar rats weighing 140-200 gramms were used. The animals were randomly divided into four groups of five (5) each. The groups were labelled A,B,C and D. Group A animals served as the control and received feed and water only. Group B received low dose of metronidazole (200mg/kg/day), Group C received high dose of metronidazole (400mg/kg/day), Group D received high dose of metronidazole (400mg/kg/day) + Turmeric (400mg/kg/day). The administration lasted for twenty eight (28) days and the animals were weighed. At the end of experimental period, the animals were sulphocated via Diethylether and dissected. The liver were weighed and trimmed down for histological studies. The final body weight for group C treated with high dose of metronidazole (400mg/kg) was significantly lower (p>0.05) than group (B and D); but significantly higher (p>0.05) than the group A (control). The final body weight for group D treated with metronidazole+turmeric was significantly higher (P>0.05) than the control and other experimental groups (B and C) animals. The relative liver weight for group D (400mg/kg/day Metronidazole+Turmeric administered) were relatively higher than that of group A (control) and other experimental groups (B and C). Histological observation showed the presence of prominent necrosis and evidence of cellular infilteration into stroma in group C (400mg/kg metronidazole). While group D treated with turmeric showed mild vacuolation and mild necrosis and evidence of slight hemorrhage. It can be concluded that metronidazole (MTZ) can cause toxicity, and turmeric can provide ameliorative effect against metronidazole toxicity.

Keywords: Metronidazole, Turmeric, Ameliorate, Histology, liver, Albino Wistar Rats.