Protective role of tetrahydrocurcumin against erythromycin estolate-induced hepatotoxicity

Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), one of the major metabolites of curcumin, was investigated for its possible hepatoprotective effect in Wistar rats against erythromycin estolate-induced toxicity. Oral administration of THC significantly prevented the occurrence of erythromycin estolate-induced liver damage. The increased level of serum enzymes (aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, free fatty acids and plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydroperoxides observed in rats treated with erythromycin estolate were very much reduced in rats treated with THC and erythromycin estolate. This biochemical observation were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver section. Results of this study revealed that THC could afford a significant protection against erthromycin estolate-induced hepatocellular damage. Tetrahydrocurcumin had a better protective effect when compared with Silymarin, a reference drug. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.