Cyto-protective and immunomodulating effect of Curcuma longa in Wistar rats subjected to carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress.

A comparison of crude curcuminoid extract and purified curcumin was made to evaluate hepato- and immunoprotective effect of Curcuma longa (turmeric) Zingiberaceae. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced cellular hepatic damage was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, hepatic enzymes and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBAR) values. A selective cytolytic effect of CCl4 was observed among immature (PNA+) thymocytes and peripheral helper (CD4+) T lymphocytes in spleen and was paralleled by a significant reduction in CD25, CD71 and Con A receptor expression. Treatment with curcuminoid crude extract at two different doses, showed a significant cellular recovery among hepatocytes, which was reflected in a reduction of hepatic enzymes and TBAR values. A significant restoration of lymphocyte viability and CD25, CD71 and Con A receptor expression in both immature (PNA+) thymocytes and splenic helper (CD4+) T lymphocytes was observed. Turmeric crude extract, at both low and high dose, was found to be more efficient as compared to purified curcumin.