Ascorbic acid; role in protection against focal necrosis induced by rifampicin

ABSTRACT

Rifampicin continues to be an effective drug for treatment of tuberculosis. A variety of drug reactions have been reported of which hepatotoxicity is well known. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of ascorbic acid as dietary supplementation in case of Rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity. Animal house NIH [National Institute of Health]. Randomized control trial. Thirty adult BALB/c mice weighing 30-60 grams were taken. They were kept under standard laboratory conditions. Mice were randomized and divided into three groups A, B and C each containing 10 mice. Group A was given Rifampicin 100 mg/kg body weight, group B was administered Rifampicin 100 mg/kg body weight along with ascorbic acid 500 mg/kg body weight orally and group C was given regular NIH lab diet for six weeks. Liver specimens of animals given rifampicin showed formation of necrotic foci. Simultaneous administration of ascorbic acid significantly reduced histological changes induced by Rifampicin. Ascorbic acid has protective role against hepatotoxic effect of Rifampicin used in chemotherapy of tuberculosis in animal models