Protective effect of curcuma longa against oxidative stress in s mansoni infected mice

ABSTRACT

Lipid peroxides and the antioxidants glutathione [GSH], superoxide dismutase, vitamins C and E were measured in liver tissue of Swiss albino mice [CD 1] before and after 1, 2 and 3 months infection with S. mansoni. The same parameters were also measured after treatment of 1 month-infected mice with 70% alcoholic extract of Curcuma longa for 2 months 300 mg /kg body weight]. The results pointed out that S. mansoni infection induced an oxygen stress which resulted in a remarkable increase in lipid peroxides which was maximally observed one month post infection and also in superoxide dismutase two months post infection. In addition, the level of glutathione was gradually decreased throughout the infection period while vitamins C and E were moderately reduced by infection. On the other hand, administration of Curcuma longa extract caused reduction in lipid peroxides and in superoxide dismutase levels in infected mice compared to non- treated infected ones, and also resulted in normalizing the levels of glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E. These results demonstrate the potent antioxidant property of this plant extract which helps to maintain the defense mechanisms in the body during infections or during oxygen stresses