Hepatoprotective Effect of Turmeric on the Structural Intergrity of Liver of Pubertal Rabbits Exposed to Acute Ultraviolet Radiation

Abstract

Background:One of the non-ionizing radiationsin electromagnetic spectrum is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Studies haveshown that UV radiation causes the generation of reactive oxygen species and subsequent radical formation as wel as direct damage to cell macromolecule.This study was undertaken to assess the hepatoprotective effect of turmeric on rabbits acutely exposed to ultraviolet radiation. , Methods: Forty rabbits between the ages of 18-20 weeks were weight baanced into five groups, and randomy allocated to five (5) treatments: A, B, C, D, E. Group A (ttr): fed organicfeed without turmeric and not radiated, Group B (ttR): fed organic feed withoutturmeric inclusion before they were radiated. Group C (TTr): fed diet supplemented with 2% turmeric as its constituent but not radiated. Group D (TTR): fed organic feed supplemented with 2% turmeric before they were radiated. Group E (ttr) is the control: fed commercial feed along with forage throughout the experiment and not radiated. The irradiation was done for 10 minutes period for ten consecutive days. The liver of the 40rabbits were harvested and the histology of the liver section was done.Results: The histological studies revealed that the groups radiated have structura differences from the control. Liver section in Group B shows thatthere washepatic necrosis and degeneration of cels. There was also a dense portal infiltration with lobular extension, confirming the damaging effect of UV radiation. The liver damage was mild in Group D, indicating the hepatoprotective properties of turmeric. The histology of rabbit in Group A revealed ova cells of hepatocyte, which are progenitor cel that are invoved in the regeneration process. Rabbits in Group C as well as the control Group E, showed normal histological appearance. Conclusion: It was concuded that UV radiation has detrimental effect on the liver and organic turmeric has hepatoprotective properties. Key Words: liver histology, turmeric, UV radiation.