Ameliorating effect of curcumin on sodium arsenite-induced oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation in different rat organs

The present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidative effect of curcumin against sodium arsenite-induced oxidative damage in rat. Animals were divided into four groups, the first group was used as control. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were orally treated with curcumin (15 mg/kg BW), sodium arsenite (Sa, 5 mg/kg BW) and sodium arsenite plus curcumin, respectively. Rats were orally administered their respective doses daily for 30 days. Results showed that Sa increased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma, liver, kidney, lung, testes and brain. While, the activities of glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase and the content of sulfhydryl groups (SH-groups) were significantly decreased in plasma and tissues compared to control. Treatment with curcumin alone reduced the levels of TBARS, while induced the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, and the levels of SH-groups. The presence of curcumin with Sa reduced the induction in the levels of TBARS and induced the decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the levels of SH-groups. Results indicated that treatment with Sa decreased body weight and increased liver weight compared to control. The presence of curcumin with Sa alleviated its toxic effects. It can be concluded that curcumin has beneficial influences and could be able to antagonize Sa toxicity.