CURCUMIN PROTECTION AGAINST CADMIUM-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN PANCREAS OF SWISS ALBINO MICE

Objective: This study was planned to explore the protective efficacy of Curcuma longa (curcumin) against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced oxidative stress in pancreatic tissue of albino mice.Methods: A total of 40 albino mice were equally divided into eight groups (five mice for each). The mice were kept on standard feed and water ad libitum. Control Groups 1 and 5 mice were given equal amount of distilled water, Groups 2 and 6 mice received 1 mg/kg body weight of CdCl2 on alternate days, and Group 3 and 7 received 1 mg/kg body weight of CdCl2 on alternate days and 100 mg/kg body weight of curcumin every day. Groups 4 and 8 received 100 mg/kg body weight of curcumin daily and were kept as positive control. Autopsies were done on 15 and 45 days post-treatment. The pancreas was collected from each mouse and homogenized for biochemical study.Results: The results of the present study revealed that Cd-induced oxidative stress depleted the antioxidant scavenger system and curcumin showed free radical scavenging potential. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase were observed to be significantly decreased, and methylenedioxyamphetamine concentration was increased in CdCl2-treated group which was restored to normal level after curcumin treatment.Conclusion: It can be concluded that curcumin acts as a powerful and beneficial antioxidant against oxidative stress by scavenging the free radicals produced by CdCl2