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Research Article Open access CC BY 4.0

Phytochemical Composition and Toxicological Profiling of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) Root Extract in Rats

Ohiagu Chukwuemeka John, Achi Ngozi Kalu, Ohaeri Obioma Christopher, Osuji Chigozirim Amarachi

International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review · pp. 1–12 · Published 3 Jan 2024

10.9734/ijbcrr/2024/v33i1847

Abstract

Background: Curcuma longa Linn (turmeric) is a common medicinal plant used in Africa for the treatment of diseases. In this study, its extract was evaluated to ascertain its phytochemical composition and toxicity in wistar rats. Methods: The prepared rhizome ethanol extract was first subjected to preliminary phytochemical evaluation and then lethal dose (LD50) test. In the sub-acute toxicity test, 20 adult wistar rats assigned to 4 groups of 5 rats each were administered oral graded doses of the extract. Group 1 served as control while groups 2, 3 and 4 received 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract over a period of 28 days, after which blood samples were collected for haematological and serum biochemical analyses. Results: Results obtained from the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and alkaloids in extract, with alkaloids being most abundant (41.20+0.53 mg/100g)  and terpenoids, the least (3.98+0.03 mg/100g). Lethal dose value for the extract was found to be >5000mg/kg body weight. Results of sub-acute toxicity evaluation of the extract showed no deleterious effect on liver and kidney function parameters with these parameters being not significantly different from their control values (p<0.05). Treatment with the extract also caused significant hypolipidemia (p<0.05) but increased the values of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The activities of antioxidant enzymes and red blood cell counts were also significantly increased following treatment with the extract, especially at higher dose levels. Conclusion: Therefore, we conclude that C. longa extract may be safe for use in the treatment of diseases when administered via the oral route.

Blood Curcuma longa phytochemical toxicity wistar rats

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