




































_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
*Corresponding author: E-mail: drericuchenna@gmail.com; 
 
 
 

Asian Journal of Immunology 
 
3(1): 166-172, 2020; Article no.AJI.56699 
 

 
 

 

 

Ameliorative Effects of Turmeric Extract against 
CCL4 Induced Liver and Kidney Injury in Adult 

Wistar Rat 
 

E. U. Eric1* and E. Adolphus2 

 
1
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, 

Bayelsa State, Nigeria. 
2
Department of Histopathology, Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. 

 
Authors’ contributions 

 
This work was carried out in collaboration between both authors. Author EUE designed the study, 

performed the statistical analysis, wrote the protocol, and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. 
Authors EUE and EA managed the analyses of the study. Author EA managed the literature searches. 

Both authors read and approved the final manuscript. 
 

Article Information 
 

Editor(s): 
(1) Dr. Cynthia Aracely Alvizo Báez, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. 

Reviewers: 
(1) Gayatri C. Gawade, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, India. 

(2) Dharma Lindarto, Universitas Sumatra Utara, India. 
Complete Peer review History: http://www.sdiarticle4.com/review-history/56699 

 
 
 
 

Received 25 February 2020  
Accepted 02 May 2020 

Published 13 May 2020 

 
 

ABSTRACT 
 

Objectives: To examine and ascertain the toxic effects of CCL4 on the histology of the liver and 
kidney and to investigate the ameliorative of turmeric against his injury.  
Materials: Thirty (30) male adult Wistar rats weighing 150 ± 2.6 g - 317 ± 3.5 g were procured from 
the animal house of the Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences Niger Delta 
University, Bayelsa state. Nigeria, assigned into five (5) major groups with five (5) animals in each 
group after the period of acclimatization: a control group "A" and three test groups (C, D and E) 
except group B with ten (10) rats. Animals in Group A (Control): received pelleted growers mash 
(feed) and water .Group B (Positive Control): Received CCl4 only (0.5 mL/100 g). Group C: 
received CCL4 (0.5 mL/100 g) and turmeric extract 200 mg/kg. Group D: Received 200 mg/kg of 
turmeric extract  and then treated with  CCL4 (0.5 ml/100 g ) Group E: Received  200 mg/kg of 
turmeric extract only, at the end of the treatment, the liver and the kidney of each  sacrificed rat 
were  processed for paraffin sectioning and stained with Harris hematoxylin and eosin. 

Original Research Article 



 
 
 
 

Eric and Adolphus; AJI, 3(1): 166-172, 2020; Article no.AJI.56699 
 

 

 
167 

 

Result: Photomicrograph of Groups B, C and D show moderate inflammatory cells and fat 
infiltration which are features  of  hepatic injury but the result further shows that there were no 
noticeable histopathological changes observed in the histology of the kidney of all animal groups as 
compared with the control group. 
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that turmeric extract has no ameliorative effect against CCl4-
induced liver damage in rats. 

 

 
Keywords: Liver; kidney; turmeric; carbon tetrachloride; oral; ameliorative. 
 

1. INTRODUCTION 
 
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is one of the most 
potent toxins, which is widely used in scientific 
research to produce experimental model that 
mimic the oxidative stress in many 
pathophysiological situation [1]. CCl4 is a 
possible carcinogen; inhalation or ingestion can 
cause damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, and 
can even cause death. CCl4 also contributes to 
ozone layer depletion [2]. 
 
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a toxin that was 
used extensively to induce liver, renal and 
cardiac toxicity. CCl4 administered to rats 
induces histologically proven severe hepato-
pathology, nephropathy, cardiopathy and an 
increase of serum concentrations of urea, 
creatinine and liver enzymes such as aspartate 
aminotransferase (AST), alanine 
aminotransferase (ALT), that are indicators of 
renal and liver tissue damage [3]. The 
biochemical mechanisms to CCl4 exposure is 
induction of an increase in lipid peroxide and free 
peroxide radical concentrations that are highly 
reactive and cause injury or necrosis [4].  CCl4 is 
metabolized by P450 cytochrome to CCl3 radical 
that induces the peroxidation of membrane lipids 
and disturbs Ca

2+
 homeostasis thus inducing 

liver tissue damage [5]. It has been reported that 
CCl4 administration increases the silver-stained 
nucleolar organizer region, alters its size, 
morphology or spreading in the nucleus, which 
may be utilized as an indicator of genotoxicity, 
neoplasia and hyperplasia to complement other 
histological procedures [6]. 
 

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is the rhizome or 
underground stem of ginger like plant. Turmeric 
has also been used for centuries in Ayurvedic 
medicine, which integrates the medicinal 
properties of herbs with food. This extraordinary 
herb has found its way into the spotlight in the 
west and rest of globe, because of its wide range 
of medicinal benefits. It is extensively used in 
Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha medicine as home 
remedy for various diseases [7]. Turmeric is a 

potent blood purifier and helps to create new 
blood. Turmeric also protects liver from toxins 
and pathogens. It is known to destroy major 
hepato toxins, like aflatoxin and to rebuild the 
liver. Turmeric has a protective effect against 
kidney and liver toxicity caused by certain 
medications. In addition, it is used as herbal 
remedy due to the prevalent belief that the plant 
has medical properties. In folk medicine, the 
rhizome juice from C. longa is used in the 
treatment of many diseases such as 
anthelmintic, asthma, gonorrhea, and its 
essential oil is used in the treatment of 
carminative, stomachic and tonic [8]. In 
traditional medicine, several plants and herbs 
have been used experimentally to treat liver and 
kidney disorders, including liver cirrhosis and 
Chronic Kidney Disease. Turmeric possesses 
antioxidant, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, anti-
inflammatory; wound healing, and gastro-
protective activities. Several studies have shown 
that the aqueous extract of turmeric has 
hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity 
against carbon tetrachloride toxicity (Suzy et al. 
2013). 
 
The main aim of this research is to investigate 
the curative, hepatoprotective and nephro-
protective effect of turmeric extract on Albino 
Wistar Rats. 

 
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 
 
2.1 Location of Study 
 
This study was carried out in the Department of 
Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Basic 
Medical Sciences, College of Health Science, 
Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island 
Amassoma, Bayelsa State of Nigeria. 

 
2.2 Procurement of Turmeric Extract 
 
Commercially prepared turmeric extract (5 g) 
was purchased from Loba Chem Pvt Ltd (India) 
was used for this studies. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Salama%20SM%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=23496995


 
 
 
 

Eric and Adolphus; AJI, 3(1): 166-172, 2020; Article no.AJI.56699 
 

 

 
168 

 

2.3 Animal Housing 
 
Thirty (30) male albino Wistar rats weighing 
between 150 ± 2.6 g-317 ± 3.5 g were procured 
from the animal house of the Department of 
Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences Niger 
Delta University, Amassoma Bayelsa state and 
moved to the animal house of the department of 
Medical Laboratory Science Niger Delta 
University Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, 
where they were housed under standard 

condition of temperature (27 ± 2°C) with twelve 

hours light/dark periodicity in plastic cages. The 
rats were allowed to acclimatize for two weeks 
and were fed ad libitum during this period, with 
water and grower mesh feed. Animals where 
handled throughout study according to 
institutions guidelines for an experiment involving 
the use of laboratory animals.  

 
2.4 Experimental Design 
 
The animals were weighed and assigned into  
five (5) major groups with five (5)animals in            
each group after the period of acclimatization:            
A control group "A" and three test groups            
(C, D and E) except group B with ten (10)        
rats. 

 
2.5 Substance Administration 
 
Group A (Control): Rats were administered 
orally with pelleted growers mash (feed) and 
water throughout the experiment (21 days). 

 
Group B (Positive Control): Rats were 
intraperitoneally injected with of CCl4 only (0.5 
mL/100 g body weight)and given pelleted 
growers mashes (feed) and water for 2 days, five 
(5) animals sacrificed  on the 14

th
 day and the  

remaining five were given pelleted growers (feed) 
for 21 days.  

 
Group C: Rats were injected intraperitoneally 
with CCL4 (0.5 mL/100 g body weight) for 2 days, 
and then given orally with turmeric extract 200 

mg/kg body weight, pelleted growers mash (feed) 
and water throughout the experiment (21 days). 
 
Group D: Rats were administered orally with 200 
mg/kg of turmeric extract for 21 days and 
injected intraperitoneally with CCL4 (0.5 ml/100 g 
body weight) for 2 days, and they were also 
given pelleted growers mash (feed) and water 
throughout the experiment (21 days). 
 

Group E: Rats were administered orally with 200 
mg/kg of turmeric extract and given pelleted 
growers mash and water for twenty days (21 
days). 
 

2.6 Collection of Sample  
 
At the end of three weeks of administration, the 
rats were sacrificed by administering        
chloroform as anesthesia. The rats were then 
dissected to harvest the liver and the kidney 
which were then fixed immediately in 10% 
formalin. 
 

2.7 Histopathological Processing  
 

The excised organs (liver and kidney) were cut in 
slabs of about 0.5 µm thick and fixed in 10% 
formal saline. Routine Tissue Processing was 
carried out using Automatic Tissue Processor- 
Histokinette (LEICA TP 1020).The tissues were 
embedded in paraffin wax in tissue Embedder 
(LEICA EG 1160) and sectioned in a Rotary 
Microtome (Heitz 150 Rotary Microtome) at 5 
microns and stained in Hematoxylin and Eosin 
using the method for general tissue architecture 
[9]. The stained slides were examined using the 
compound light microscope at ×100 and x400 
magnifications. 

 

2.8 Microscopy and Photomicrography 
 

The sections were examined using Olympus 
binocular microscope with in-built lighting 
system. The sections were then photomicrograph 
using a digital microscope camera (Samsung 
Model SS850) attached to an Olympus trinocular 
microscope.

 
Table 1. Treatment dose for studied sample 

 

Group A 

(Control) 

Group B 

 

Group C Group D Group E 

Feed and 
Water Only 

CCL4 (0.5 ml/100 
g bw) + Feed and 
Water. 

CCL4 (0.5 ml/100 g bw) 
first + turmeric extract 
(200 mg/kg) + Feed and 
Water. 

Turmeric extract (200 
mg/kg) first + CCL4 
(0.5 ml/100 g bw) + 
Feed and Water. 

Turmeric extract 
(200 mg/kg) first 
+ Feed and 
Water. 



 
 
 
 

Eric and Adolphus; AJI, 3(1): 166-172, 2020; Article no.AJI.56699 
 

 

 
169 

 

3. RESULTS 
 
Photomicrograph of kidney sections stained with 
hematoxylin and Eosin X400. Sections shows 
normal Bowman’s capsule (BC), the renal 
tubules (RT) all are consistent with normal kidney 
histology. 
 
Photomicrograph of liver section stained with 
hematoxylin and Eosin x 400. Sections shows 
portal vein (PV), central vein (CV) and sinusoids 
(S) consistent of liver histology. Plate B shows fat 
infiltration (F) indication fatty liver degeneration. 
Plate C and D show occlusion (O) of sinusoidal 
spaces with enlargement of hepatocytes. 
 
Fig. 1 shows the histology of the Kidney stained 
with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Slide A (Control) 
shows normal kidney stroma with Bowman’s 
capsule (BC) with glomerulus (renal corpuscle) 
and renal tubules (RT). Slide B, C and D is 
similar to the control.   
 
Fig. 2 shows the histology of the liver stained 
with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Slide A (Control) 
shows normal hepatic stroma with portal vein 
(PV), central vein (CV) and sinusoids (S) 

consistent of liver histology.  Slide B shows fat 
infiltration (F) indication fatty liver degeneration. 
Slide C and D show occlusion (O) of sinusoidal 
spaces with enlargement of hepatocytes. Slide F 
shows similar morphology with the control. 
 

4. DISCUSSION  
 
CCl4 is a well-known hepatotoxin that is widely 
used to induce toxic liver injury in a range of 
laboratory animals. CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity 
is believed to involve two phases. The initial 
phase involves the metabolism of CCl4 by 
cytochrome P450 to the trichloromethyl radicals, 
which lead to membrane lipid peroxidation and 
finally to cell necrosis. The second phase of 
CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity involves the 
activation of Kupffer cells, which is accompanied 
by the production of proinflammatory mediators 
[10]. Turmeric therapeutic properties including 
antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory effects, 
anti-cancer and anti-microbial effects, hepato-
protective effects, reno-protective effects, 
thrombo inhibitory effects, cardio-protective 
effects, an anti-inflammatory effects on the 
rheumatoid arthritis, has been confirmed by 
modern and advanced researches. 

 

 
 

 
 

Fig. 1. Shows the Histology of the Kidney stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, X400 



 
 
 
 

Eric and Adolphus; AJI, 3(1): 166-172, 2020; Article no.AJI.56699 
 

 

 
170 

 

 
 

 
 

Fig. 2. Shows the histology of the Liver stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, X400 
 
The livers of the rats from control group is 
consistent with normal liver histology (Fig. 1A). 
Histopathological changes such as fat infiltration 
(F) were consistently observed in liver of all the 
rats from CCl4-treated group (Fig. 1B). Also, 
predominant changes such as occlusion (O) of 
sinusoidal spaces with enlargement of 
hepatocytes was observed in livers of all rats 
treated with a combination of CCL4 and turmeric 
extract (Fig. 1C & D). However, the histological 
appearance of the liver in the turmeric extract 
group had no morphological change (Fig. 1E). 
Administration of turmeric extract had no 
ameliorative effect on the changes induced by 
CCl4 in liver. In other studies, carried out by 
Saad et al. (2017) on hepatoprotective effect of 
aqueous extracts of some medicinal plant 
mixtures on CCl4-Induced Liver Toxicity, 
administering 1.5 ml/kg of CCL4 for 10 days. It 
reported that CCL4 induces severe histological 
changes such as extensive hepatocellular 
degeneration and necrosis, fatty changes, 
inflammatory cell infiltration, congestion, and 
sinusoidal dilatation in the hepatic tissues. He 
further observed that treatment with turmeric 

extract effectively prevented the necrosis and the 
other histopathological changes induced by CCl4 
toxicity. 
 
The result further shows that there were no 
noticeable histopathological changes observed in 
the histology of the kidney of all animal groups as 
compared with the control group (Fig. 1A-1D). 
This may be due to the duration of administration 
(twice a week for one week) of 0.5 ml/kg CCL4. 
Other study conducted by Naima et al. [11] 
reported that CCL4 induced nephrotoxicity in rats 
in the duration of administration of 0.5 ml/kg 
(twice a week for six weeks) and 5 ml/kg (once a 
week for six weeks) of CCL4 respectively. Also 
curcumin prevented the decrease in the following 
enzymatic activities: aconitase, antioxidant 
enzymes and mitochondrial respiratory 
complexes I, II, II–III and V [12]. Rosita et al. [13] 
also reported that C. mangga extract was able to 
inhibit the increase of creatinine level and 
showed a significantly different from negative 
control (p <0.05). The result was supported by 
histopathology examination which did not show 
any cell damage, in a similar Study carried out by 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/enzyme-assay
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/aconitase


 
 
 
 

Eric and Adolphus; AJI, 3(1): 166-172, 2020; Article no.AJI.56699 
 

 

 
171 

 

Alireza and Daryoush [14] on preventive effects 
of turmeric (Curcuma longa linn) on renal 
ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats showed that 
renal structure is normal in the control group and 
there were not pathologic changes. In the group 
2, degenerative changes of tubular cells, acute 
tubular necrosis, edema, hyperemia and sever 
hemorrhage were more prevalent. 
 

5. CONCLUSION 
 
Although turmeric has also been used for 
centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, which integrates 
the medicinal properties of herbs with food. This 
extraordinary herb has found its way into the 
spotlight in the west and rest of globe, because 
of its wide range of medicinal benefits. It is 
extensively used in Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha 
medicine as home remedy for various diseases 
[15]. Turmeric is a potent blood purifier and helps 
to create new blood. Turmeric also protects liver 
from toxins and pathogens. It is known to destroy 
major hepatoxins, like aflatoxin and to rebuild the 
liver. Turmeric has a protective effect against 
kidney and liver toxicity caused by certain 
medications. In addition, it is used as herbal 
remedy due to the prevalent belief that the plant 
has medical properties. In folk medicine, the 
rhizome juice from C. longa is used in the 
treatment of many diseases such as 
anthelmintic, asthma, gonorrhea, and its 
essential oil is used in the treatment of 
carminative, stomachic and tonic [16]. Tumeric 
possesses antioxidant, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, 
anti-inflammatory; wound healing, and 
gastroprotective activities [17]. However this 
study demonstrates that turmeric extract had no 
had no ameliorative effect against CCl4-induced 
hepatic damage in rats at the dose and duration 
of administration. 
 

DISCLAIMER 
 

The products used for this research are 
commonly and predominantly use products in our 
area of research and country. There is absolutely 
no conflict of interest between the authors and 
producers of the products because we do not 
intend to use these products as an avenue for 
any litigation but for the advancement of 
knowledge. Also, the research was not funded by 
the producing company rather it was funded by 
personal efforts of the authors. 
 

CONSENT 
 
It is not applicable. 

ETHICAL APPROVAL 
 
Animal ethics committee approval has been 
taken and preserved by the author for this study. 
 

COMPETING INTERESTS 
 
Authors have declared that no competing 
interests exist. 

 

REFERENCES 
 
1. Yoshioka H, Usuda H, Fukuishi N, 

Nonogaki T, Onosaka S. Carbon 
tetrachloride-induced nephrotoxicity in 
mice is prevented by pretreatment with 
zinc sulfate. Biological and Pharmaceutical 
Bulletin. 2016;39(6):1042–1046. 

2. Hanaa-Wafay G, El-Saeed S, ElToukhy E, 
Nabila E, Mervat A, Shereen E. Potential 
effect of garlic oil and silymarinon carbon 
tetrachloride induced liverinjury. Australian 
Journal of Basic and AppliedSciences. 
2012;6(3):409-414 

3. Teocharis SE, Margeli AP, Skaltsas SD, 
Spiliopoulou CA, Koutselinis AS.  
Induction of metallothionein in the liver of 
carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rats: An 
Immuno histo-chemical Study. Toxicology. 
2001;161(3):129–138. 

4. Miyazaki T, Bouscarel B, Ikegami T, 
Honda A, Matsuzaki Y. The protective 
effect of taurine against hepatic damage in 
a model of liver disease and hepatic 
stellate cells. Advance Experimental 
Medical Biology. 2009;643:293–303. 

5. Södergren E, Cederberg J, Vessby B,  
Basu S. Vitamin E reduces lipid 
Peroxidation in Experimental Hepato-
toxicity in Rats. European Journal of 
Nutrition. 2001;40(1):10–16. 

6. Khan MR, Rizvi W, Khan GN, Khan RA, 
Shaheen S. Carbon tetrachloride induced 
nephrotoxicity in rat: Protective role of 
Digeramuricata. Journal of Ethno-
pharmacology. 2009;122:91–99. 

7. Abas F, Lajis NH, Shaari K, Israf DA, 
Stanslas J, Yusuf UK, and Raof SM. 
(2005). A labdane diterpene glucoside 
from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa. 
Journal of Nature Production. 2005;68: 
1090-1093. 

8. Hwa-Young L, Seung-Wook K, Geum-
Hwa L, Min-Kyung C, Jung Y, Jeong K, 
Han-Jung C. Turmeric extract and its 
active compound, curcumin, protect 
against chronic CCl4-induced liver damage 



 
 
 
 

Eric and Adolphus; AJI, 3(1): 166-172, 2020; Article no.AJI.56699 
 

 

 
172 

 

by enhancing antioxidation. BMC 
Complementary and Alternative Medicine 
BMC series open, inclusive and trusted. 
2016;16:316-317 

9. Ochei J, Kolhatkar A.Routine hematoxylin 
and eosin staining method In: Medical 
Laboratory Science, theory and practice. 
Tata McGraw-Hill publishing Company 
Limited. New Delhi. 2000;449-450. 

10. Preeti R, Waseem R, Ramteke, Suchit A. 
John.  Turmeric: The Golden Spice of Life 
IJPSR. 2012;3(7):1987-1994. 

11. Naima Z, Howaida I, Hanan FA, Mantawi, 
NI. CCL4-Induced hepato nephrotoxicity: 
Protective effect Nutraceuticals on 
inflammatory factors and antioxidant status 
in rats. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical 
Science. 2014;4(2):87-90. 

12. Molina-Jijón EE, Tapia C, Zazueta M, 
ElHafidi ZL ,Zatarain-Barrón R, 
Hernández-Pando ON, Medina-Campos G, 
Zarco-Márquez I, Torres J, Pedraza-

Chaverri  T. (Curcumin prevents Cr(VI)-
induced renal oxidant damage by a 
mitochondrial  pathway, free radical 
biology & medicine. 2011;51:1543–1557. 

13. Rithaporn T, Monga M, Rajasekharan M. 
Curcumin: A potential vaginal contra-
ceptive. Contraception. 2003;68:219–   
223. 

14. Alireza MS, Daryoush M. Preventive 
effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa linn) on 
renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. 
Advances in Bioresearch. 2013;4(4):40-46. 

15. Abas F, Lajis NH, Shaari K, Israf DA, 
Stanslas J, Yusuf UK, Raof SM. A labdane 
diterpene glucoside from the rhizomes of 
Curcuma longa. Journal of Nature 
Production. 2005;68:1090-1093. 

16. Ishita C, Kaushik B, Uday B, Ranajit KB. 
Turmeric and curcumin: Biological actions 
and medicinal applications. Current 
Science. 2004;87(1):10-11. 

________________________________________________________________________________ 
© 2020 Eric and Adolphus; This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 
License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any 
medium, provided the original work is properly cited. 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Peer-review history: 
The peer review history for this paper can be accessed here: 

http://www.sdiarticle4.com/review-history/56699 

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

