Arsenic induced Biochemical perturbation in Swiss Albino Mice and Cytoprotective activities of Curcumin

Arsenic compounds react with sulfhydryl (−SH) groups of cellular proteins, thereby inhibiting cellular oxidative processes. Curcumin can significantly inhibit the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) like superoxide anions, H₂O₂ and nitrite radical generation by activated macrophages, which play an important role in inflammation. The aim of present work is to bring out the toxicological effects caused by arsenic and therapeutic efficacy of curcumin in terms of normalization of altered biochemical parameters in Swiss Albino Mice. Six groups of Mice were treated with sodium arsenite via food and drinking water route, as drinking water and food is the major direct source of arsenic exposure by general population. Arsenite-treated mice with highest toxic effects were treated with different doses of curcumin via oral route. It was observed that curcumin was very successful as a protective agent against arsenic toxicity. Curcumin was able to lower the biochemical toxic responses caused by arsenic toxicity. Oral doses of 0.5–1 mg (/gm of food) of curcumin reduced acid phosphatase activity 43%-70%, alkaline phosphatase activity 40%-63% and glutathione activity 27%-41% as these enzymes are biomarkers for arsenic-induced toxicity so present study may be useful for furthering the scope of indigenous therapeutics against arsenic-induced carcinogenesis.