Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels and histopathology finding after intervention with Curcuma longa extract

Abstract

Background and Objective: Curcuma longa (C. longa) extract has been reported as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Curcuma longa extract to decrease Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cells damage prevention in early pregnant mice with acute toxoplasmosis. Materials and Methods: This study evaluated 20 early pregnant mice. The mice were divided into five groups (G1-G5). G1-G4 were injected with 10 tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii and G5 was not injected. Three days later, G1 and G2 were intervened with C. longa extract dose of 125 mg and 500 mg kgG1/day, respectively. G3 was a positive control and G4 was a negative control. G5 was not intervened. The TNF-α level was examined serially (before and 3 days post tachyzoites injection and 3 and 7 days post-intervention). The placental mice were taken 7 days after intervention for histopathology examination. Results: The TNF-α level increased significantly 3 days after tachyzoites injection (p<0.05) and TNF-α level decreased significantly 3 and 7 days after curcuma longa intervention compared to the negative control (p<0.05). Hemorrhagic and necrotic cells were not found in the group intervened with C. longa extract but it found in the positive and negative control groups were 75 and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: Curcuma longa is effective to suppress TNF-α level and prevent placental cells damage in early pregnant mice with acute toxoplasmosis.