Effect of Centella asiatica against anti-tuberculosis drugs-induced hepatotoxicity: Involvement of mitochondria and oxidative stress

Abstract

The liver is an integral organ in the body and plays a vital role for the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous agents. Drug-induced liver toxicity is one of most common cause of liver injury. It accounts for approximately one-half of the cases of acute liver failure and mimics all forms of acute and chronic liver disease. Hepatotoxicity is associated with the first line antituberculosis drugs such as isoniazid and rifampicin. Therefore, there is need of pharmacological interventions for the treatment of hepatotoxicity. The present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of the Centella asiatica extract on anti-TB drugs-induced hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity was induced by administration of anti-TB drugs (isoniazid and rifampicin). Hepatotoxicity was assessed by significant elevation in oxidative stress, mitochondrial complex alterations and elevated levels of liver marker enzymes. Treatment with Centella asiatica (20, 40 mg/kg p.o.) attenuated the anti-TB drugs induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial complex alterations and elevated levels of liver marker enzymes (viz. SGOT, SGPT, ALP). Histopathological studies also show the promising effect. Therefore, the present study shows the hepatotoprotective effect of Centella asiatica. Therefore, Centella asiatica could be a new pharmacological intervention in the treatment of hepatotoxicity.