Exploration of anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effect of curcumin on co-administration with acetylsalicylic acid

Context: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has been repositioned against different inflammatory disease conditions. However, on long-term use, ASA is reported to cause hepatotoxicity by compromising the antioxidant status. Curcumin is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. Accordingly, co-use of curcumin can be expected to enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of ASA while minimizing its hepatotoxicity. Aims: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of curcumin when co-administered with ASA. Methods: To evaluate anti-inflammatory activity carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet induced granuloma models were used. Hepatotoxicity was induced by administration of ASA (100 mg/kg/day) for 28 continuous days. Antioxidant effects were determined by malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione assay of liver tissue. Results: Co-treatment with curcumin and ASA significantly (p<0.001) reduced (57.92%) the paw edema induced by carrageenan. The effect was higher than that of the ASA (45.51%) and curcumin (36.87%). Further, the combination showed higher (57.67%) inhibition of granuloma formation compared to that of ASA (34.22%) and curcumin (28.39%). Co-use of curcumin with ASA lowered the malondialdehyde level while relatively increasing the superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione compared to ASA and curcumin. The histological findings showed protection against ASA induced hepatotoxicity. Conclusions: Curcumin showed additive effects with ASA against inflammatory granuloma formation in rats. It also showed positive interaction against carrageenan-induced inflammation. With relatively higher antioxidant capacity, the co-use of curcumin showed protection against ASA induced hepatotoxicity.