Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on Antioxidative Systems and Oxidative Damage in Rats Fed a High Fat and Cholesterol Diet

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of turmeric on antioxidative systems and oxidative damage in rats fed a high fat and cholesterol diet. A total 40 rats were divided into four experimental groups: a normal diet group (N), a high fat and cholesterol diet group (HF), a high fat and cholesterol diet group supplemented with 2.5% turmeric powder (TPA group) and a high fat and cholesterol diet group supplemented with 5% turmeric powder (TPB group). The serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) activity of the turmeric supplemented groups were decreased compared to the HF group. The GPT activity of the TPB group was especially and significantly decreased compared to the HF group. Hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) of the TPB group was significantly increased compared to the HF group. However, there were no significant differences in the activities of hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx) and catalase (CAT) among all experimental groups. Hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in the TPA and TPB groups were increased compared to the HF group. Hepatic superoxide radical content in mitochondria of the 5% turmeric supplemented group was significantly decreased compared to the HF group. Hepatic hydrogen peroxide content in the cytosol and mitochondria of the turmeric-supplemented groups were decreased compared to the HF group. Hepatic carbonyl values in the mitochondria of the turmeric supplemented groups were significantly decreased compared to the HF group. Thiobarbituric acid reaction substance (TBARS) values in the liver were significantly reduced in turmeric supplemented groups compared to the HF group. These result suggest that turmeric powder may reduce oxidative damage through the activation of antioxidative defense systems in rats fed high fat and cholesterol diets.