An ethanolic-aqueous extract of Curcuma longa decreases the susceptibility of liver microsomes and mitochondria to lipid peroxidation in atherosclerotic rabbits

Atherosclerosis is characterized by oxidative dam age which affects lipoproteins, the walls of blood vessels and subcellular membranes. This study evaluates the antioxidant capacity of a Curcuma longa extract on the lipid peroxidation of liver mitochondria and microsome membranes in atherosclerotic rabbits. Male rabbits fed a 3% (w/w) lard and 1.3% (w/w) cholesterol diet were randomly assigned to three groups. Two groups were treated with different dosages of a turmeric extract (A and B) and the third group (control) with a curcumin-free. solution. Basal and in vitro 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinapropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced hydroperoxide and TBARS productions in liver mitochondria and microsomes were analyzed. Group A had the lowest concentration of mitochondrial hydroperoxides. In microsomes, the basal hydroperoxide levels were similar in all groups but, after the induction of oxidation, group C registered the highest value; TBARS production followed the same trend in mitochondria. These findings suggest that active compounds in curcuma. extract may be protective in preventing lipoperoxidation of subcellular membranes in a dosage-dependent manner.