Hepatoprotective Effects of Curcumin Nanomicells in Alcohol-induced Liver Injury: Comparison with Curcumin and Silymarin in Mice Model

Background: Curcumin ameloriates liver damages but its poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and side effects at high doses may limit its clinical applications Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the protective and regenerative effects of Curcumin Nanomicells on alcohol-induced chronic liver injuries in mice. These effects were compared with Curcumin and Silymarin in the same model. Method: 42 female mice were divided to groups of normal control, alcoholic liver group, dose groups of NanoCurcumin with low (5 mg/kg), medium (50 mg/kg) and high (100 mg/kg) doses, Curcumin 100 mg/ kg and Silymarin 25 mg/kg, and monitored for 60 days. Results were analysed based on the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP and LDH, and histopathological changes of the liver. Results: Although the levels of liver enzymes were not significantly reduced in ethanol and NanoCurcumin group, the levels of ALT, AST significantly decreased in NanoCurcumin, Curcumin and Silymarin post treatment groups. Histopathological evidence confirmed the biochemical data which suggested the qualitative potentials of NanoCucumin in reducing alcohol-induced liver injuries‌. NanoCurcumin differentially reduced the LDH level, but the same effect was not detected in other treatment groups. Conclusion: NanoCurcumin at 100 mg/kg/day can recover the chronic liver damages induced by alcohol and could reduce the LDH level, making it a possible candidate for future clinical application.