Safeguarding Benefits of Curcumin on DNA Damage in Benzo(a)anthracene Treated Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

The integrity of genomic material is vital for organismal health, yet it is frequently compromised by environmental toxicants. This study evaluated the protective effects of curcumin against benzo[a]anthracene-induced DNA damage in male Wistar rats. Five treatment groups were established: benzo[a]anthracene (1 mg) alone, benzo[a]anthracene (1 mg/kg bw) with curcumin at 50 mg/kg bw, 100 mg/kg bw, or 200 mg/kg bw, and a control group receiving neither treatment. Following a 7-day acclimatisation period, rats were orally administered benzo[a]anthracene and curcumin every other day for 6 weeks. After sacrifice, liver tissues were extracted, and DNA damage was assessed using an Oxidative DNA Damage ELISA Kit (8-OHdG Determination). A significant increase in DNA damage was observed in the livers of benzo[a]anthracene-treated rats compared to controls. Conversely, co-treatment with curcumin significantly reduced DNA damage (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner compared to the benzo[a]anthracene-only group. These results demonstrate curcumin’s efficacy in mitigating the genotoxic effects of benzo[a]anthracene, highlighting its potential as a protective agent against environmental toxicants.