Abstract

In the present study, the hepatoprotective, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of aqueous extract of turmeric rhizome (Turmesac®) were evaluated. In brief, Turmesac® was extracted from turmeric rhizome. 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay was used to evaluate the hepatoprotective and cytotoxic activities of the Turmesac® against the human liver (HUH-7) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines, respectively. The extract was further tested for antioxidant activity using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy radical (DPPH) which was compared with standard butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Turmesac® showed significant cytotoxic potential against the MCF-7 cell lines with IC50 values of 163.19 µg/ml and show no cytotoxic potential against the HUH-7 cell lines. Turmesac® was used to stimulate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2-200 µM); a dose - dependent suppression of the toxic nature of H2O2 by the extract was observed. This confirmed the hepatoprotective potential of Turmesac®. The significant antioxidant activity of Turmesac® and standard BHT was observed at IC50 235.04 and 82.65 µg/mL, respectively. Further investigations will be carried out to evaluate the in vivo hepatoprotective activity of Turmesac®.

Key words: Turmesac®, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cell viability.