Inhibition of lipid peroxidation and cholesterol levels in mice by curcumin.

Effect of oral administration of curcumin (diferuloyl methane) on lipid peroxidation in various organs of mice like liver, lung, kidney and brain was studied in control animals as well as those given carbon tetrachloride, paraquat and cyclophosphamide. Oral administration of curcumin significantly lowered the increased peroxidation of lipids in these tissues produced by these chemicals. Administration of curcumin was also found to lower significantly the serum and tissue cholesterol levels in these animals, indicating that the use of curcumin helps in conditions associated with peroxide induced injury such as liver damage and arterial diseases.