Inhibition of nicotine-induced toxicity by curcumin and curcumin analog: a comparative study.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of curcumin and curcumin analog on blood oxidant-antioxidant status during nicotine-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. Lung toxicity was induced by subcutaneous injection of nicotine at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg of body weight (5 days a week, for 22 weeks). The enhanced circulatory lipid peroxides in nicotine-treated rats was accompanied by a significant decrease in the levels of ascorbic acid, vitamin E, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. There was a reduction in the levels of zinc with an elevation of copper and ferritin in nicotine-treated rats. Administration of curcumin and curcumin analog significantly lowered the lipid peroxidation and enhanced the antioxidant status with modulation in the levels of zinc, copper, and ferritin. However, the effect was more significant in curcumin analog-treated rats than in curcumin-treated rats. The results of the present study suggest that curcumin and curcumin analog exert their protective effects by modulating the extent of lipid peroxidation and enhancing the antioxidant status.