Aflatoxin induced hemolysis and its amelioration by turmeric extracts and curcumin in vitro.

The present investigation is an attempt to evaluate the possible ameliorative effect of turmeric extracts/curcumin on aflatoxin induced hemolysis in vitro. Blood samples were collected from healthy adult human beings (25-30 years old) in EDTA vials and were used for preparation of RBC suspension in saline. Saline suspension of RBC was treated with aflatoxin (0.5-2.0 microg/mL) with and without turmeric extracts/curcumin (1-100 microg/mL). The results revealed that addition of aflatoxin (0.5-2.0 microg/mL) to RBC suspension caused significant dose-dependent increase in the rate of hemolysis. However, concurrent addition of aflatoxin (2.0 microg/mL) and extracts of turmeric and curcumin caused concentration-dependent retardation in aflatoxin-induced hemolysis.