Therapeutic potential of thymoquinone against anti-tuberculosis drugs induced liver damage.

Hepatotoxicity is the most serious adverse effect related to tuberculosis treatment which interrupts the successful completion of tuberculosis treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess therapeutic effect of thymoquinone (TQ) against anti-tuberculosis drugs (ATD) induced liver damage. Rats were treated with ATD for 8 weeks (3 days/week) as given for the treatment of TB. This was followed by therapy of TQ for 8 weeks (3 days/week). Administration of combined ATD induced hepatotoxicity was evident from a significant elevation in the AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, cholesterol, urea, uric acid, creatinine, LPO and decreased activities of enzymes. These altered variables were significantly reversed toward control after treatment with TQ. Histological studies also supported biochemical findings. Results of this study strongly indicated protective effect of TQ and thus, can be expected as promising protective agent in maintenance of normal hepatic function during treatment with ATD.