The Effect of Curcumin on Functional and Structural Alterations of the Liver in Rats after MDMA Consumption

Abstract

<strong>Background:</strong> Nowadays, one of the problems of human beings is drug addiction, which causes individual, economic and social damages. One of the most commonly used substances in parties is ecstasy pills or 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). This study seeks to assess the effect of curcumin in complications of ecstasy on liver tissue in rats. <strong>Methods:</strong>48 male Wistar rats in six groups were treated with curcumin (20 µ mol/kg) and MDMA (20 mg/kg) simultaneously and non-simultaneously. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected, lipid profile, liver enzymes were measured and morphology of liver was done. <strong>Results:</strong> MDMA consumption had adverse effect on lipid profile in comparison to the control group. Treatment of curcumin with MDMA consumption improved this effect of MDMA on lipid profile. Moreover, curcumin treatment concurrent with MDMA consumption increased liver enzymes, whereas consumption of MDMA for 15 days and curcumin treatment in the next 15 days decreased liver enzymes. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Our findings suggest that simultaneous consumption of MDMA and curcumin have a synergistic adverse effect on liver enzymes and liver tissue. It is assumed that MDMA intestinal absorption increased by curcumin. While non-simultaneous treatment of curcumin and MDMA improved undesirable effects of MDMA on liver that is assumed by antioxidant capabilities of curcumin.