Protective effect of Tinospora cordifolia, Phyllanthus emblica and their combination against antitubercular drugs induced hepatic damage: an experimental study

Phytother Res. 2008 May;22(5):646-50. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2356.

Abstract

This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of two Indian medicinal plants Tinospora cordifolia (Tc), Phyllanthus emblica (Pe), and their combination, in a rat model of isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide induced hepatic damage. Hepatic damage was assessed using a composite score assigned to histopathological findings of degeneration, necrosis and fibrosis. The antituberculosis treatment (ATT), when given for 90 days, induced significant degeneration and necrosis (score: 7.5; p < 0.01 vs vehicle) associated with morphological changes. However, no change was found in the serum bilirubin and liver enzymes. Co-administration of silymarin (positive control, 50 mg/kg) with ATT protected against necrosis (score: 1.5; p < 0.001 vs ATT). Tc (100 mg/kg) showed a reduction in liver damage (score: 6.5), which was not statistically significant. On the other hand, Pe (300 mg/kg) prevented the necrotic changes to a significant extent (grade 1.0; p < 0.05; score [corrected] 5.5). Combination of Tc and Pe in their therapeutic doses (1:3) significantly prevented the necrosis (score: 3.5; p < 0.001 vs ATT). Similar effects were seen even when the doses were halved and were comparable to the silymarin group. Thus, this study proves the synergistic protective effects exerted by the combination of Tc and Pe when co-administered with ATT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antitubercular Agents / toxicity
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Isoniazid / toxicity
  • Liver Cirrhosis / prevention & control
  • Liver Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Necrosis / prevention & control
  • Phyllanthus emblica / chemistry*
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Pyrazinamide / toxicity
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Rifampin / toxicity
  • Tinospora / chemistry*

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Pyrazinamide
  • Isoniazid
  • Rifampin