Study of the Effect of Turmeric Root Extract (Curcuma Longa L.) on Liver and Kidney Tissues in Male Hamsters (Hamster Cricetinae) at Varying Doses

الملخص

Despite the well-documented health benefits of turmeric, the safety of consuming high doses over long periods remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological alterations in the liver and kidneys induced by chronic exposure to turmeric root extract in male hamsters. A total of thirty-two adult male hamsters were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8 per group). The control group received no treatment, while the other three groups received oral doses of turmeric extract at 750, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg/day for 60 consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, liver and kidney tissues were excised and processed for histological examination with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The findings revealed a dose-dependent relationship between turmeric extract exposure and the severity of histopathological changes. In the liver, the low dose (750 mg/kg) caused mild vascular congestion, whereas higher doses (1000 and 1500 mg/kg) led to hepatocellular swelling, focal granular degeneration, and marked central congestion, with mild inflammatory infiltration and small necrotic foci at 1500 mg/kg. In the kidneys, glomerular congestion and tubular cell swelling were observed at moderate and high doses, with tubular granular degeneration and mild proteinaceous deposits at 1500 mg/kg. Chronic exposure to high doses (≥1000 mg/kg) of turmeric root extract induces significant histopathological changes in both the liver and kidneys, indicating cellular stress and tissue toxicity. These findings highlight the need for caution and for defining safe dose thresholds when using concentrated turmeric extracts over prolonged periods.