Abstract

This study was carried out to see the hepatobiliary clearance of 99m Tc–Mebrofenin radiopharmaceutical in D–galactosamine induced hepatic rats. Furthermore, protective effect of turmeric extract has been studied in these hepatitis rats. Hepatitis was induced with intraperitoneal injection of D–galactosamine (400 mg/kg b. wt) in these rats. 1% turmeric extract was given along with their normal diet for 15 days. Turmeric extract treatment significantly increased the hepatic uptake of radioactivity and accelerated the excretion of 99m Tc–Mebrofenin as compared to control rats. (P<0.001). In D–galactosamine administered rats, a significant delay was observed in 99m Tc–Mebrofenin excretion as compared to controls. However, D–galactosamine administered rats, pretreated with turmeric extract or concurrently treated with turmeric extract showed a near normal pattern of 99m Tc–Mebrofenin excretion. Hence, it can be suggested that turmeric extract may improve the liver function by detoxification.