Effect of Turmeric on Mosquito Coil Induced Emphysema in Rat Lungs

Abstract

Objective: To determine the preventive effect of turmeric on mosquito coil smoke induced emphysema in rat lungs.
Study Design: Randomized control trial.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was completed in six months duration in the department of Anatomy, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi, in collaboration with National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad.
Materials & Methods: Twenty one adult male albino rats were divided into 3 equal groups. Control group X was kept in fresh air. Experimental Group M was exposed to Mosquito Coil smoke for eight weeks. Group T received oral turmeric 300mg/kg body weight and had a coil smoke exposure as well. All rats were dissected after 8 weeks and lung tissue was examined microscopically. The statistical significance of the results was calculated by applying Pearson chi square test and the obtained results were compared statistically.
Results: Marked emphysema was observed in the histological sections of rat lungs from experimental group M showing alveolar septal destruction and bullae formation in the lung tissues of all animals (100%) in group M. Emphysema was present in 1 out of 7 rats in group T thus group T showed a significant protection with only 15% of animals with emphysematous lungs.
Conclusions: Mosquito coil causes emphysema in the lung tissue and turmeric proves to be protective against
this damage.