The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2026; 15(3):211-218 ; DOI:10.31254/phyto.2026.15302
Hepatorenal protective action of curcumin against chlorantraniliprole-induced subacute exposure in Wistar rats
1. Department of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut-250110, Uttar Pradesh, India
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 23rd March, 2026 / Revised: 1st January, 1970 / Accepted: 7th May, 2024 / Published : 24th June, 2026
Background: Chlorantraniliprole is a widely used anthranilic diamide insecticide considered relatively safe for non-target organisms; however, prolonged exposure may induce hepatic and renal toxicity. Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa, possesses potent antioxidant and tissue-protective properties. Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the ameliorative potential of curcumin against chlorantraniliprole-induced hepato-renal toxicity following 28 days of oral exposure in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=8). Group A served as the normal control and received distilled water, while Group B received corn oil as vehicle control. Group C was administered curcumin (100 mg/kg), Group D received chlorantraniliprole (250 mg/kg), and Group E received chlorantraniliprole (250 mg/kg) along with curcumin (100 mg/kg) orally for 28 days. Liver and kidney function biomarkers were estimated, followed by histopathological examination of hepatic and renal tissues. Results: Chlorantraniliprole administration caused marked alterations in liver and kidney function biomarkers. AST and ALT levels increased from 91.25±7.12 U/L and 48.62±3.34 U/L in the control group to 122.50±8.10 U/L and 65.50±7.09 U/L, respectively, in chlorantraniliprole-treated rats. Similarly, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and uric acid levels increased to 78.13±13.81 mg/dl, 0.83±0.06 mg/dl, and 1.38±0.18 mg/dl, respectively, compared to control values of 37.25±8.22 mg/dl, 0.73±0.03 mg/dl, and 1.08±0.10 mg/dl. Histopathological examination revealed congestion, bile duct epithelial proliferation, hepatocellular degeneration, necrosis, and periportal fibroplasia in the liver, while kidneys showed congestion, focal hemorrhage, glomerular cellular proliferation, tubular dilatation, and tubular degeneration. Co-administration of curcumin significantly ameliorated these alterations, reducing AST and ALT levels to 114.13±6.67 U/L and 59.12±4.03 U/L, respectively, and improving renal biomarkers and tissue architecture toward normal. Conclusion: The findings of the present study demonstrate that curcumin exerts protective effects against chlorantraniliprole-induced hepato-renal toxicity, possibly through its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. Curcumin may therefore serve as a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating pesticide-induced organ damage.
Chlorantraniliprole, Curcumin, Hepatotoxicity, Nephrotoxicity, Histopathology, Wistar rats
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE
Kumar A, Mandil R, Kumar A, Chaudhary S, Jaiswal V, Jithin MV. Hepatorenal protective action of curcumin against chlorantraniliprole-induced subacute exposure in Wistar rats. J Phytopharmacol 2026; 15(3):211-218. doi: 10.31254/phyto.2026.15302
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