Experimental evaluation of Curcuma Longa in docetaxel‑induced systemic toxicity: Functional hepatorenal and target organ analysis

Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment; however, its clinical use is frequently limited by treatment‑associated toxicities. This has prompted investigation into alternative adjuvant substances. Curcuma longa, a phytochemical with antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory properties, may offer organoprotective effects. The present study therefore aimed to evaluate the protective effects of orally administered C. longa against docetaxel‑induced systemic toxicity in Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats were assigned to five subgroups (n=7‑group) and treated for 7, 14 or 21 days with placebo, docetaxel (2.5 mg‑kg, intraperitoneally) or docetaxel combined with C. longa (25, 50 or 500 mg‑kg‑day, orally). Serum biomarkers of hepatic function (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, bilirubins) and renal function (urea, creatinine, electrolytes) were evaluated using summary measures, ANOVA and Tukey's post‑hoc tests, in addition to the relative weights of the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and small intestine. Results indicated that docetaxel induced significant elevations in hepatic and renal biomarkers and altered organ weights. C. longa co‑treatment attenuated these effects in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner. The 50 mg‑kg dose consistently provided optimal protection. High‑dose treatment was found to be associated with marked splenic and intestinal hypertrophy. Overall, C. longa demonstrated cytoprotective potential against docetaxel‑induced toxicity. These findings were biologically consistent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms previously associated with curcuminoids.