International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences (ISSN 2226-9614)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
VOLUME 29(23) (2026)
Hepatoprotective Effects of Honey and Curcumin Against Amikacin Induced Liver Injury in Mouse Model
Sana Ijaz1, Haider Ali2, Hafiza Ayesha Malik3, Aqsa Mobeen4, Ansa Mazhar1, Naila Ashraf 1, Tayyaba Yasin1, Rizwana Dilshad5, Iqra Munir6
1Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Pakistan. 1 Km Defence road, Lahore, 58810
2The North University of China, Taiyuan, Shanxi
3Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 53700, Pakistan.
4Islam Medical College, Sialkot, Punja.
5Associate Professor at Swedish College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan
6Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, Bahauddin Zakaria University Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) constitutes a major area of concern in clinical medicine with amikacin being a reputed hepatotoxicant. Natural dietary compounds with antioxidants like curcumin and honey could provide a hepatoprotective effect. Here, the efficacy of curcumin and honey as protective agents against amikacin-induced hepatic toxicity was assessed in mouse using biochemical, histopathology, and molecular docking studies. The 24 male Albino mouse (32–38 g, 8–12 weeks) were divided into six groups (n=4). Normal saline was administered to the control group, while the hepatotoxic group received amikacin (35 mg/kg). Treatment groups received curcumin (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg) individually or combined with honey (500 mg/kg). Biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, total protein, albumin, and bilirubin) were examined on an Erba biochemical analyzer. Histopathological analysis was done, and molecular docking experiments were carried out to determine curcumin and honey interactions with liver enzymes. The results showed that amikacin treatment highly increased ALT (50.50 ± 47.1 U/L) and AST (84.60 ± 27.7 U/L), but both parameters were significantly low in curcumin and honey-treated groups (p<0.05). Histological examination showed reduced hepatic lesions and bile pigment deposition in co-treated groups. Molecular docking studies identified high binding affinities of curcumin (-8.5 kcal/mol) and honey (-7.2 kcal/mol) towards liver enzymes, confirming their hepatoprotective activity. Curcumin and honey successfully prevent amikacin-induced hepatotoxicity by lessening oxidative stress and maintaining liver function.
Keywords: Hepatotoxicity, Curcumin, Honey, Docking, Mouse Model.
Full length article *Corresponding Author, e-mail: tayyabayasin1122@gmail.com; Doi # https://doi.org/10.62877/25-IJCBS-26-29-23-25
Submitted: 13-05-2026; Accepted: 16-08-2026; Published: 16-08-2026