This study aimed to evaluate the potential synergistic effect of curcumin in combination with marbofloxacin against E coli infection in rats. Twenty-five male rats, were segregated equally into five groups of wister albino rats, Group (1) acting as the control group (normal saline only, 0.2 ml). and second group given E. Coli. Group (3) included rats infected with Escherichia coli, were administered an oral dose of marbofloxacin (5 mg/kg b.wt) for 5 days; Group (4) also administered the same oral dose of marbofloxacin daily for 5 days. While the serum biochemical analysis revealed that in marbofloxacin treated group, albumin levels were significantly (P<0.05) decreased, serum transaminases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) , total bilirubin, triglycerides, and cholesterol were significantly increased during marbofloxacin treatment. On the other hand, rats treated with marbofloxacin and curcumin showed noticeably decreased levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and serum transaminases (ALT and AST) and significantly increased levels of albumin. compared to rats that received marbofloxacin. Histopathological examinations on liver tissue confirmed the chemistry results. It has been found that severe liver damage was induced by a therapeutic dose of 5 mg/kg b.wt of marbofloxacin.
In conclusion, It has been found that administration of curcumin in combination with marbofloxacin had a potential synergistic effect on the liver damage caused by E. coli infection in rats.