Aims: Adriamycin is one of the anti-cancer medications. Nevertheless, the medication causes renal damage. Curcuma longa has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Curcuma longa on renal damage due to Adriamycin in the rat.

Materials & Methods: In the experimental study, 32 male Wistar rats were studied. Via simple random method, the rats were divided into four groups including control, Adriamycin (5mg/Kg), Curcuma longa extract (1000mg/Kg), and Curcuma longa extract with Adriamycin groups. The groups underwent 5-week treatment. 24-hour urine samples were collected at days 0, 6, 10, 14, 21, 28, and 35, to measure glomerular filtration rate. The left kidney of the animal was used to determine the renal damage percentage. Data was analyzed by SPSS 16 software using one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post-hoc, and paired T tests.

Findings: Mean of glomerular filtration rate in Adriamycin group significantly decreased at days 21 and 35 compared to days 0 and 6.  In addition, it significantly increased in Curcuma longa extract group at days 10, 14, 21, and 28 (p<0.05). The renal damage percentage significantly increased in Adriamycin (p<0.001) and Curcuma longa extract with Adriamycin (p<0.01) groups than control group. In addition, it significantly decreased in Curcuma longa extract group, as well as Curcuma longa extract with Adriamycin group, compared to Adriamycin group (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extract of Curcuma longa reduces the renal damage percentage caused by Adriamycin in the rat, while improves glomerular filtration rate.