Abstract

Protective Effect Of Curcumin Against Acute Immobilization Stress Induced Changes In Behavior And Biochemical Alterations In Mice

Author(s): Anil Kumar, Richa Goyal

The present study was designed to investigate protective effects of curcumin, in acute immobilization-induced certain behavioral and biochemical alteration in mice. Mice were immobilized for a period of 6 hr. curcumin (10 and 20mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 30 mins before subjecting the animals to acute stress. Behavioral tests (mirror chamber, actophotometer, tail flick test) and biochemical analysis (malondialdehyde level, glutathione, catalase, nitrite and protein) were done. Acute immobilization stress for a period of 6hr caused severe anxiety, analgesia and decreased locomotor activity in mice. Biochemical analyses revealed an increase in malondialdehyde, nitrite level and deplete glutathione and catalase activity in immobilized stressed brain. Pre-treatment with curcumin (10 and 20mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reversed immobilized stress-induced anxiety, analgesia and reduced locomotor activity. Biochemically curcumin treatment decreased malondialdehyde, nitrite activity and restored reduced glutathione level and catalase activity. Results suggest that curcumin has a neuro-protective effect and can be used in the treatment and management of stress and related disorders.