Planta Med 2007; 73 - P_576
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-987356

The effects of curcumin on social isolation-induced depression and lipid peroxidation in mice

Y Sumanont 1, K Jarukamjorn 1, N Tiangtam 1, K Yongprapat 1, T Laha 2
  • 1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Khonkaen University, Khonkaen, 40002, Thailand
  • 2Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicines, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

Curcumin, an active component of Curcuma longa, has been reported to possess free radical scavenging and antiinflammatory activities [1]. This study investigated the antidepressant-like effect of curcumin in a model of depression, the forced swimming test (FST) in mice. Mice were induced depressive behavior using the paradigm of social isolation which was associated with significantly longer durations of immobility during forced swimming [2]. We also elucidated the protective effect of curcumin against social isolation-induced lipid peroxidation in brain. Mice were housed alone or in groups for a period of 6 weeks [3]. After isolation period, a group of the mice (n=6) received sub-chronic treatment with curcumin (10 and 100mg/kg/day, s.c.) and another group (n=6) imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant (20mg/kg/day, p.o.) once daily for a period 7 days. Mice were then tested behaviorally by forced swimming. The results showed that treatment with imipramine significantly decreased the immobility time in the FST. A similar profile of action was observed in the animals received curcumin (100mg/kg/day). There was no alteration of locomotor activation as determined in open-field tests in both of imipramine and curcumin treatment. In addition, the lipid peroxidation assays showed that repeated treatment with curcumin (100mg/kg/day) markedly decreased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels, the end products of lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest that mice subjected to 6 weeks of social isolation stress produces depressive-like behavior and oxidative damage in the brain and that curcumin exerts an antidepressant effect and neuroprotective effect by reduction of lipid peroxidation.

Acknowledgements: Khon Kaen University Research Grant for Young Researchers (2006).

References: [1] Motterlini, R. et al. (2000) Free Radic Biol Med. 28: 1303–12. [2] Yates, G. et al. (1991) Physiol Behav. 49: 347–53. [3] Houng, NT. (2005) Biol Pharm Bull. 28: 1389–93