Lack of efficacy of curcumin on neurodegeneration in the mouse model of Niemann-Pick C1

Ivan A. Borbon, Zach Hillman, Ernesto Duran, Pawel R. Kiela, Sally A. Frautschy, Robert P. Erickson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

In order to determine the efficacy of curcumin in ameliorating symptoms of neurodegeneration in the mouse model of Niemann-Pick C1, a variety of formulations and dosages of curcumin, one comparable to one previously reported as efficacious, were provided orally to Npc1-/-mice. Plasma levels of curcumin, survival, tests of motor performance, and memory (in some cases) were performed. We found variable, but mild, increases in survival (1.5% to 18%). The greatest increased survival occurred with the highest dose (which was unformulated) while the control for the lipidated formulation (containing phosphatidylcholine and stearic acid) had an equivalent impact and other formulations, while not significantly increased, are also not statistically different in effect from the highest dose. We conclude that curcumin is not a highly efficacious treatment for neurodegeneration in Npc1-/- mice. Phosphatidylcholine and stearic acid should be studied further.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)125-131
Number of pages7
JournalPharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior
Volume101
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2012

Keywords

  • Curcumin
  • Memory
  • Motor skills
  • Neurodegeneration
  • Niemann-Pick C

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Biological Psychiatry
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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