Potential protective effect of highly bioavailable curcumin on an oxidative stress model induced by microinjection of sodium nitroprusside in mice brain

Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound has several pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, curcumin shows poor oral bioavailability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of highly bioavailable curcumin, Theracurmin ^®, and curcumin, against sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced oxidative damage in mice brain. Intrastriatal microinjection of Theracurmin ^® or curcumin with SNP significantly protected against SNP-induced brain damage and motor dysfunction. Oral administration of Theracurmin^® (1 and 3 g kg^-1, containing 100 and 300 mg kg^-1 curcumin, respectively) significantly protected against SNP-induced brain damage and motor dysfunction. However, oral administration of 300 mg kg^-1 curcumin did not protect against motor dysfunction induced by SNP. These results suggest that curcumin and Theracurmin ^® have protective effects against SNP-induced oxidative damage. Moreover, oral administration of Theracurmin^®, had more potency in protecting against brain damage, suggesting a higher bioavailability of Theracurmin^® following oral administration.