Neuroprotective effects of curcumin-loaded nanophytosome on ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like behaviors and oxidative damage in male mice.
Neuroscience Letters September 15, 2021 A. Hajizadeh Moghaddam, Khadijeh Maboudi, Bita Bavaghar et al.
Curcumin, an antioxidant natural herb, has poor bioavailability that limits its effects. A curcumin-loaded nanophytosome (CNP) formulation was developed and tested in a mouse model of schizophrenia induced by ketamine (KET). Mice received oral curcumin or CNP (20 mg/kg) for 30 days, with KET injections (30 mg/kg/day) from days 16 to 30. CNP showed greater neuroprotective effects than free curcumin, reducing depressive and anxiety-like behaviors, memory deficits, and oxidative stress markers in brain tissues. CNP may improve curcumin bioavailability and offer stronger protection against KET-induced behavioral and oxidative damage.