Non-micronized and micronized curcumin do not prevent the behavioral and neurochemical effects induced by acute stress in zebrafish

Background Curcumin, a polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), presents neuroprotective properties and can modulate neuronal pathways related to mental disorders. However, curcumin has low bioavailability, which can compromise its use. The micronization process can reduce mean particle diameter and improve this compound's bioavailability and therapeutic potential. Methods We compared the behavioral (open tank test, OTT) and neurochemical (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and non-protein thiols (NPSH) levels) effects of non-micronized curcumin (CUR, 10 mg/kg, ip) and micronized curcumin (MC, 10 mg/kg, ip) in adult zebrafish subjected to a 90-min acute restraint stress (ARS) protocol. Results ARS increased the time spent in the central area and the number of crossings and decreased the immobility time of the animals in the OTT. These results suggest an increase in locomotor activity and a decrease in thigmotaxis behavior. Both CUR and MC were not able to prevent these effects. Furthermore, ARS also induced oxidative damage by increasing TBARS and decreasing NPSH levels. Both CUR and MC did not prevent these effects. Conclusion ARS-induced behavioral and biochemical effects were not blocked by any curcumin preparation. Therefore, we conclude that curcumin does not have acute anti-stress effects in zebrafish.

Automated summary

The study compared the effects of non-micronized curcumin and micronized curcumin on the behavior and neurochemical effects of adult zebrafish under acute restraint stress conditions, showing that curcumin did not prevent stress-induced behavioral and biochemical effects.