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. 2012 Mar;101(1):125-31.
doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.12.009. Epub 2011 Dec 17.

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

Ivan A Borbon  1 , Zach Hillman, Ernesto Duran Jr, Pawel R Kiela, Sally A Frautschy, Robert P Erickson
Affiliations

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

Ivan A Borbon et al. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2012 Mar.

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.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.
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Fig. 2
Balance beam.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Coat hanger.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Passive avoidance.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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