Curcuminoids-enriched standardized extract of Haridra (Curcuma longa) rhizome restored the level of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and hemodynamics in a rodent model of hypertension.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) plays a crucial role in cardiovascular physiology, while decreased plasma level of DHEA is linked to hypertension and other disorders. Curcuma longa is a globally recognized Indian medicinal plant with cardioprotective potential, but its role in DHEA restoration has not been studied yet. The present study aimed to determine whether a curcuminoid-enriched extract of Curcuma longa (CEECL) can restore serum DHEA levels and modulate DHEA biosynthetic pathways in hypertensive rodent models. L-NAME-induced Hypertension in Wistar rats and Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats (SHR) models were used to assess the effect of CEECL (100, 333, and 1000 mg/kg) using ELISA to estimate the level of circulating DHEA in serum, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in quantifying the expression profile of genes and of enzymes associated with DHEA biosynthesis and LC-MS for quantification of DHEA precursors and metabolites. The safety profile of CEECL was evaluated in Swiss albino mice. The study revealed a significant decline in serum DHEA levels in hypertensive conditions, and CEECL treatment restored circulating DHEA levels, improving systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure in both models. Hepatic expression of key enzymes, such as CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and HSD17B1, was normalized after CEECL treatment, including the restoration of DHEA precursor levels. CEECL was well-tolerated in acute and sub-acute toxicity studies in Swiss albino mice. The current study is the first to report the restoration of DHEA biosynthesis and improvement in hemodynamics by curcuminoids-enriched C. longa extract, without the need for exogenous DHEA administration, suggesting therapeutic potential in the management of hypertension.