Curcumin protects mouse brain from oxidative stress caused by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine.

We tested the hypothesis that curcumin, a polyphenolic antioxidant, acts as a powerful free radical scavenger in vivo in the brain, and interferes with oxidative stress caused by the parkinsonian neurotoxin, (MPTP) 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. We measured the (GSH) reduced glutathione levels, (TBARS) glutathione lipid peroxidation, (CAT) catalase and (SOD) superoxide dismutase activity in the (ST) striatum and (MB) mid brain 3rd day and 7th day following MPTP and curcumin administration. MPTP treatment caused a significant depletion in GSH and increased the specific activity of SOD, CAT and lipid peroxidation in both ST and MB on the 3rd and 7th day. MPTP induced GSH depletion and lipid peroxidation in ST and MB was blocked by curcumin treatment. Curcumin exhibited a synergistic effect on SOD and CAT activities in the ST and MB regions. The present study provides direct evidence for the involvement of curcumin in neuroprotection against oxidative stress.