Evaluation of Anti-depressant, Anxiolytic and cognitive improvement of Nanocurcumin Using Social Isolation Model in Male Mice

Aim and Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder affecting mood, disruption in sleep cycles and causing weight loss, anhedonia. Based on the proved anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin, the aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-depressant, anxiolytic effects and cognitive improvement of a nano-based formulation of curcumin in male mice by using post-weaning social isolation (PWSI) model to induce depressive/anxiety like behaviors. Nanocurcumin has a significantly higher bioavailability after oral use as compared to simple powder of curcumin. Methods: Animals were randomly housed in either of a social group (SG) or isolated group (IG) for four weeks. IG and SG mice were treated with different concentrations of nanocurcumin for the last two weeks of the social isolation period. Animals were assessed by the battery of behavioral tests (FST, TST, OFT, EPM, PAT) to assess the effect of two-week treatment of nanocurcumin on depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment in comparison with control group. Results and discussion: The results showed a significant improvement effect of nanocurcumin on depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment in IG group mice compared to IG mice without any treatment. Conclusion: Data suggested a satisfactory potential of the nanorange formulation of curcumin on depressive/anxiety like behaviors and impaired cognition induced by PWSI model in male mice.