Anti-amnesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic-like responses of curcumin-loaded nanocapsules in mice: Modulating acetylcholinesterase activity, oxidative parameters, and neuroinflammation biomarkers

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the action of two different formulations of curcumin (Cur)-loaded nanocapsules (Nc) (Eudragit [EUD] and poly (ɛ-caprolactone) [PCL]) in an amnesia mice model. We also investigated the formulations’ effects on scopolamine-induced (SCO) depressive- and anxiety-like comorbidities, the cholinergic system, oxidative parameters, and inflammatory markers. Male Swiss mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8): group I (control), group II (Cur PCL Nc 10 mg/kg), group III (Cur EUD Nc 10 mg/kg), group IV (free Cur 10 mg/kg), and group V (SCO). Treatments with Nc or Cur (free) were performed daily or on alternate days. After 30 min of treatment, the animals received the SCO and were subjected to behavioral tests 30 min later (Barnes maze, open-field, object recognition, elevated plus maze, tail suspension tests, and step-down inhibitory avoidance tasks). The animals were then euthanized and tissue was removed for biochemical assays. Our results demonstrated that Cur treatment (Nc or free) protected against SCO-induced amnesia and depressive-like behavior. The ex vivo assays revealed lower AChE and CAT activity, reduced TBARS, RS, and NSPH levels, and reduced IL-6 and TNF-\(\) expression. The treatments did not change hepatic markers in the plasma of mice. In conclusion, after treatments on alternate days, Cur Nc had a more significant effect than the free Cur protocol, suggesting a prolonged action of Cur in Nc. In addition, Cur EUD Nc showed a more significant improvement in this model.