Curcumin ameliorates alcohol-induced impaired locomotive activity of male mice

Abstract

Acute alcohol intoxication results in diminished motor performance. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, a medicinal plant used as a food additive and preservative in Asian countries. This study examined the effects of curcumin on the locomotive activity of intoxicated male mice. 30 mice were divided into 3 groups and used in this experiment. Curcumin was administered for 14 days, followed by intoxication with 50% ethanol of 0.1 ml/kg and locomotive activity was assessed. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activity were also assessed from the brain tissue following assessment of locomotive activities. Curcumin increased (p<0.05) the time spent on the linear wire and caused a significant decrease (p<0.05) in number of times the mice attempted to reach their tail. Beam walk time following use also showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) when compared to both positive and negative Control groups. Motor activities were also improved with decreased rearing time following. Antioxidant enzymes catalase and glutathione peroxidase showed significant (p<0.05) increase in activity following curcumin administration when compared to the negative control. This study showed considerable evidence that short-term curcumin supplementation can exert anti-intoxication effects.