THE NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CURCUMIN AGAINST TARTRAZINE-INDUCED NEUROBIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE GRAY MATTER OF MOTOR CORTEX OF BRAIN OF SPRAGUE DAWLEY RATS

Abstract

Objective: To study the neuroprotective effect of curcumin against tartrazine-induced neurobiochemical and histopathological changes in the gray matter of motor cortex of rat brain.

Study Design: Lab-based experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anatomy, Islamic International Medical College, from Sep 2019 to Sep 2020.

Methodology: Forty five adult male albino rats (250-300 gm) were divided randomly into three groups (n=15). Group A, rats were given standard rat diet. Group B, rats were given tartrazine orally by dissolving in tap water in the dose of 7.5 mg/kg body weight. Group C, rats were given 200 mg/kg of curcumin along with tartrazine orally by dissolving in tap water, daily for 28 consecutive days. At the end, all animals were dissected and their brain were removed. The neurobiochemical parameters including lipid peroxidation marker level along with microscopic changes widening of Virchow’s robin space and neuropil vacuolation in neurovascular unit were observed. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Results: The curcumin administration significantly improved the MDA levels (p-value <0.001 on intergroup comparison) and widening of Virchow’s robin space (group A=3.57 ± 0.78 µm, group B=19.39 ± 0.68 µm, group C12.1 ± 0.83 µm; p-value <0.001). Neuropil vacuolation was reduced to negligible in 60% rats of curcumin treated group.

Conclusion: Curcumin displayed a neuroprotective role in improving the tartrazine induced neurobiochemical and histopathological changes in the motor cortex of rat brain.