Investigating Cumulative Effect of Curcumin and Vitamin D as an Anti-Stress Therapy

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic stress causes structural modifications in brain, ultimately impacting behavior, emotions and cognition. Therapeutic role of curcumin, principal curcuminoid of turmeric, is limited due to its low bioavailability. Similarly, vitamin D, a fat-soluble secosteroid, is reported to have neuroprotective properties. Objective: To study the cumulative effects of curcumin and vitamin D on social behavior in restrained stress mice model. Methods: Restrained stress was induced in BLAB/c mice for 30 days. Treatment with curcumin (30 mg/kg) and/or vitamin D (1500 IU/kg) was administered orally. Behavior tests were conducted to assess sociability, social novelty, inquisitiveness and innate defense response. Results: Social propensity was significantly reduced in stressed mice (51.0±11.5) compared to control (144.7±17.8). Improved sociability was seen following treatment with curcumin either alone (98.67±38.83) or in combination with vitamin D (120.7±4.3), with significant difference seen in combination therapy. Regarding social novelty, negligible decrease was seen in stress group (65.0±22.5) compared to control (74.67±25.33). Following treatment, an improved behavior was only seen in combination therapy (104.0±21.0), although the difference was insignificant. Marble burying was significantly reduced in stress group (3.0±0.9) compared to control (7.3±0.6). Stressed mice showed increased burying ability due to curcumin administration, either alone (5.3 ±1.2) or in combination with vitamin D (8.7±1.3), with a significant difference in the combination therapy. For exploratory behavior, compared to control group (16.67±3.33), time taken by stress group (36.0±10.50) to exit the circle was increased, showing impairment. Curcumin administration, either alone (24.67±0.33) or in combination with vitamin D (17.33±1.67) caused insignificant improvement in behavior. Conclusion: Restrained stress exhibited declined social behavior. Following curcumin administration either alone or in combination with vitamin D, an improvement in sociability, inquisitiveness & innate defense response was seen. Overall, the study showed no significant cumulative effect in the combination treatment. Further studies with focus on the molecular aspects are needed