Comparative neuroprotective effects of native curcumin and its galactomannoside formulation in carbofuran-induced neurotoxicity model

Abstract

Toxicity of the pesticide carbofuran (CF) can be alleviated by curcumin, if not for its poor bioavailability. Hence, we investigated the effect of a bioavailable curcumin-galactomannan complex (CGM) on CF-induced neurotoxicity in rats in comparison to that of unformulated standard curcumin (CS). The CF (5 mg/kg b.wt/day) treatment for 90 days produced chronicity model which were treated with either CS or CGM (100 mg/kg b.wt and 250 mg/kg b.wt/day) for another 30 days. Improvement in CF-induced behaviour was evident in endurance, motor co-ordination and pain response on both CS (p < 0.01) and CGM (p < 0.001) supplementation. Amelioration of CF-induced toxicity parameters, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction on CS (p < 0.01) and CGM (p < 0.001) supplementation was further confirmed by histopathology of brain and liver tissues. But, CGM was more effective in mitigating CF toxicity, with results comparable to that of normal. Hence, CGM might be superior in toxicity management against CF.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Carbofuran
• neurotoxicity
• curcumin
• CGM
• mitochondrial dysfunction

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to M/s Akay Flavours & Aromatics Pvt. Ltd, Cochin, India, for the samples of CGM produced in their GMP-certified manufacturing plant.

Disclosure statement

The authors disclose conflict of interest. ‘CurQfen^®’ is the registered trademark of M/s Akay Flavours & Aromatics Pvt. Ltd for CGM. Sindhu and Binitha conducted the study under the supervision of RK, who belongs to a non-profitable research organization and declare no conflict of interest.