Enhanced neuroprotective and antidepressant activity of curcumin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers in lipopolysaccharide-induced depression and anxiety rat model

The present study aims to develop curcumin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (CUR-NLCs) and investigate their neuroprotective effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression and anxiety model. Nanotemplate engineering technique was used to prepare CUR-NLCs with Compritol 888 ATO and oleic acid as solid and liquid lipid, respectively. Poloxamer 188, Tween 80 and Span 80 were used as stabilizing agents for solid-liquid lipid core. The physicochemical parameters of CUR-NLCs were determined followed by in vitro drug release and in vivo neuroprotective activity in rats. The optimized CUR-NLCs demonstrated nanometric particle size of 147.8 nm, surface charge of -32.8 mV and incorporation efficiency of 91.0%. CUR-NLCs showed initial rapid followed by a sustained drug release reaching up to 73% after 24 h. CUR-NLCs significantly elevated struggling time and decreased immobility time in forced swim and tail suspension tests. A substantial increase in time spent and number of entries into the light and open compartments was observed in light-dark box and elevated plus maze models. CUR-NLCs improved the tissue architecture and suppressed the expression of p-NF-kappa B, TNF-alpha and COX-2 in brain tissues from histological and immunohistochemical analysis. CUR-NLCs improved the neuroprotective effect of curcumin and can be used as a potential therapeutics for depression and anxiety.