Curcumin boosts DHA in the brain: Implications for the prevention of anxiety disorders

Abstract

Dietary deficiency of docosahexaenoic acid (C22: 6n-3; DHA) is linked to the neuropathology of several cognitive disorders, including anxiety. DHA, which is essential for brain development and protection, is primarily obtained through the diet or synthesized from dietary precursors, however the conversion efficiency is low. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), which is a principal component of the spice turmeric, complements the action of DHA in the brain, and this study was performed to determine molecular mechanisms involved. We report that curcumin enhances the synthesis of DHA from its precursor, α-linolenic acid (C18: 3n-3; ALA) and elevates levels of enzymes involved in the synthesis of DHA such as FADS2 and elongase 2 in both liver and brain tissue. Furthermore, in vivo treatment with curcumin and ALA reduced anxiety-like behavior in rodents. Taken together, these data suggest that curcumin enhances DHA synthesis, resulting in elevated brain DHA content. These findings have important implications for human health and the prevention of cognitive disease, particularly for populations eating a plant-based diet or who do not consume fish, a primary source of DHA, since DHA is essential for brain function and its deficiency is implicated in many types of neurological disorders.

Evaluation of dietary and lifestyle changes as modifiers of S100β levels in Alzheimer’s disease

“…Emphasis on the overall dietary pattern when assessing S100β levels could prove valuable, yet determining the efficacy of specific novel botanicals is still warranted. For example, it has been recently found that the plant bioactive curcumin elevates enzymes in the liver that are responsible for the synthesis of DHA, possibly leading to elevated levels in the brain (187). Future research should consider monitoring changes in S100β and BBB permeability during investigations of the beneficial effects of botanicals in the context of neurodegenerative conditions such as AD.…”

Docosahexaenoic acid supports feto‐placental growth and protects cardiovascular and cognitive function: A mini review

“…Intakes of excess of LA therefore can dominate the enzymes, especially delta 6 desaturase (FADS2), thus reduces the biosynthesis of both EPA and DHA from ALA. Consuming ALA can increase DHA level to some extent, however this may not result in a net increase in plasma DHA in humans . Interestingly, curcumin was shown to stimulate the synthesis of DHA from ALA by elevating levels of enzymes such as FADS2 and elongase 2 . ALA is usually consumed ≥1 g per day in most of parts of the world .…”

Putative neuroprotective pharmacotherapies to target the staged progression of mental illness

“…Additionally, curcumin pre‐treatment raises hippocampal BDNF with up‐regulation of the pro‐survival ERK pathway (D. X. Liu et al, ; L. Zhang et al, ). Curcumin drives production of DHA in rats leading to increased levels in the brain; therefore, presenting another potential avenue of neuroprotection (Wu et al, ). To date, curcumin's poor bioavailability has proven a limitation to human applications; however, ongoing efforts such as nanoformulation are working to address this (Naksuriya, Okonogi, Schiffelers, & Hennink, ).…”