Curcumin stimulates proliferation of embryonic neural progenitor cells and neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus.

ABSTRACT: Curcumin is a natural phenolic component of yellow curry spice, which is used in some cultures for the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Curcumin has been reported to be capable of preventing the death of neurons in animal models of neurodegenerative disorders, but its possible effects on developmental and adult neuroplasticity are unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effects of curcumin on mouse multi-potent neural progenitor cells (NPC) and adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Curcumin exerted biphasic effects on cultured NPC; low concentrations stimulated cell proliferation, whereas high concentrations were cytotoxic. Curcumin activated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and p38 kinases, cellular signal transduction pathways kno

SUBMITTER: Kim SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2386914 | biostudies-literature | 2008 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature