Evaluation of Cognitive Reinforcement Potential of Turmeric in Colchicine Induced Cognitive Impairment in Mice

Background: Cognitive impairment is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders, often associated with oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cholinergic dysfunction. Turmeric (Curcuma longa), known for its neuroprotective and antioxidant properties, has been investigated for its potential to mitigate cognitive deficits. This study evaluates the cognitive reinforcement potential of turmeric in colchicine-induced cognitive impairment in mice. Methods: Turmeric was extracted using cold extraction with 50% ethanol for maceration with daily agitation for 72 hrs as prescribed by the extraction protocol. Animals (mice) were acclimatized for two weeks at the Behavioural Laboratory and one-week daily cognitive trial using Morris Water Maze model was done. Furthermore, the animals were grouped according to the study design as 1: control-10 ml/kg p.o, 2: colchicine 0.5 mg/kg p.o, 3: colchicine 0.5 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg p.o turmeric, 4: colchicine 0.5 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg p.o turmeric, 5: 1000 mg/kg p.o turmeric, 6: 1 mg/kg p.o donepezil and 0.5 mg/kg p.o colchicine; treated for fourteen(14) days and then the test was conducted for each group using same model. Cognitive function was assessed using standard behavioural paradigm, including the Morris water maze tests. Results: Mice treated with turmeric demonstrated a significant, dose-dependent improvement in cognitive function, with the 1000 mg/kg p.o turmeric group exhibiting the highest recovery. Turmeric administration led to enhanced memory retention, reduced escape latency, and improved discrimination indices, suggesting attenuation of colchicine-induced neurotoxicity. Conclusion: These findings support the cognitive reinforcement potential of turmeric, likely mediated through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.