Curcuma longa Extract Attenuates Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Neurotoxicity in the Cerebral Cortex of Wistar Rats: Evidence for Neuroprotective Effect

Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including the treatment of neurological disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Curcuma longa (turmeric) on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Thirty-five (35) Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n =7), and treated as follows; Group A received distilled water (control), Group B received 35 mg/kg of PTZ and DZP (diazepam), Group C received PTZ intraperitoneally to induce epilepsy, Group D received 250 mg/kg of C. longa with 35 mg/kg of PTZ, and Group E received 500 mg/kg of C. longa with 35 mg/kg of PTZ. The extract was administered once daily for 28 days, during which period seizure severity and frequency were assessed. At the end of the treatment period, the levels of antioxidant enzyme glutathione (GSH), and oxidative stress biomarker malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The results revealed that PTZ administration significantly increased seizure severity, and increased oxidative stress by decreasing GSH concentration and increasing MDA level in the cerebral cortex. Treatment with C. longa extract at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg exhibit anticonvulsant effect by reducing seizure severity in PTZ-induced Wistar rats. In addition, C. longa extract reduced oxidative stress and improved neuroprotection by significantly (P < 0.05) increasing GSH level, and decreasing MDA level in the cerebral tissues of PTZ-induced Wistar rats. These findings indicate that C. longa extract has neuroprotective effects and anticonvulsant properties, making it a promising candidate for adjunctive therapy in epilepsy management.