Curcumin inhibits microglia inflammation and confers neuroprotection in intracerebral hemorrhage
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Updated: May 1, 2026
A Preclinical Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Hemorrhage Contusion and Neuroinflammation
Published on: June 10, 2020
Zhao Yang1, Tianzhi Zhao2, Yongjie Zou1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
Abstract:
Much evidence demonstrates that microglia mediated neuroinflammation is an important contributor to the inflammatory injury in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Therefore, the compounds that can inhibit neuroinflammation are greatly needed. In the current study, we examined whether curcumin, present in a Chinese medicinal plant, could prevent ICH induced microglia activation and confer protection against neurotoxicity. The cytokines of microglia were measured by ELISA, p38MAPK/PKC and NF-κB were measured by Western blot and EMSA. Microglial toxicity was assessed using MTT and FACS assays. And neurological function was evaluated by animal behavioristics. We found that curcumin prevented ICH-induced inflammatory molecules through NF-κB activation via the p38MAPK/PKC pathway in vitro. In addition, curcumin protected hippocampal HT22 cells from indirect toxicity mediated by ICH-treated microglia cells. Further, curcumin also attenuated ICH-induced neurological deficit and cerebral water content in vivo. Together, our findings suggest that curcumin could suppress ICH induced inflammatory injury and represent a novel herbal sources for ICH therapeutical strategy.
Insights
Curcumin, derived from a Chinese medicinal plant, effectively inhibits neuroinflammation and protects against brain injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This natural compound offers a potential therapeutic strategy for managing ICH-induced damage.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Neuroinflammation, particularly microglia activation, significantly contributes to inflammatory injury in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).
- There is a critical need for novel therapeutic compounds that can effectively inhibit neuroinflammation.
- Curcumin, a compound found in Chinese medicinal plants, is being investigated for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether curcumin can prevent microglia activation induced by ICH.
- To determine if curcumin confers protection against ICH-induced neurotoxicity.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of curcumin for ICH.
Main Methods:
- Cytokine levels in microglia were quantified using ELISA.
- Protein expression of p38MAPK/PKC and NF-κB was analyzed via Western blot and EMSA.
- Microglial toxicity was assessed using MTT and FACS assays, and neurological function was evaluated through animal behavioristics.
Main Results:
- Curcumin inhibited ICH-induced inflammatory molecules by targeting NF-κB activation through the p38MAPK/PKC pathway in vitro.
- Curcumin demonstrated protective effects on hippocampal HT22 cells against indirect toxicity mediated by ICH-treated microglia.
- In vivo studies showed that curcumin attenuated ICH-induced neurological deficits and reduced cerebral water content.
Conclusions:
- Curcumin effectively suppresses ICH-induced inflammatory injury.
- Curcumin exhibits neuroprotective effects against ICH.
- Curcumin represents a promising novel herbal therapeutic strategy for intracerebral hemorrhage.
