Curcumae Radix Decreases Neurodegenerative Markers through Glycolysis Decrease and TCA Cycle Activation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Metabolic research
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are a growing concern with aging populations.
• Curcumae radix (CRE) shows potential benefits but its role in ND energy metabolism is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between Curcumae radix extract (CRE) and energy metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases (ND).
• To evaluate CRE's effects on neurodegenerative markers and cellular metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Utilized cell and animal models of ND.
• Assessed neurodegenerative markers and metabolic indicators via Western blotting and qRT-PCR.
• Performed cellular glycolysis and metabolic flux assays.

Main Results:

• CRE treatment reduced Alzheimer's disease markers in mouse brains.
• Decreased neurodegenerative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers were observed.
• CRE decreased glycolysis and extracellular acidification rate.
• Increased mitochondrial Tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) gene expression was noted.

Conclusions:

• Curcumae radix extract (CRE) may serve as a metabolic modulator for brain health.
• CRE shows potential in treating and preventing neurodegenerative diseases (ND) linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.