Oxidative stress and inflammation are processes strictly connected each other. An increase number of evidence shows that their alterations are involved in the development of several diseases, such as major depressive disorders [1]. Moreover, unbalanced redox state and increased inflammatory conditions are associated with aging [2].
Centella asiatica (Centella) and Curcuma longa (Turmeric) may be effective since they both display anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition, Centella asiatica administration improved microcirculation and vascular protection.
In the present study, we investigate the effect of oral administration of a phytosomal preparation containing both Centella asiatica and Curcuma longa on redox and inflammatory processes in the central nervous system in comparison with Centella asiatica alone. Moreover, we investigated if the effects depend on the period of life by treating adult and aged animals.
Male Sprague Dawley rats 4-month or 18-month old were treated per os with Centella asiatica and Curcuma longa (250 mg/kg; total curcuminoids 29,1%; asiaticoside 3,8%), Centella asiatica (100 mg/kg, asiaticoside 6,8%), or vehicle for 5 days and sacrificed 48 hours after the last administration.
The molecular analyses of key players of redox and inflammatory mechanisms (including Nox2 and Nrf2) were carried out in the dorsal hippocampus and in the prefrontal cortex. Gene expression was measured through real time RT-PCR.
Sub-chronic administration of Centella alone or in combination with Turmeric significantly decreased the mRNA levels of Nox2 in the dorsal hippocampus of adult rats, while Nrf2 specifically increased after treatment with Centella in the prefrontal cortex of aged rats.
Our results confirm the ability of phytosome from Centella and Turmeric to target genes involved in oxidative stress as well as inflammatory processes, thus supporting their potential in the treatment of diseases characterized by alteration of these mechanisms.
[1] Leonard BE Acta Neuropsychiatr 2018; [2] Rea Im et al., Front Immunol 2018