Curcumin Compound May Rebuild Brain Cells

LOS ANGELESA new molecule created from curcumin, an active component of the Indian spice curcumin, may protect and help regenerate brain cells after stroke, according to results of a new study. Paul A. Lapchak, Ph.D., director of translational research in the Department of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, presented the findings at the American Heart Association International Stroke Conference on Feb. 9.

The curcumin-hybrid compoundCNB-001does not attack clots, which is the mechanism of the only current drug approved for ischemic stroke. Instead, CNB-001 repairs stroke damage at the molecular level, interrupting the cascade that shuts down normal electrical and chemical signaling pathways" that nourish and support the neurons. CNB-001 appears to protect brain cells from damage by repairing four major pathways, one of which also plays a role in growth and survival of neurons. The compound reduced stroke-caused problems in muscle and movement control, and was effective when administered up to an hour after stroke.

CNB-001 has many of the same benefits of curcumin but appears to be a better choice of compound for acute stroke because it crosses the blood-brain barrier, is quickly distributed in the brain, and moderates several critical mechanisms involved in neuronal survival," Lapchak said, adding that he and his colleagues expect the new drug to move to human clinical trials soon.