Unpad students develop curcumin-based treatment for Alzheimer's

Students from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) have developed a co-amorphous system combining curcumin and ascorbic acid as a potential neuroprotective candidate for Alzheimer's disease. While curcumin possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its effectiveness is often limited by low solubility and bioavailability. To address this, the research team utilized solvent evaporation to create a system that improves the delivery of curcumin to biological targets like the brain.

Testing conducted on Wistar rats used as Alzheimer's models showed an improvement in spatial memory function following treatment with the curcumin-ascorbic acid co-amorphous system. The study included molecular docking, solubility tests, and histopathological examinations to observe brain tissue conditions.

In a broader medical context, experts distinguish between amnesia and dementia. Amnesia is a specific loss of memory often caused by sudden events like head injuries or psychological trauma, while cognitive functions typically remain intact. In contrast, dementia is a progressive decline in overall brain function, including problem-solving and personality changes, often associated with conditions like Alzheimer's.