Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Science - Department of Biophysics

The objective of this study was to formulate curcumin nanoparticles (CNPs) using different techniques such as wet milling, ultrasonic homogenization and freeze drying. The resulted CNPs particles was 75 nm in average. The potential efficiency of CNPs as a treatment agent for depression has been tested against the oxidative stress, monoamines depletion, changes in active phase in FST and changes in ECoG induced by reserpine. Each one of these tests have been conducted for two-time intervals 7 days and 15 days in both cortex and hippocampus of male rats brains in an experimental animal model of depression. Results shows that the 15 days of treatment were more efficient than the 7 days treatment in both cortex and hippocampus. As it restores the monoamines neurotransmitters depletion, recovers the values of MDA, NO and GSH and restores the spectral band power of the ECoG waves to control-like values. Moreover, it succeeded to restore the duration of active phase in FST to control-like values. As a Conclusion the CNPs have both antioxidant and antidepressant properties more efficient than native form of curcumin

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