Khadijeh Maboudi - Department of Biology, Faculty of basic science, University of Mazandaran
Akbar Hajizadeh Moghaddam - Department of Biology, Faculty of basic science, University of Mazandaran
Farhad Valizadehgan - Department of Biology, Faculty of basic science, University of Mazandaran

The involvement of oxidative, and inflammatory alterations have been reported to contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In the progressive phase of schizophrenia, anxiety is observed. Curcumin is a polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, bioavailability of curcumin is an important limiting factor for its antioxidant activities. Delivery systems, such as nano phytosome, can increase the rate of propagation and the capacity to cross fat .In this study, formula nano phytosome of curcumin is used to improve curcumin bioavailability. Therefore, our aim in this study is to investigate the effect of nano phytosome curcumin on anxiety disorders in the animal model of schizophrenia. In this experimental study, 49 mice in the range of 20-25 g were purchased from the Institute of Pasteur Amol. Animals were divided into 7 groups: control, positive control, disease, and 2 treatment groups, which received 15 mg / kg curcumin and nano phytosom curcumin for 15 days. The control and disease groups receive distilled water. For induction of schizophrenia model, 30 mg / kg ketamine is intrapreitoneally injected for 14 days to all groups except the control and positive control group. Finally, the anxiety like behavior was examined by open field test. The time spent in the center in the disease group significantly decreased (P <0.01) compare with the control group. Treatment with nano phytosome curcumin increases in this index (P <0.5) vs. disease group. Regarding the results of vertical movement activity in the disease group (P <0.01), decreased compare with the control group. However, in the nano phytosom group, there is an increase in vertical movement activity vs. disease group P <0.5. Our results showed that nano phytosom curcumin probably has anti-anxiety properties as a suitable natural combination for the treatment of schizophrenia. Nano phytosomal formulation of curcumin showed promising potential for treatment schizophrenia in low dosage.

Nano Phytosome Curcumin, Anxiety disorders, Schizophrenia