New hybrid drug, derived from turmeric, may benefit stroke victims

Washington, Feb 10 (ANI): Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have created a new molecule from curcumin, a chemical component of the golden-colored spice turmeric, and found that it affects mechanisms that protect and help regenerate brain cells after stroke.

The new curcumin-hybrid compound-CNB-001-does not attack clots but instead repairs stroke damage at the molecular level that feed and support the all-important brain cells, neurons.

"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," said research scientist Paul A. Lapchak, director of Translational Research in the Department of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, adding that he and his colleagues expect the new drug to move to human clinical trials soon.

CNB-001protects brain cells from damage by repairing four major pathways. One mechanism also plays a major role in the growth and survival of neurons.

The drug reduced stroke-caused "motor deficits"-problems of muscle and movement control-in this laboratory study. It was effective when administered up to an hour after stroke, which correlates with about three hours in humans, the same time frame for which tPA is currently approved.

The findings were presented at the American Heart Association International Stroke Conference in Los Angeles. (ANI)