AIM: Cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is the most important complication that effects the mortality and morbidity of patients with intracranial aneurysm. Today, the mechanisms of vasospasm are not understood in spite of experimental and clinical researches. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on vasospasm following SAH.

MATERIAL and METHODS: In this study, 64 rats (200-250 g weight) were divided into 7 groups. Group 1: having no treatment after SAH; Group 2: treatment with nimodipine after SAH; Group 3: treatment with nicorandil after SAH; Group 4: treatment with sildenafil citrate after SAH; Group 5: treatment with 150 mg/kg curcumin after SAH; Group 6: treatment with 300 mg/kg curcumin after SAH, Group 7: treatment with 600 mg/kg curcumin after SAH. The experimental SAH was induced by injection of autologous blood into the cisterna magna. After medical treatment, in the first hour, blood was taken for quantified the levels of TNF-?, IL-1? and IL-6. Then, cerebrum and cerebellum were removed for analysis. Basilar artery luminal diameter was measured and apoptotic cell count was performed with tissue samples.

RESULTS: Histopathological findings showed that, in sufficient dose, curcumin dilated the basilar artery beside anti-oxidant effect.

CONCLUSION: Curcumin can be used for the treatment of vasospasm as a new medical drug.