Curcumin’s Effect on Spatial Memory / Y-Maze Navigation in Dugesia Tigrina

Overview

Dugesia tigrina is a species of planaria and studies have shown that they can be trained to go through a maze, displaying their spatial memory or their ability to remember details about their position in their environment. They have a negative phototaxis response to light stimuli, allowing them to be trained using a light source as a negative stimulus. Curcumin is an organic compound found in turmeric powder and has anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to understand the effects of curcumin on planarian spatial memory and it was hypothesized that the curcumin can improve spatial memory in planaria because its anti-inflammatory properties, when applied in the brain, can help improve brain health and possibly reduce the effects of diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease. To test this, the worms were fed a beef liver paste with different concentrations of turmeric powder. They were placed in a Y-shaped maze and the time they took for completion was recorded, as well as if the trial was a success. The data collected in this study did not support the research hypothesis. All the experimental groups had a similar average time to completion and data analysis didn’t return any statistically significant results.

Competition history

• AJAS 2026 Category not listed

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