Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound has several pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, curcumin shows poor oral bioavailability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of highly bioavailable curcumin, Theracurmin(®), and curcumin, against sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced oxidative damage in mice brain. Intrastriatal microinjection of Theracurmin(®) or curcumin with SNP significantly protected against SNP-induced brain damage and motor dysfunction. Oral administration of Theracurmin(®) (1 and 3 g kg(-1), containing 100 and 300 mg kg(-1) curcumin, respectively) significantly protected against SNP-induced brain damage and motor dysfunction. However, oral administration of 300 mg kg(-1) curcumin did not protect against motor dysfunction induced by SNP. These results suggest that curcumin and Theracurmin(®) have protective effects against SNP-induced oxidative damage. Moreover, oral administration of Theracurmin(®), had more potency in protecting against brain damage, suggesting a higher bioavailability of Theracurmin(®) following oral administration.