Journal article
Curcumin for the treatment of major depression: A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study
Journal of Affective Disorders, Vol.167, pp.368-375
2014
Abstract
Background
Curcumin, the principal curcuminoid derived from the spice turmeric, influences several biological mechanisms associated with major depression, namely those associated with monoaminergic activity, immune-inflammatory and oxidative and nitrosative stress pathways, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and neuroprogression. We hypothesised that curcumin would be effective for the treatment of depressive symptoms in individuals with major depressive disorder.
Methods
In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 56 individuals with major depressive disorder were treated with curcumin (500 mg twice daily) or placebo for 8 weeks. The primary measure was the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology self-rated version (IDS-SR30). Secondary outcomes included IDS-SR30 factor scores and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).
Results
From baseline to week 4, both curcumin and placebo were associated with improvements in IDS-SR30 total score and most secondary outcome measures. From weeks 4 to 8, curcumin was significantly more effective than placebo in improving several mood-related symptoms, demonstrated by a significant group x time interaction for IDS-SR30 total score (F1, 53=4.22, p=.045) and IDS-SR30 mood score (F1, 53=6.51, p=.014), and a non-significant trend for STAI trait score (F1, 48=2.86, p=.097). Greater efficacy from curcumin treatment was identified in a subgroup of individuals with atypical depression.
Conclusions
Partial support is provided for the antidepressant effects of curcumin in people with major depressive disorder, evidenced by benefits occurring 4 to 8 weeks after treatment.
Limitations
Investigations with larger sample sizes, over extended treatment periods, and with varying curcumin dosages are required.
Details
- Title
- Curcumin for the treatment of major depression: A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study
- Authors/Creators
- A.L. Lopresti (Author/Creator)M. Maes (Author/Creator)G.L. Maker (Author/Creator)S.D. Hood (Author/Creator)P.D. Drummond (Author/Creator)
- Publication Details
- Journal of Affective Disorders, Vol.167, pp.368-375
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Identifiers
- 991005540830807891
- Copyright
- Elsevier
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Note
- Available online 11 June 2014
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.16 Phytochemicals
- 3.16.1399 Curcumin
- Web Of Science research areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Psychiatry
- ESI research areas
- Psychiatry/Psychology