Question:
Does turmeric/curcumin supplementation decrease symptoms of depression?
Answer:
Yes
MedHead Confidence Score: 5
Amount Saved: $200 psychiatry visit
MedHead Message:
There are now several studies showing that turmeric, and its active ingredient curcumin, not only can help relieve depressive symptoms, but can also help your antidepressant to work better in helping increase your mood and decrease sadness. Start with 500mg twice daily or 1000mg once daily of curcumin, the active component of turmeric. You must take it for at least 3 months to notice an effect.
References:
“1. Al-Karawi, D. et al. The Role of Curcumin Administration in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: Mini Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Phytother Res. 2016 Feb;30(2):175-83. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5524. Epub 2015 Nov 27. 2. Lopresti, AL et al. Efficacy of curcumin, and a saffron/curcumin combination for the treatment of major depression: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.J Affect Disord. 2017 Jan 1;207:188-196. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.09.047. Epub 2016 Oct 1. 3. Qin Xiang, Ng et al. Clinical Use of Curcumin in Depression: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association
Volume 18, Issue 6, 1 June 2017, Pages 503-508”