Curcumin + EGCG for Mood Disorders

Overseen By Andrew Fruge, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase < 1

Sponsor: Auburn University

Disqualifiers: Curcumin, Green tea, Pregnancy, Perimenopausal, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 8 weeks

64 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether a combination of curcumin (from turmeric) and EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate, from green tea) can improve mood and boost BDNF, a brain protein that supports nerve health. The trial compares participants taking the supplements with those receiving a placebo. It suits adults aged 18-50 who have experienced mood issues, such as depression, and have not changed their medications or supplements in the past three months. Participants will take the supplements daily for eight weeks. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research aims to understand how the treatment works in people, offering participants a chance to contribute to groundbreaking research.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop your current medications, but you must not have changed your medications or supplements in the past 3 months to be eligible.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that curcumin and EGCG (a compound in green tea) are likely safe for people. Studies have found that curcumin can help with depression and anxiety without causing side effects. One study found that mice given both curcumin and EGCG had better protection against stress without harmful effects.

Most research has involved animals or small human studies. While these early results are promising, more research in humans is needed. However, current evidence suggests these compounds are generally well-tolerated. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about Curcumin and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) for mood disorders because these naturally-derived compounds may offer a safer and more holistic alternative to conventional antidepressants. Unlike typical medications like SSRIs, which can have a range of side effects, Curcumin and EGCG are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This treatment targets brain inflammation and oxidative stress, which are emerging as key players in mood regulation. By potentially addressing the root causes of mood disorders, this approach could provide relief with fewer side effects.

What evidence suggests that curcumin and EGCG might be effective for mood disorders?

This trial will evaluate the effects of Curcumin and EGCG supplementation on mood disorders. Research has shown that curcumin, a substance in turmeric, and EGCG, a compound in green tea, might help improve mood problems. Studies have found that curcumin's ability to reduce inflammation and act as an antioxidant can help prevent depression-like behaviors. Similarly, EGCG has been associated with better mood, including less depression and anxiety. When used together, these two compounds may lower oxidative stress, often linked to aging and mood issues. Early research suggests this combination could improve mood and possibly increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein important for brain health. Participants in this trial will receive either the Curcumin and EGCG supplementation or a placebo. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Andrew D Fruge, PhD

Principal Investigator

Auburn University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Adults aged 18-50 with mood disturbances, specifically those scoring over 9 on the depression subscale of DASS-21. Participants must not have changed medications or supplements in the past three months and should be able to read and speak English. Pregnant or nursing individuals, those trying to conceive, diagnosed with perimenopausal disorders, or current daily users of curcumin or green tea are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

Depression subscale score of >9/21 on the DASS-21

No change in medications or supplements over the past 3 months

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently experiencing symptoms related to perimenopause.

Currently pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant

I consume curcumin or green tea every day.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive 1,330mg/day curcumin and 350mg/day EGCG or placebo for 8 weeks

8 weeks

3 visits (in-person) at weeks 0, 4, and 8

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Curcumin
• Epigallocatechin Gallate

Trial Overview This study tests if taking a combination of two supplements—1,330mg/day of curcumin and 350mg/day of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—for eight weeks can improve mood symptoms and increase serum BDNF levels compared to a placebo in people experiencing mood disturbances.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Curcumin and EGCG Supplementation Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants in the intervention group with consume 1,330mg/day curcumin with 350mg/day EGCG.

Group II: Placebo Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a placebo to consume everyday.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Auburn University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

81

Recruited

14,600+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, shows a significant reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms, with a large effect size based on a meta-analysis of 10 studies involving 531 participants.

The compound was generally well-tolerated, suggesting it could be a beneficial addition to standard care for depression, although the small sample size indicates that further research is needed, especially in Western populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Curcumin for depression: a meta-analysis. Fusar-Poli, L., Vozza, L., Gabbiadini, A., et al.[2020]

In a double-blind, cross-over trial involving 30 obese individuals, curcumin supplementation (1 g/day) significantly reduced anxiety symptoms as measured by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) after 30 days (P=0.03).

However, curcumin did not show a significant effect on depression symptoms, as indicated by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores (P=0.7), suggesting its benefits may be more specific to anxiety rather than depression.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An investigation of the effects of curcumin on anxiety and depression in obese individuals: A randomized controlled trial. Esmaily, H., Sahebkar, A., Iranshahi, M., et al.[2018]

Curcumin, a natural substance, is being explored as a potential alternative treatment for depression and anxiety disorders, which affect a large portion of the global population.

The review analyzed eight clinical studies on depression and five on anxiety, using psychiatric symptom scores and molecular biomarkers to assess curcumin's effects, suggesting it may offer a promising option given the limitations of conventional treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Curcumin on Depression and Anxiety: A Narrative Review of the Recent Clinical Data. Khodadadegan, MA., Azami, S., Guest, PC., et al.[2021]

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, shows promise as a natural treatment for various neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly major depressive disorder, based on a systematic review of in vitro, animal, and human studies.

Despite its potential benefits, curcumin's effectiveness is limited by poor absorption in the body, highlighting the need for further research with strong clinical designs to better understand its therapeutic applications.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Curcumin for neuropsychiatric disorders: a review of in vitro, animal and human studies. Lopresti, AL.[2018]

Nutraceuticals like omega-3, probiotics, zinc, saffron, and curcumin have shown efficacy as adjunctive treatments for depression, while St John's wort can be used alone as a monotherapy, based on a review of clinical trials.

Research on nutraceuticals for bipolar disorder is limited, with omega-3 being weakly recommended; however, the safety of these agents is generally acceptable, indicating a need for more long-term studies to understand their effects better.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutraceuticals in mood disorders: current knowledge and future directions. Travica, N., Teasdale, S., Marx, W.[2023]

Curcumin, a natural compound, shows antidepressant-like effects in a rat model of depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress, preventing neuronal and biochemical changes associated with depressive behaviors.

The study suggests that curcumin's effectiveness may be linked to its ability to modulate synapse-associated proteins in the lateral amygdala, highlighting its potential as a neuroprotective treatment for depression.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of curcumin on chronic, unpredictable, mild, stress-induced depressive-like behaviour and structural plasticity in the lateral amygdala of rats. Zhang, L., Luo, J., Zhang, M., et al.[2017]

Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has shown potential as an effective treatment for depression and anxiety, supported by a growing number of human trials and preclinical studies.

The review discusses various biological mechanisms through which curcumin may exert its antidepressant effects, highlighting its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as key factors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Potential Role of Curcumin for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. Lopresti, AL.[2022]

In a study of 56 individuals with major depressive disorder, curcumin (500 mg twice daily) showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms compared to placebo after 8 weeks, particularly from weeks 4 to 8.

Curcumin was especially effective in a subgroup of individuals with atypical depression, suggesting it may be a beneficial treatment option for specific types of depression.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Curcumin for the treatment of major depression: a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Lopresti, AL., Maes, M., Maker, GL., et al.[2022]

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