Turmeric's Curcumin Eased Depression Symptoms Across 26 Trials
Graded Moderate — pooled 26 randomized trials with 1,491 people; results varied widely between trials and the authors rate confidence as only moderate to low.
- Design
- Meta-analysis
- Participants
- 1,491
- Duration
- —
- Funding
- The authors report no specific funding.
Across 26 trials, adults taking curcumin had fewer depression and anxiety symptoms than those taking a dummy pill.
Curcumin is the yellow compound in turmeric root. Earlier studies on whether it helps mental health gave mixed results. An analysis that pooled 26 studies with 1,491 adults now offers a clearer picture. People who took curcumin had markedly fewer depression symptoms and less anxiety than those on a dummy pill. Stress also eased, but only four studies measured it.
In every study, chance decided who got curcumin. Most trials came from Asia, mainly Iran. Daily amounts ranged from 60 to 3,000 milligrams, taken for 4 to 52 weeks. Women saw a larger drop in depression symptoms, while men showed no clear effect. Doses above 1.5 grams a day tended to go with greater improvement.
The researchers rated their confidence as moderate for depression and stress, and low for anxiety. The trials differed a lot from each other, and for anxiety some studies without results may never have been published. Side effects were reported only patchily. The authors also stress that a statistically clear difference does not prove people feel a real change in daily life.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.
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