| Effect | Decrease |
| Values | Saliva. (ng/ml). Authors give no baseline or change numbers, only 6 week levels, but claim no statistically significant difference at baseline. Placebo 6 weeks: 83.04 (16.32). Curcumin 6 weeks: 54.30 (12.15) |
| Trial Design | Randomized trial |
| Trial Length | 1-6 months |
| Number of Subjects | 108 |
| Sex | Male |
| Age Range | 30-44, 45-64 |
| Body Types | Obese, Overweight, Average, Underweight |
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, 108 male participants with major depression were assigned to take placebo or 1,000 mg of curcuminoids (>95% purity) for 6 weeks. All participants were also given escitalopram.
The curcumin group saw a modestly greater reduction in depression as measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, both of which were statistically significant compared with placebo. The percentage of participants achieving at least a 50% reduction in their score was higher in the curcumin group as well.
The curcumin group saw a greater reduction in IL-1β, TNF-α, and salivary cortisol, and an increase in BDNF levels, all of which were statistically significant compared with the placebo group.
