Turmeric , a vibrant yellow-orange spice, is renowned for its use in culinary and medicinal contexts, particularly in Indian and Southeast Asian cultures. What sets turmeric apart is its high content of Curcumin, the compound responsible for its distinct color and numerous health benefits. Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a staple in natural healing practices.

Its rich history and versatility in both food and health spheres make it a unique and valued ingredient worldwide. Fascinating research links Curcumin to improved mental health, underscoring its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant prowess.

These properties are believed to play a pivotal role in brain health, potentially mitigating the effects of mental health challenges. Curcumin , the active compound in turmeric, has shown promising results in enhancing mental health. Its benefits include mood improvement, cognitive function support, and stress alleviation.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Curcumin are particularly noteworthy; they are thought to effectively combat neuroinflammation, which is a common factor in various mental health disorders.

By reducing inflammation in the brain, Curcumin may help in mitigating symptoms related to mental health conditions, offering a natural approach to mental wellness. The impact of curcumin on mood enhancement has been a subject of scientific inquiry, revealing intriguing possibilities.

Within the realm of neuroscience, curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has garnered attention for its potential role in positively influencing mood. This influence on mood is believed to be linked to the intricate balance of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that facilitate communication between nerve cells in the brain.

Research suggests that curcumin may exert its mood-enhancing effects by modulating the levels of neurotransmitters.

These chemical messengers, including serotonin and dopamine, play pivotal roles in regulating mood, emotions, and overall mental well-being. The precise mechanisms through which curcumin achieves this mood enhancement are complex and multifaceted.

It is thought to impact various molecular pathways associated with mood regulation. For instance, curcumin may possess neuroprotective properties, shielding brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can adversely affect mood. J Affect Disord, Ng, Q. J Am Med Dir Assoc, Lopresti, A.

and P. Pae, C. CNS Drugs, Franklyn, S. Transl Psychiatry, Adrian Lopresti is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice and senior researcher at Murdoch University, Western Australia.

He has over 20 years of clinical experience working with children and adults suffering from a range of mental health conditions. Lopresti has experience in a range of psychological therapies and has received extensive training in nutritional and lifestyle treatments for mental-health disorders.

Lopresti regularly publishes in peer-reviewed and high-impact journals on the effects of diet, nutraceuticals, sleep, and exercise for the treatment and prevention of depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD , and bipolar disorder.

He has completed several clinical trials investigating the effects of curcumin, saffron, and ashwagandha for the treatment of anxiety and depression in children and adults. Lopresti is also the founder of Personalised Integrative Therapy , and regularly conducts educational workshops both nationally and internationally.

Skip to main content. What is Depression? Managing depression with curcumin Interest in curcumin as an antidepressant began around 15 years ago. Many of the symptoms of atypical depression may be associated with increased inflammation. Download a PDF version of this article References 1.

Goldman explains. A meta-analysis published in August in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition found evidence suggesting that curcumin may alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety when combined with standard treatments for those disorders.

But researchers noted that these findings should be interpreted with caution, because only a small number of people were included in the studies. Another review article, published in August in BMJ Open , found evidence that curcumin may offer some small, short-term benefits for depression, but the authors note that the current scientific evidence for its impact on depression is of very low quality.

Researchers need to study turmeric further before it can be recommended for managing depression, but this spice is difficult to study properly for several reasons.

It also has low bioavailability, meaning very little of it actually reaches the bloodstream to be absorbed by the body, NCCIH reports. Turmeric appears to be well tolerated, but it may cause side effects like change of stool color, minor headaches, and diarrhea, Safai adds.

The risk of diarrhea, in particular, gets higher the more you take or the longer you take it. The U. Food and Drug Administration FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness the way it does for over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

These supplements are not required to prove efficacy, safety, or quality of a product prior to marketing. Safai advises. RELATED: 12 Scientific Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin.

But be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a supplement, says Safai. Safai adds that turmeric and curcumin supplements can be difficult for the body to absorb. Supplements often contain more turmeric or curcumin than food does, and higher amounts of these substances can cause stomach upset for some people.

Here are some ideas for working more turmeric into your diet:. It should be noted, however, that the version of the Mediterranean diet used in this study included up to a teaspoon of turmeric a day.