Study shows BCM-95 curcumin more effective than placebo in treating major depression

August 15, 2014 — A recently published clinical trial on major depressive disorder showed that high absorption BCM-95 curcumin was more effective in improving depression symptoms compared to placebo.¹

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 56 individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder were treated with BCM-95 curcumin (500 mg twice daily) or placebo for eight weeks. Researchers utilized clinically-validated scales of self-reported inventories for depression assessment. Each week participants were asked to rate the severity and frequency of specific symptoms present over the past seven days for eight weeks total.

By week four, continuing through week eight, BCM-95 curcumin was significantly more effective than placebo in lowering self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms. When examining the effects of curcumin in people with atypical depression, which is generally more difficult to treat, BCM-95 curcumin had even greater antidepressant and anti-anxiety efficacy compared to placebo.

“An important finding from this study is the enhanced antidepressant and anxiolytic efficacy of curcumin in people with atypical depression,” the authors noted.

Atypical depression is often associated with higher levels of inflammation. The researchers theorized that the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin may account for its increased effectiveness in this group.

“There is now increasing support for the antidepressant effects of curcumin, with a previous study² demonstrating BCM-95 curcumin to be as effective as a pharmaceutical antidepressant for the treatment of depression,” Dr. Adrian Lopresti, lead author of the study, said. “Further larger clinical trials are required to determine the optimal treatment dosage, length of treatment, and long-term efficacy of curcumin.”

It is important to note that the form of curcumin used in the study, BCM-95 curcumin, has unique specifications, including high absorption and inclusion of turmeric essential oil, which is not found in standard curcumin. Therefore, results may not apply to other forms of curcumin.

For more information on the study, please contact Dean Draznin Communications at 641-209-9591 641-209-9591.

References

¹Lopresti A, Maes M, Maker G, Hood S, Drummond P. Curcumin for the treatment of major depression: A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Journal of Affective Disorders. June 1, 2014. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2014.06.001

²Sanmukhani J, et al. Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res. July 6, 2013.