Curcumin and EGCG Supplementation to Improve Serum BDNF and Mood Disturbance

Launched by AUBURN UNIVERSITY · Jul 29, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, and EGCG, a compound in green tea, might help improve mood and a specific brain protein called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in adults aged 18 to 50 who are experiencing mood disturbances. The researchers want to find out if taking these supplements for eight weeks can help reduce feelings of sadness or anxiety and increase levels of BDNF in the blood. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the supplements or a placebo (which looks like the real thing but doesn't contain the active ingredients).

To join this study, you need to be between 18 and 50 years old and have a certain level of mood distress, as measured by a questionnaire. You'll also need to have been stable on any medications or supplements for the past three months and be able to read and speak English. However, if you are currently taking curcumin or green tea daily, are pregnant or nursing, or have specific hormonal disorders, you won’t be eligible. If you decide to participate, you can expect to take the supplements daily for two months and help researchers learn more about managing mood disturbances.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults age 18-50
• • Depression subscale score of \>9/21 on the DASS-21
• • No change in medications or supplements over the past 3 months
• • Can read and speak English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Currently consume curcumin or green tea daily
• • Currently, pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant
• • Currently diagnosed with a perimenopausal disorder