The objectives of the trial was to
compare the efficacy and safety of curcumin with fluoxetine (Prozac) in
patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The study observed 60
patients diagnosed with MDD. Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio
for six weeks in an observer-masked treatment using fluoxetine (20 mg)
and curcumin (1000 mg) both individually or in combination. To determine
the efficacy of each treatment, the main variable used was response
rates according to the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, 17-item version
(HAM-D17 ). They also employed a second efficacy variable which
examined the mean change in HAM-D17 rating after the six week
observation period.
Turmeric is
a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family. The
average person may best recognize turmeric as a spice commonly used in
Indian cuisine. The active compound curcumin is known to have a wide
range of medicinal benefits
including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, antibacterial,
and antiviral activities. In India, turmeric has been used for thousands
of years as a remedy for stomach and liver ailments. Turmeric can also
be used topically to heal sores due to its antimicrobial properties.
We observed that curcumin was well tolerated by all the patients. The proportion of responders as measured by the HAM-D17 scale was higher in the combination group (77.8%) than in the fluoxetine (64.7%) and the curcumin (62.5%) groups; however, these data were not statistically significant (P = 0.58). Interestingly, the mean change in HAM-D17 score at the end of six weeks was comparable in all three groups (P = 0.77). This study provides first clinical evidence that curcumin may be used as an effective and safe modality for treatment in patients with MDD without concurrent suicidal ideation or other psychotic disorders.
This marks the first published study
using a randomized and controlled clinical trial which indicates the
efficacy of turmeric (curcumin) in treating serious depression. Results
show that turmeric is just as effective as Prozac and possibly more
effective than other depression drugs on the market. It is important to
note the study does not account for the negative effects (side effects)
that come with Prozac. Prozac is known to cause suicidal ideation and/or
other psychotic disorders, however, these are not present when treating
with turmeric. The use of turmeric as a treatment for depression is
safer and less taxing on the body when compared to treatment with
pharmaceutical drugs. These results are not surprising given the
comparison of synthetic treatments vs natural.
The anti-depressant market reaches
annual profits of about $12 billion. This number is expected to increase
to $13.5 billion by 2018. These medications do not help cure
depressions but instead mask symptoms and create a life long reliance on
them. Utilizing natural treatments coupled with a holistic approach of
assessing lifestyle, diet and the root cause of depression is an
approach that is much more effective both in cost and curing patients.
It is important to keep in mind that the pharmaceutical industry is a
business before anything else. We are seeing a growing body of evidence
to suggest natural treatments are much safer and effective when treating
a variety of diseases, disorders and illnesses. It’s time they get more
attention.
http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/07/31/study-finds-turmeric-is-effective-as-prozac-for-treating-depression/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23832433
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2018-antidepressant-drugs/market-mdd-ocd-gad-pd/prweb10034006.htm
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