Curcumin May Potentially Improve the Effects of Antidepressants

(Newswire.net — February 19, 2018) Orlando, FL — Depression is normally treated through the use of certain pharmaceutical drugs. While it is generally advised that this medication should not be taken in combination with other substances, it appears that there may be an exception to the rule.

Curcumin may potentially improve the effects of antidepressants. This phytochemical is found in turmeric, which is an ancient spice. For thousands of years, turmeric has been utilized by sufferers of various symptoms and conditions.

This bioactive agent is thought to offer various health-based properties, which make it extremely popular around the world. Curcumin is believed to contain antimicrobial, antitumor, immunomodulating, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antiviral, androgenic, antifibrotic, geno-protective, reno-protective, anticoagulant, antiseptic, antioxidant, antibiotic, anticatabolic, insulin-sensitizing, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

While more studies are still underway to validate if curcumin has the ability to improve the effects of antidepressants, it is important to remember that in some studies, this phytochemical was found to be useful as an additional option for depression.

The Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology published a study that investigated the impact of curcumin as an add-on depression therapy.

The participants of the study were asked to consume 1000 mg of curcumin or placebo aside from the standard antidepressant. The researchers found there was a significant reduction in depressive behavior among those dosed with curcumin.

Further, there was also a decrease in inflammatory enzymes and levels of stress hormones. There was even an increase in BDNF levels in the curcumin group. BDNF is a protein that is vital for good brain health.

In a study involving an animal model, curcumin was believed to synergistically act with antidepressants. This natural alternative even decreased the dosage levels needed to produce health-based effects.

Another study found that curcumin may be able to potentiate the action of a certain antidepressant. Further studies have demonstrated that curcumin was as efficient as a certain antidepressant. However, when taken in combination with the pharmaceutical drug, curcumin did not enhance its therapeutic effect.

There are many possible health benefits linked with the use of curcumin. There are even many who consume curcumin supplements to take advantage of the phytochemical’s potential effects.

VitaBreeze’s curcumin supplement is one of the most popular curcumin formulas in the international market. This curcumin supplement contains black pepper, which is believed to be effective in increasing the delivery of curcumin inside the human body.

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