Turmeric Could Be Potentially More Beneficial Than Certain Anti-Depressive Drugs

(Newswire.net — September 5, 2017) Las Vegas, NV — Turmeric has long been used as a natural alternative, especially in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Research even reveals it may offer more benefits than some medications.

Nature’s gift called turmeric may be potentially more beneficial than certain anti-depressive drugs. Turmeric is an ancient spice that contains curcumin, which is a bioactive ingredient thought to be responsible for its unique effects.

Curcumin is believed to contain antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-carcinogenic, antiviral, and antibiotic properties.

There are many people who suffer from psychiatric disorders, such as Major Depressive Disorders (MDD). These conditions are detrimental to the health of both mind and body. Some of the symptoms of these conditions are lack of interest to socialize, irritability, mood swings, and constant suicidal thoughts.

Depression treatments usually target the maintenance of high serotonin levels in the brain. The good news is that curcumin may potentially offer the same beneficial effect. One of the best attributes in using this natural alternative is that it is not associated with side effects.

Personality traits, stressful life events, genetic causes, and adverse experiences are some of the most common factors that trigger the development of this psychiatric condition. To combat these factors, it is essential that high serotonin levels are maintained.

Scientists have conducted a study to determine the effects of curcumin on major depressive disorder as it is believed to have the ability to alleviate MDD. 

In the study, 60 participants with MDD were randomly divided into three groups. For 6 weeks, the first group received a certain pharmaceutical drug, the second group was given curcumin, and the third had a combination of both.

With the use of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D1), the depression levels were measured. It was found that the combination group had the highest response, which came in at 77.8%. The curcumin group resulted in a change of 62.5% and the pharmaceutical drug group 64.7%.

It is also important to note that the curcumin group did not experience side effects, which actually makes this natural alternative potentially more beneficial than the pharmaceutical drug.

Further studies are still underway to validate the effectiveness of curcumin in relation to these pharmaceutical drugs. Curcumin, as a polyphenolic compound, exhibits possible anti-depressant activity due to its ability to maintain high dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain.

In addition to its potential effects against MDD, curcumin may also offer various health benefits. There are many who turn to the use of curcumin supplements in hopes to improve their overall well-being.

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