# Curcumin Eases Depression Symptoms, More Clearly in Women

_Evidence Level: Moderate · Alsanie SA et al., Food & nutrition research, DOI 10.29219/fnr.v70.14735_

*Effects of curcumin on depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Why this grade**: A meta-analysis of 26 randomized trials with 1,491 adults, limited by highly inconsistent results and moderate-to-low certainty of evidence.
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: Food & nutrition research
- **Sample Size**: 26 RCTs, 1,491 adults
- **Authors**: Alsanie SA, Alblaji M, Alharbi NA, Alhodieb FS, Askarpour M
- **Graded and published**: 2026-09-24
- **Last edited**: 2026-10-14
- **Topics**: Supplements, Mental Health
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.29219/fnr.v70.14735
- **Free full text**: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13653422/
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42859601/

## Summary

Curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress more than placebo across 26 randomized trials. The trials included 1,491 adults taking 60 to 3,000 milligrams a day for 4 to 52 weeks. For depression, doses above 1.5 grams a day tended to do better, and the effect was larger in women, while no clear effect was found in men. Results varied widely between trials, though, many were small and short, and side effects were reported incompletely. The authors also stress that statistical significance does not prove a clinically noticeable benefit.

## Practical Takeaway

Curcumin reduced depression and anxiety symptoms more than placebo, with the depression effect concentrated in women.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/curcumin-eases-depression-symptoms-more-clearly-in-women · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-10-14_