Efficacy of curcumin in cognitive functions and inflammatory markers of major depressive disorder

Objective: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with cognitive deficits and inflammation which predict treatment resistance. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Curcumin in cognitive functions and inflammation in depression. Methods: The present study was a double-blind, randomized clinical trial design. One hundred twenty MDD outpatients, aged 18 to 55, were selected regarding the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly assigned to Curcumin (n = 60) and control groups (n = 60). Participants were assessed at baseline, sixth and twelfth week for depressive symptoms and cognitive functions. inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1 beta) were measured at baseline and the twelfth week. Both groups received sertraline. Experimental group received Curcumin while the control group received placebo. Data were analyzed by repeated measures MANOVA. Results: Curcumin out performed control on trial making test-B (P= 0.011), backward digit span, verbal fluency task and Tower of London (P< 0.001) at the twelfth week of assessment and forward digit span (P<0.001) and trial making test-A (P=0.041) at the sixth and twelfth week of assessment. Moreover, inflammatory markers reduced in the curcumin group more than in the control group (P< 0.011). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, Curcumin could be considered as an antidepressant to bring more therapeutic benefits in improving clinical symptoms and cognitive deficits, especially the executive functions of MDD patients. Moreover, it could lead to reduction of inflammatory markers and would target cognitive function more than conventional treatments.