Evidence supporting the use of: Curcumin
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric (Curcuma longa), has gained scientific interest for its potential role in supporting or treating anxiety disorders. While curcumin has a long history of use in traditional medicine for various ailments, its use specifically for anxiety is more recent and primarily based on emerging scientific research rather than traditional use for this particular condition.

Preclinical studies suggest that curcumin exerts anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, possibly by modulating neurotransmitter levels (such as serotonin and dopamine), reducing inflammation, and acting as an antioxidant. Animal studies have shown reduced anxiety-like behaviors following curcumin administration. A few small-scale, randomized controlled trials in humans have investigated curcumin supplementation in people with major depressive disorder, some of whom also had anxiety symptoms. These studies reported reductions in anxiety scores compared to placebo, but the sample sizes were small and the effect sizes modest.

The evidence is not yet robust, with most clinical studies limited by small cohorts, short duration, and variability in curcumin formulations and dosages. There is a need for larger, well-controlled clinical trials to establish efficacy and optimal dosing. Nonetheless, current findings provide preliminary support for curcumin as a potential adjunctive therapy for anxiety, justifying a moderate evidence rating. It should not replace standard treatments but may be considered as a complementary option under medical supervision.

More about curcumin
More about Anxiety Disorders

Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Aconite
Albizia
amino acids
apigenin
ashwagandha
Bacopa
Bacopin
bacoside
Baikal Skullcap
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium longum
brahmi
cannabidiol
Cannabis sativa oil
Capitate Valerian
catnip
Centella asiatica
chamomile
Clary sage
cocoa
Convolvulus pluricaulis
Convolvulus prostratus
cowslip
curcumin
Cymbopogon martini
essential oil blend
gastrodin
Gelsemium
ginkgo biloba
Ginkgoside
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
Griffonia simplicifolia
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
hericium mushroom
Honokiol
hyperforin
Hypericum
inositol
jujubosides
kava
kavalactones
Kefir
L-glycine
L-taurine
L-theanine
L-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Large-leaved linden
Lavandin
lavender
lemon balm
linalool
linden
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
magnolol
Matcha
Melatonin
Mesembrine
Mimulus
Monoterpenes
Motherwort
Muira puama
Mulungu
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
Passionfruit
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
Polygala
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
probiotics
Pulsatilla
Purple Monkeyflower
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
Rhodiola
rosavins
rosmarinic acid
Safranal
SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
Sandalwood
sceletium
Scleranthus annus
Shankhpushpi
shen-chu
skullcap
Spikenard
St. John's Wort
star of Bethlehem
Tea
Terpenoids
Tetrahydropalmatine
Trichilia catigua
Valerenic acid
Valerian root
velvet bean
Vervain
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
Vitexin
Waterhyssop
Wogonin
Yohimbine
Zinc