Tetrahydrocurcumin for Major Depressive Disorder with Therapeutic Potential and Mechanistic Insights from Clinical and Preclinical Studies.

ABSTRACT: Major depressive disorder (MDD) remains a leading cause of disability worldwide, and while selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are standard treatments, they have limited efficacy and adverse effects. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), a bioactive metabolite of curcumin, shows anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties that may augment antidepressant therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of THC in treating MDD. A randomized, open-label, parallel-group pilot trial enrolled 19 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who received either escitalopram (ESC, 10 mg/day) or ESC plus tetrahydrocurcumin (ESC + THC, 10 mg ESC + 200 mg THC per day) for 29 days. Participants were randomized 1:1, with blinded raters assessing depressive severity using the 17-ite

SUBMITTER: Guo Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12727745 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature