Curcumin and EGCG Supplementation to Improve Serum BDNF and Mood Disturbance

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Curcumin and Epigallocatechin Gallate Supplementation on Serum Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Mood Disturbance in Adults

The goal of this randomized placebo controlled trial is to examine mood disturbance and serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in people (age 18-50) with DASS-21 subscale scores >9. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does curcumin and EGCG supplementation improve mood disturbance symptomology? Does curcumin and EGCG supplementation increase serum BDNF? Researchers will compare intervention versus placebo.

Participants will consume an 8-week supplement of both:

• 1,330mg/day curcumin
• 350mg/day epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)

Clinical assessments will include phlebotomy (completed at weeks 0 and 8) and questionnaires which will be completed at weeks 0, 4, and 8 to assess changes in mood disorder symptomology and serum BDNF. 3 days of 24-hour diet recalls will be collected at weeks 0, 4 and 8. Daily reminders via Emitrr will be sent daily to ensure adherence to supplementation.

This is an 8-week randomized placebo controlled trial looking at mood disturbance and serum BDNF in moderately depressed adults aged 18-50. Participants will be randomized into the intervention group or placebo with the intervention group consuming 1,330mg/day curcumin and 350mg/day EGCG. Baseline mood disturbance questionnaires (DASS-21, GAD-7, GSAQ, IPAQ) and serum BDNF will be taken prior to intervention and again after intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults age 18-50
• Depression subscale score of >9/21 on the DASS-21
• No change in medications or supplements over the past 3 months
• Can read and speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently consume curcumin or green tea daily
• Currently, pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant
• Currently diagnosed with a perimenopausal disorder