A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Curcumin and Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Supplementation on Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Mood Disturbance in Adults.

2026-03-06
Nutrients 18(5)
- Aidan M Cavanah
- Laura A Robinson
- Madison M Aguilar
- Elaine F Molaison
- Michael W Greene
- Michael D Roberts
- Andrew D Fruge

PubMed: 41830024
DOI: 10.3390/nu18050855

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: adults (n = 64, 18-50 years old)
Methods: 8-week randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial, 350 mg EGCG and 1330 mg curcumin daily or matched placebo
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: 8 weeks
Funding: Unclear

Rigorous Journal

Background/Objectives: Mood disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress have increased steadily among adults, with growing interest in non-pharmaceutical treatments to improve symptomology. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and curcumin are polyphenols with evidence to support their positive impacts on mood disorder symptomology and potential mood-associated biomarkers like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This study examined the effects of combined EGCG and curcumin supplementation on mood disturbance symptomology and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor in adults. Methods: An 8-week randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial was conducted in adults (n = 64, 18-50 years old). Participants were randomized to a supplement group (n = 32; 350 mg EGCG and 1330 mg curcumin daily) or a matched placebo group (n = 32). Mood disturbance (DASS-21, GAD-7), sleep disturbance (GSAQ), and physical activity (IPAQ) were assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8. Anthropometric measures, 24 h diet recalls, and fasted blood samples for serum BDNF were collected at baseline and Week 8. A multivariate ANOVA evaluated primary outcomes (DASS-21 composite score and BDNF), followed by repeated measures ANOVA for secondary outcomes (p < 0.05). Results: Significant improvements were observed across all participants for mood (DASS-21 composite and subscales, GAD-7, p < 0.001 for all), sleep (p < 0.001), and physical activity (p < 0.01), with no significant difference between supplement and placebo groups. Mean serum BDNF increased in both groups, but neither were statistically significant with no group-by-time interactions. Sugar intake (g/kg body weight) was positively correlated with mood symptoms at Week 8 in the supplement group. Baseline fruit and vegetable intake was associated with mood symptom severity at select time points; however, dietary changes during the intervention were not significantly related to changes in mood outcomes. Conclusions: Combined EGCG and curcumin supplementation did not show additional benefits beyond placebo for mood disturbance or serum BDNF over eight weeks. Observed improvements across both groups suggest that behavioral or lifestyle factors may play a larger role in short-term mood improvements than supplementation alone.

Research Insights

Green Tea→Increased Physical Activity
Significant improvements were observed across all participants for ... physical activity (p < 0.01), with no significant difference between supplement and placebo groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
1330 mg/day
Green Tea→Increased Serum BDNF Levels
Mean serum BDNF increased in both groups, but neither were statistically significant with no group-by-time interactions.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
350 mg/day
Green Tea→Reduced Anxiety
Significant improvements were observed across all participants for mood (DASS-21 composite and subscales, GAD-7, p < 0.001 for all), with no significant difference between supplement and placebo groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
1330 mg/day
Green Tea→Reduced Circadian Sleep Disturbance
Significant improvements were observed across all participants for ... sleep (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between supplement and placebo groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
1330 mg/day
Green Tea→Reduced Mood Disturbance
Significant improvements were observed across all participants for mood (DASS-21 composite and subscales, GAD-7, p < 0.001 for all), with no significant difference between supplement and placebo groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
1330 mg/day
Turmeric→Increased Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Level
Mean serum BDNF increased in both groups, but neither were statistically significant with no group-by-time interactions.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
1330 mg/day
Turmeric→Increased Physical Activity
Significant improvements were observed across all participants for ... physical activity (p < 0.01), with no significant difference between supplement and placebo groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
1330 mg/day
Turmeric→Increased Serum BDNF Levels
Mean serum BDNF increased in both groups, but neither were statistically significant with no group-by-time interactions.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
350 mg/day
Turmeric→Reduced Anxiety
Significant improvements were observed across all participants for mood (DASS-21 composite and subscales, GAD-7, p < 0.001 for all), with no significant difference between supplement and placebo groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
1330 mg/day
Turmeric→Reduced Circadian Sleep Disturbance
Significant improvements were observed across all participants for ... sleep (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between supplement and placebo groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
1330 mg/day
Turmeric→Reduced Depression Symptoms
Significant improvements were observed across all participants for mood (DASS-21 composite and subscales, GAD-7, p < 0.001 for all), with no significant difference between supplement and placebo groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
1330 mg/day
Turmeric→Reduced Mood Disturbance
Significant improvements were observed across all participants for mood (DASS-21 composite and subscales, GAD-7, p < 0.001 for all), with no significant difference between supplement and placebo groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
1330 mg/day
Turmeric→Reduced Stress
Significant improvements were observed across all participants for mood (DASS-21 composite and subscales, GAD-7, p < 0.001 for all), with no significant difference between supplement and placebo groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
1330 mg/day