RecruitingEarly Phase 1

Curcumin and EGCG Supplementation to Improve Serum BDNF and Mood Disturbance

United States64 participantsStarted 2024-09-30

Plain-language summary

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)

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 50 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

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

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Changes in total distress as measured via DASS-21 total score.

Timeframe: 8-weeks

Changes in serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Timeframe: 8-weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06531863

SponsorAuburn University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-05-01

Contact for this trial

Aidan Cavanah, MSc

2057893258 amc0108@auburn.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Mood Disturbance trials