London - A spice used in curry may help tackle depression.
In a trial in Canada, young people with bipolar disorder are being given supplements containing curcumin, the main component of turmeric, a bright yellow spice.
The patients, at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, have symptoms of depression despite taking a traditional mood-stabilising treatment. Curcumin will be added to their medication for two months.
Previous research has shown curcumin acts on a compound called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps in the development and functioning of nerve cells.
Patients experiencing acute bipolar episodes have been found to have lower levels of BDNF; levels increase when they recover. - Daily Mail