The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, are well known. This plant is native to India and is known as “Indian saffron” or “taste of gold”. Turmeric extract is extracted from its rhizome, from the Zingiberaceae family, of the genus turmeric whose scientific name is Curcuma longa L. Widely used as a spice in oriental cuisine, it is also used in beverages and infusions in the same way as its cousin-sister ginger.
But these anti-inflammatory properties do not stop there. Several studies on alternative and complementary treatments for depression have presented promising results with curcumin as an adjuvant. One such study covered a randomized controlled trial that showed that curcumin supplementation reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to participants taking a placebo.
Other research is validating whether Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can also prevent or treat depression, and whether it also alleviates or prevents other psychiatric conditions. In this case the deficiency of Omega-3 in our body is mainly due to our diet, thus the World Health Organization recommends an omega-3 fatty acid intake of 1.6 and 1.1% in men and women, respectively.
Ref.: Curcumin for depression: a meta-analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31423805/ Curcumin for neuropsychiatric disorders: a review of in vitro, animal and human studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28135888/ Omega-3 fatty acids and the treatment of depression: a review of scientific evidence: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5481805/