Antidepressants generally do not lead to an immediate relief of symptoms. Most people will
not see a significant improvement for at least 4 weeks. Studies have generally shown that the
full benefits of antidepressant therapy may take as long as 8 to 12 weeks. However, this
timeline is variable among individuals.Curcumin is one of the main curcuminoids isolated from
this perennial herb. It possesses a variety of pharmacological activities, including
anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Curcumin has
been found to possess antidepressant action in various animal models of depression. Chronic
administration of curcumin has been reported to exert antidepressant-like action in olfactory
bulbectomy model of depression in rats. Although the mechanism of the antidepressant effect
of curcumin is not fully understood, it is hypothesized that it acts through inhibiting the
monoamine oxidase enzyme and modulating the release of serotonin and dopamine.In randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled study 40 patients will be randomized to receive either 500
mg/day of curcumin or placebo together with antidepressants for 6 weeks.