Maylin Rodriguez-Paez RN

Curcumin, a compound derived from the spice turmeric, has been studied extensively for its ability to support brain health. Previous studies indicate a potential to combat depression and even Alzheimer’s disease.

New research suggests that it may aid in the treatment of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), a debilitating condition that affects not only veterans, but millions of people around the world.

The study was published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.

Study: Curcumin Blocks the Retrieval of Traumatizing Memories

Researchers from New York and New Haven conducted a series of experiments on rats. The purpose was to examine the effects of curcumin on PTSD. Rats were split into one of two groups: a curcumin-enriched diet and a regular diet.

The rats were conditioned to fear a sound with electric shocks and additional tests were performed to determine their ability to retrieve fearful memories. Later their brains were removed for analysis.

It was found that the rats eating a curcumin-enriched diet had a harder time storing fear-related memories. In addition, the curcumin-fed rats were able to forget fearful memories.¹

Patients with PTSD relive painful memories. The goal of treatment is to alleviate the fear related to their trauma.

Scientists aren’t exactly sure how the curcumin blocks the retrieval of traumatizing memories, but it may have to do with its ability to ease inflammation of the brain. Inflammation is thought to play a role in PTSD.²

Due to the limited absorption of curcumin, the rats were given 900 mg of curcumin per kg of body weight every day. In the average person, that translates to about 10.2 grams of curcumin per day.

Can Humans Expect the Same Benefits?

To date, no human studies have examined the effects of curcumin on PTSD. However, curcumin may benefit the underlying symptoms that accompany this condition, such as depression and anxiety.

Previous research indicates curcumin may treat depression as effectively as Prozac³, an antidepressant drug that is currently used to treat PTSD patients.

References:

1. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2014 Nov 28. 
2. BMC Psychiatry. 2013; 13: 40. 
3. Phytother Res. 2014 Apr;28(4):579-85