A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Curcumin and Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Supplementation on Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Mood Disturbance in Adults.

Background/Objectives: Mood disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress have increased steadily among adults, with growing interest in non-pharmaceutical treatments to improve symptomology. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and curcumin are polyphenols with evidence to support their positive impacts on mood disorder symptomology and potential mood-associated biomarkers like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This study examined the effects of combined EGCG and curcumin supplementation on mood disturbance symptomology and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor in adults. Methods: An 8-week randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial was conducted in adults (n = 64, 18-50 years old). Participants were randomized to a supplement group (n = 32; 350 mg EGCG and 1330 mg curcumin daily) or a matched placebo group (n = 32). Mood disturbance (DASS-21, GAD-7), sleep disturbance (GSAQ), and physical activity (IPAQ) were assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8. Anthropometric measures, 24 h diet recalls, and fasted blood samples for serum BDNF were collected at baseline and Week 8. A multivariate ANOVA evaluated primary outcomes (DASS-21 composite score and BDNF), followed by repeated measures ANOVA for secondary outcomes (p < 0.05). Results: Significant improvements were observed across all participants for mood (DASS-21 composite and subscales, GAD-7, p < 0.001 for all), sleep (p < 0.001), and physical activity (p < 0.01), with no significant difference between supplement and placebo groups. Mean serum BDNF increased in both groups, but neither were statistically significant with no group-by-time interactions. Sugar intake (g/kg body weight) was positively correlated with mood symptoms at Week 8 in the supplement group. Baseline fruit and vegetable intake was associated with mood symptom severity at select time points; however, dietary changes during the intervention were not significantly related to changes in mood outcomes. Conclusions: Combined EGCG and curcumin supplementation did not show additional benefits beyond placebo for mood disturbance or serum BDNF over eight weeks. Observed improvements across both groups suggest that behavioral or lifestyle factors may play a larger role in short-term mood improvements than supplementation alone.