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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2025 Apr 25;25(1):157.
doi: 10.1186/s12906-025-04798-x.

The effect of curcumin on postpartum depression and anxiety in primiparous women: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

Elham Pishevar Hamlbar  1 , Mojgan Mirghafourvand  2 , Elnaz Shaseb  3 , Mahin Kamalifard  4
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The effect of curcumin on postpartum depression and anxiety in primiparous women: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

Elham Pishevar Hamlbar et al. BMC Complement Med Ther. .

Abstract

Postpartum depression and anxiety are common problems in primiparous women, which can negatively affect Maternal-infant bonding and lead to sexual disorders. It's important to prevent and treat these issues, especially since medication options during breastfeeding may be limited. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin, a natural substance known for its beneficial properties, on postpartum depression and anxiety in primiparous women. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 96 primiparous women in Tabriz City. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 48) or the control group (n = 48) using the random block method. The intervention group received curcumin capsules with a dose of 500 mg, while the control group received a placebo with the same dose once daily for eight weeks. Data was collected using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and postpartum-specific Anxiety Scale research short-form (PSAS-RSF) questionnaires. After the intervention, the mean score of depression (mean difference: -2.5; 95% confidence interval: -3.3 to -1.7; P < 0.001) and anxiety (Mean difference: -1.4; 95% confidence interval: -2.1 to -0.7; P < 0.001) in the intervention group were significantly lower than the control group. It seems that curcumin can improve the mental health and quality of life of primiparous women postpartum due to its efficacy in reducing postpartum anxiety and depression, easy accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Keywords: Anxiety; Childbirth; Curcumin; Depression; Integrative medicine; Phytotherapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethical approval: This study was approved by the ethics committee of the research and technology deputy of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (IR.TBZMED.REC.1401.474). The informed written consent was obtained from all participants. All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
CONSORT Flow chart of the study
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Graphical representation of depression
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Graphical representation of anxiety
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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