Nearly eleven percent of all American over the age of twelve are taking antidepressants and while they may do the job, there is no way to avoid the chance of experiencing severe side effects including nausea, fatigue, memory loss, and insomnia. These serious side effects could eventually result in long-term effects; however, a team of researchers are working on an alternative form of the medicine to reverse the effects.

A team of researchers from the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, may have discovered a natural alternative called curcumin. The compound curcumin can be found in turmeric, which is a spice commonly used in Indian curry. According to researchers, the natural compound is packed with antioxidants known to help reduce inflammation, free radicals in the body, and now can also ease depression symptoms.

During this study, researchers tested the effects of curcumin on 60 participants. Participants were separated into three groups. One group had only received curcumin supplements, another only received a generic version of Prozac, and the last group received a combination of both. Researchers found that by the end of a six week period, curcumin was almost affective as a standard care drug.

Although curcumin showed to be effective in easing depression symptoms, people can only experience the effects of the compound by eating it several times a day.