Turmeric vs 5-HTP

for mood

Stronger evidence: tie

Stronger effect: Turmeric

Safety: 5-HTP has the more serious interaction profile (moderate vs serious).

For mood, the two are evidence-matched; the difference is in effect and safety.

grade C low certainty

curcumin may reduce depressive symptoms as an adjunct; bioavailability-limited

500–1000 mg curcumin/day, adults with depression

grade C low certainty

preliminary antidepressant signal; small, lower-quality studies

sources: PMID:42186284 · PMID:00000035