TNF and major depressive disorder: Further, patients taking curcumin had increased plasma BDNF levels, decreased IL-1β and TNF-α levels, and decreased salivary CS concentration.[114] Another trial showed that adding curcuminoids to piperine combined with medication in conventional antidepressant treatment significantly reduced the HAMD and Beck Depression Inventory II total scores compared with those associated with conventional antidepressant treatment.[115] This prospective, randomized, blinded endpoint trial evaluated the efficacy of combined chamomile and saffron tea treatments in patients with depression.