Saffron—the world’s most expensive spice for sadness and insomnia?

Aim of the study: Saffron (Crocus sativus), as an herbal medicine, has been extensively investigated for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. This systematic review aimed to assess the overall effects of saffron on cognition, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Results: Forty-six RCTs were enrolled, and the duration of these trials ranged from 4 to 48 weeks with saffron or its extracts, both alone or in combination with conventional drugs. Saffron was more effective than placebo in improving cognition, depression with an overall effect size of -4.26 (95% CI: -5.76, -2.77), anxiety of -3.75 (95% CI: -5.83, -1.67), and sleep disorders of -1.91 (95% CI: -2.88, -0.93). Saffron was non-inferior to conventional drugs for treating cognitive disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, and it exhibited good tolerance with few side effects. Saffron may exert protective roles for neurological and psychiatric disorders and represents a relatively favorable and safe treatment.

Aim of the study: This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) supplementation on anxiety, depression, and mood disorders in adults. Given the inconsistent findings of prior clinical trials, the authors synthesized evidence from randomized, placebo-controlled trials to clarify saffron's overall efficacy on mental health outcomes.

Results: A total of 34 RCTs comprising 1769 participants were included. Saffron supplementation significantly reduced scores on BDI (14 trials; 817 participants; WMD = -4.39, 95% CI: -6.64 to -2.15, p < 0.001, I2 = 92.3%) and the BAI (6 trials; 339 participants; WMD = -5.06, 95% CI: -8.44 to -1.68, p = 0.003, I2 = 94.8%). No significant effects were observed for the HDRS, HARS, or POMS. The certainty of evidence was rated as moderate according to the GRADE Working Group criteria.In conclusion, the findings suggest that saffron supplementation may be an effective complementary intervention for reducing self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms in adults. Lack of clinician-rated effects underscores need for high-quality trials.

Aim of the study: Saffron, a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, has now undergone several trials examining its antidepressant effects and, in a recent meta-analysis, was confirmed to be effective for the treatment of major depression.

Results: In the systematic review, six studies were identified. In the placebo-comparison trials, saffron had large treatment effects and, when compared with antidepressant medications, had similar antidepressant efficacy. Saffron's antidepressant effects potentially are due to its serotonergic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuro-endocrine and neuroprotective effects. Research conducted so far provides initial support for the use of saffron for the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. Further research is required to expand our understanding of the role and actions of saffron in major depression.

Aim of the study: Saffron, derived from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, has been shown in previous trials to have antidepressant effects in clinically diagnosed adults. However, the recruitment of small sample sizes, short treatment periods, and variability in the quality of studies have negatively impacted the strength of conclusions.

Results: On the primary outcome measure, compared to the placebo, saffron was associated with greater improvements in the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale - 21 depression score (β: -2.92 points; 95% confidence interval: -5.13, -0.71 points; Cohen's d = 0.39), with 72.3% of participants in the saffron group achieving a clinically significant change (a reduction of ≥ 7 points) compared to 54.3% of participants in the placebo group (P = 0.010). However, in the other secondary outcomes, there was no evidence of between-group differences. In exploratory analyses across various strata and assumptions, improvements in sleep disturbances (β: -2.72 points; 95% confidence interval: -4.99, -0.46 points; Cohen's d = 0.44) were identified in a subset of participants with a greater severity of sleep disturbance. There were no serious adverse reactions reported.

Aim of the study: To validate and extend on previous positive findings of the sleep-enhancing effects of saffron supplementation in adults with unsatisfactory sleep.

Results: Compared to the placebo, saffron supplementation was associated with greater improvements in sleep quality ratings (primary outcome measure), mood ratings after awakening, the ISQ total score, and ISQ-insomnia classifications. However, there were no significant differences between the saffron and placebo groups in other questionnaire and sleep diary outcome measures. Sleep improvements were similar for the two administered saffron doses. Compared to the placebo, saffron supplementation was associated with increases in evening melatonin concentrations but did not affect evening cortisol. Saffron supplementation was well-tolerated with no reported significant adverse effects. These results provide further validation of the sleep-enhancing effects of 28-days of saffron supplementation in adults with unsatisfactory sleep.

Aim of the study: In recent years phytotherapy has been explored as a source for alternative treatments for mood disorders. One potential candidate is saffron (Crocus sativus L.), whose main bioactive components are crocins and safranal. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of affron®, a standardised stigmas extract from Crocus sativus L. for improving mood, stress, anxiety and sleep quality in healthy adults.

Results: Analysis indicated a significant decrease in negative mood and symptoms related to stress and anxiety at a 28mg/day dose (with a significant difference between 28mg/day and placebo on the POMS Total Mood Disturbance scale, p<0.001, d=-1.10), but no treatment effect at the 22mg/day dose. affron® increased mood, reduced anxiety and managed stress without side effects, offering a natural alternative to standard treatments.

Aim of the study: Saffron, a natural remedy with potential antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, has gained attention as a potential therapeutic option. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of saffron versus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating depression and anxiety.

Results: Saffron could be a potential SSRI alternative to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms with fewer adverse events. Further research with larger sample sizes and in diverse populations is warranted to validate these findings and explore potential moderators of treatment response.

Aim of the study: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder worldwide. Choice treatment includes psychostimulants, but parents tend to be reluctant to administer them due to side effects, and alternatives are needed.

Results: This study compares the efficacy of saffron and the usual treatment with methylphenidate, using objective and pen-and-paper tests. We performed a non-randomized clinical trial with two groups, methylphenidate (n = 27) and saffron (n = 36), in children and adolescents aged 7 to 17. Results show that the efficacy of saffron is comparable to that of methylphenidate. Saffron is more effective for treating hyperactivity symptoms, while methylphenidate is more effective for inattention symptoms.

Aim of the study: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder often managed with stimulant medications such as methylphenidate. Around 30% of patients with ADHD do not respond to treatment or cannot tolerate its side effects, which necessitates the consideration of alternative options. This study evaluated the effectiveness of adding the saffron extract to methylphenidate on ADHD symptoms and working memory in children aged 6-12.

Results: 22 participants in the methylphenidate/saffron group and 21 in the control group completed the study. The changing trend of total ADHD scores (p = 0.002, Cohen's d = 0.85), hyperactivity score (p = 0.024, d = 0.62), impulsivity score (p = 0.031, d = 0.58), and attention score (p = 0.001, d = 0.92) was significantly different between groups based on subjective parent reports. However, no significant differences were found in impulsivity, inattention, or sustained attention on the CPT, though reaction time improved significantly (p = 0.023, d = 0.45). Scores on the Corsi Block Span Task indicated no significant changes in working memory between groups. The combination treatment was well-tolerated, with no reports of severe adverse effects. The findings suggest that the combination of saffron with methylphenidate may enhance subjective reports of ADHD symptoms, particularly hyperactivity and impulsivity; however, objective cognitive measures showed limited changes.