The world’s most expensive spice may also be an alternative treatment for mild-to-moderate depression, according to a new study published in the journal Human Psychopharmacology. Saffron, the spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, has been found to have had anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiplatelet effects in previous research and recent clinical trials have suggested that it could also be used for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. This review analyzed six clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of saffron in the treatment of major depressive disorder in 230 adult outpatients 18–55 years of age. In two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, 30mg/day of C. sativuswas found to be effective for the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression; 30mg/day of extract of saffron stigma was also found to be as effective as fluoxetine 20mg/day and imipramine 100mg/day for the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression in other studies. Additional research is needed to better understand the mechanisms associated with saffron as a therapy for major depressive disorder as well as developing an optimal treatment schedule, including dose and length of therapy.
Title
Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action
Background
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.
Objective
To provide an expanded systematic analysis of the completed clinical studies on saffron and depression, detailing dosages, extract sources, standardisations, safety profile and treatment duration; and, through a narrative review, to examine its potential antidepressant mechanisms of action.
Design
In the systematic review of clinical trials, electronic databases were searched for high-quality, randomised, double-blind studies, with placebo or antidepressant controls. A narrative review of in vivo and in vitro studies was conducted to examine its potential antidepressant mechanisms of action.
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.
Conclusions
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. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action
Background
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.
Objective
To provide an expanded systematic analysis of the completed clinical studies on saffron and depression, detailing dosages, extract sources, standardisations, safety profile and treatment duration; and, through a narrative review, to examine its potential antidepressant mechanisms of action.
Design
In the systematic review of clinical trials, electronic databases were searched for high-quality, randomised, double-blind studies, with placebo or antidepressant controls. A narrative review of in vivo and in vitro studies was conducted to examine its potential antidepressant mechanisms of action.
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.
Conclusions
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. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
