Saffron
Summary
- Early clinical studies exist, but current evidence does not support replacing usual ADHD treatment with saffron.
- Adult research tested saffron alongside existing treatment, with inconsistent findings across symptom scales.
Ways to apply
Small comparison trials do not justify replacing medication
Research-backed
A trial in children compared saffron with methylphenidate for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Changes in symptom scores did not clearly differ between groups. However, the trial was small and short, with no placebo group; it cannot establish equivalent effectiveness(Baziar et al., 2019).
A systematic review called saffron worth further research and urged better multicenter trials. Having studies does not mean saffron can replace prescription medication(Seyedi-Sahebari et al., 2023).
Adult research tested saffron as an add-on
Research-backed
In an adult clinical trial, both groups continued methylphenidate, adding either saffron or placebo. At the end, two symptom scales gave inconsistent results: one showed greater improvement with added saffron; the other found no statistically significant difference between groups(Pazoki et al., 2022).
This study only addresses whether adding saffron helps. It does not establish whether saffron alone is effective for adults.
A product name does not establish a match with the trial
Research-backed
A psychiatric guideline on nutritional and plant supplements identifies plant-product quality and standardization as important limits on judging effectiveness(Sarris et al., 2022).
The child trial used saffron capsules. A commercial product labeled “saffron” is not necessarily the same preparation. Discussion with a doctor needs to cover specific ingredients and formulation, rather than applying study findings based on the name alone(Baziar et al., 2019).
Evidence
References (4)
- Randomized trialCrocus sativus L. Versus Methylphenidate in Treatment of Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind Pilot StudyBaziar Sara, Aqamolaei Ali, Khadem Ebrahim, Mortazavi Seyyed Hosein, Naderi Sina, Sahebolzamani Erfan, Mortezaei Amirhosein, Jalilevand Shakiba, Mohammadi Mohammad-Reza, Shahmirzadi Mahsa, Akhondzadeh Shahin (2019). Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology
- ReviewThe Effects of Crocus sativus (Saffron) on ADHD: A Systematic ReviewSeyedi-Sahebari Sepideh, Farhang Sara, Araj-Khodaei Mostafa, Akhondzadeh Shahin, Naseri Amirreza, Sanaie Sarvin, Frounchi Negin (2023). Journal of Attention Disorders
- Randomized trialEfficacy and safety of saffron as adjunctive therapy in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialPazoki Benyamin, Zandi Nadia, Assaf Zeinab, Moghaddam Hossein Sanjari, Zeinoddini Arefeh, Mohammadi Mohammad Reza, Akhondzadeh Shahin (2022). Advances in Integrative Medicine
- GuidelineClinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals: The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) TaskforceSarris Jerome, Ravindran Arun, Yatham Lakshmi N., Marx Wolfgang, Rucklidge Julia J., McIntyre Roger S., Akhondzadeh Shahin, Benedetti Francesco, Caneo Constanza, Cramer Holger, Cribb Lachlan, de Manincor Michael, Dean Olivia, Deslandes Andrea Camaz, Freeman Marlene P., Gangadhar Bangalore, Harvey Brian H., Kasper Siegfried, Lake James, Lopresti Adrian, Lu Lin, Metri Najwa-Joelle, Mischoulon David, Ng Chee H., Nishi Daisuke, Rahimi Roja, Seedat Soraya, Sinclair Justin, Su Kuan-Pin, Zhang Zhang-Jin, Berk Michael (2022). The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry