'Saffron' May Offer Benefit to Persons Suffering from Depression

Category: Conditions of the Brain

Saffron (Crocus sativus) has a history of use for stomach ailments, to aid digestion, and to stimulate appetite. Traditional Persian Medicine has also mentioned saffron for the treatment of depression. The February issue of Phytotherapy Research discusses a study that measures the efficacy of saffron for the treatment of mild to moderate depression.

The small study had 40 adult participants who had been diagnosed with major depression as outlined in the DSM-IV. Each participant had a Hamilton depression rating score of 18 or greater. The participants received 30mg/day of saffron or placebo for 6 weeks. After completion of the study participants were again rated on the Hamilton depression rating scale.

The study found that saffron significantly decreased depression as measured on the Hamilton rating scale. Results were statistically significant compared to placebo. There were no side effects observed in the treatment group. A larger scale trial is needed to confirm the results of this study.

Posted by on November 16, 2008 10:00 AM