Saffron : A Natural Remedy for Depression

The Potential of Saffron in Treating Mild to Moderate Depression.

Depression is a critical health issue affecting people worldwide. In some developed countries, lifetime prevalence estimates for depression can reach up to 21% of the population. Traditional medicinal plants like saffron (Crocus sativus L.) have been used in Persian traditional medicine for centuries, not only for treating stomach ailments and boosting appetite but also for mitigating depression.

A study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2005 aimed to investigate the efficacy of saffron stigma in treating mild to moderate depression. This was a six-week double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial. The study involved 40 adult outpatients who met the criteria for major depression according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition. Patients had a baseline Hamilton depression rating scale of at least 18.

In the study, patients were randomly assigned to receive either a 30 mg saffron capsule per day or a placebo capsule for six weeks. The results of the trial showed that the saffron group experienced a significantly better outcome on the Hamilton depression scale than the placebo group after six weeks. Moreover, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of observed side effects.

These findings suggest that saffron could be an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression. However, a larger scale trial is warranted to confirm these promising results.

For further details, the full study can be accessed here.