https://www.shamanicplantscience.org/post/early-human-trials-find-saffron-may-be-useful-in-adhd-addiction-depression-alzheimer-s-therapies
This short article gives a great summary. So great I’m reproducing it here in its entirety. Dr Amens favourite herb for depression +++
1)Introduction
Saffron, the humble yet expensive spice, is smashing early trials for a broad range of mental and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Saffron’s most researched compounds are Crocin, Crocetin, and Safranal. Crocin is a carotenoid and is responsible for the vibrant color of the stigmas in crocus flowers. Carotenoids are natural pigments that include bright yellow, red, and orange compounds such as beta-carotene and includes some of the world’s most powerful antioxidants. Once crocin enters the body, it converts into a metabolite known as crocetin which crosses the brain barrier and enters into the central nervous system. From there it inhibits the reuptake of dopamine which increases dopamine concentrations in the brain. Safranal is what gives saffron its distinct grassy odor and is occasionally used in perfumes. Safranal has mild enhancing activity on the GABA receptors; this may be responsible for saffron’s anti-epileptic and calming effects.
In one rodent study, one of these constituents (safranal) was able to increase survival and promote neurogenesis of new dopamine neurons. Saffron’s constituents not only elevate dopamine in mouse models, they are also protective and regenerative of the dopamine system. (1)
The buzz surrounding saffron is getting attention from several researchers and inspiring a new wave of saffron research into therapeutic applications. In this article we will explore many of the most promising human and animal studies done on saffron to date.
Crocin Molecule - Wikimedia Safranal Molecule - Wikimedia
II) ADHD
One study conducted by the Tehran University of Medical Sciences compared a generic formulation of the drug Ritalin (Methylphenidate) to an extract of saffron in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to see how the two compare in a classroom setting. Half were given Methylphenidate and half were given an extract of saffron. The study had parents and teachers both fill out a form to determine a ranking for hyperactivity and inattention for each of the children. The study found children who took saffron scored nearly identical to children in the methylphenidate group. (2)
ADHD stimulant medications that currently exist on the market come with some side effects that limit their application in a large diversity of people. For example, stimulant drugs can lower the seizure threshold in those with epilepsy. Stimulant drugs can also inflame other neurodevelopmental disorders like increasing tic frequency and/or severity in those with Tourette’s. Stimulant medications are also contraindicated in people with heart disease. Saffron’s dual purpose role as both a stimulant and an antiepileptic might target some of these roles better. While human trials are needed to determine safety of saffron in those with existing cardiovascular disease, saffron has been shown to be protective of the cardiovascular system in healthy individuals in one evidence-based review. (3)
III) Substance use
The link between ADHD and substance abuse is fairly well documented and repeatable across multiple studies. One meta-analysis from over 29 different studies found that 25% of children and 21% of adults admitted into human trials for substance abuse have ADHD, despite the prevalence of ADHD to be at around 5% of the general population. (4) Although no studies have tested saffron against both ADHD and substance abuse together, the convergence of new human trials for both substance use and ADHD could provide new hope for those seeking natural alternatives for this otherwise difficult combination. Recent studies into ADHD have found those with ADHD may have a gene that affects the “brain reward cascade,” or the brain's ability to regulate pleasure and reward. A lack of dopamine due to mutations in these genes can lead to negative feelings which can promote drug and alcohol seeking behavior. (5)
The current popular theory is that saffron’s dopamine-enhancing effects may assist with several addiction disorders.
Saffron was tested in a two-month study of 100 participants in an ongoing methadone reduction program to see if the herb could have an effect on preventing withdrawal symptoms. Scores were reduced by over 19% in the saffron group on several markers including muscle pains, loss of appetite, and sinus discharge while the placebo group noted an increase in symptoms over the 8-week study. (6)
In another study, saffron was tested for among former users of methamphetamine who were living with HIV/AIDS on depression rating scores. 57 former users of methamphetamine with depression were divided into two groups. One group was given saffron and the other group was given a placebo. Participants were given a commonly used self-reporting depression test known as the Beck-Depression Inventory -II. Saffron showed statistical effectiveness in reducing the depression ratings in those that received the oral dose of saffron. (7)
Could saffron help with alcohol addiction? One of saffron’s phytochemicals known as crocin was compared against diazepam (Valium) in mice with alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Researchers found seizures due to alcohol withdrawal were effectively mitigated in both groups with equal effectiveness. (8)
In one animal study, mice with morphine-induced memory impairment scored higher on memory tests when administered saffron extracts. (9) Saffron could find itself in a dual-purpose role, helping to ease cravings while helping to restore some memory and brain function after addiction. More human trials are needed in this area to see what roles saffron may play in restoring brain function after addiction.
IV) Neurodegenerative diseases and brain health
In addition to contributing to overall brain function, saffron may have a role in fighting neurodegenerative diseases. In one small human trial saffron was tested on 46 patients with Alzheimer’s against a placebo control group. The saffron group showed significantly better outcomes on cognition after 16 weeks as compared to the control group. (10)
One review analyzed several studies on saffron and cognition and memory. Saffron shows consistent improvement of memory and learning across multiple human and animal studies. The review included a specific analysis section on human trials in which only one human trial did not see improvement in cognition and memory out of seven. (11)
Saffron was also found protective of disease progression in two Parkinson’s animal trials. (12) (13) Human trials with Parkinson's disease are lacking, but as the evidence stacks up and saffron’s underlying mechanisms are explored, the research trajectory for saffron and Parkinson’s treatment is one to keep an eye on. Other dopamine enhancing drugs (agonists) are already being used in Parkinson’s but saffron may have unique roles as both a dopamine agonist and as a neurogenerative and neuroprotective compound.
V) Depression
A review compared six different human trials for saffron with depression. All six found antidepressant activity in the saffron. Four of the studies compared saffron to Fluoxetine (Prozac) and all four found similar effectiveness in both saffron and Fluoxetine groups. The consistency of results throughout these human trials highlights that saffron is a powerful antidepressant that warrants further research and long-term study. (14)
Saffron may also be useful as an adjunct therapy for those already taking antidepressant drugs according to one human trial. Saffron + fluoxetine was tested against fluoxetine + placebo. The antidepressant + saffron group scored better on depression scales than the antidepressant + placebo group. (15)
VI) Other Uses
· Eye Health: Saffron has been shown to prevent retinal degeneration and lower intraocular pressure. (16)
· Nerve Pain: Saffron has been shown to be effective for nerve pain in several rodent studies. (17) (18) (19) (20)
· Weight loss, diabetes, and metabolic disorders: Saffron has been shown to assist with lowering cholesterol and weight and can improve lipid profiles. Saffron has been also been shown to assist with high glucose, high triglyceride levels, and insulin resistance in animal trials. (21)
VII) Side effects & dose
Saffron has a fairly low incidence of side effects, the most common of which are dry mouth, nausea, anxiety, and loss of appetite.
While early toxicology reports have still found that therapeutic doses of saffron might be protective of the liver, saffron has shown some liver toxicity in higher doses than 5 grams of unrefined saffron. Saffron extracts can be especially dangerous and should not be consumed in higher doses than recommended on their bottles or kidney and liver function can become impacted.
The dose of saffron extract I have seen most consistently used in human trials across several studies is between 15 – 30 mg per day. Most supplement manufacturers as of 2021 sell dosages that seem to fall in a range between 30 and 88 mg.
