A preliminary assessment of a combination of rhodiola and saffron in the management of mild–moderate depression

While the medicinal plants Rhodiola rosea L. (rhodiola, golden root) and Crocus sativus L. (saffron) have both shown significant antidepressant effects, this 2018 study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a rhodiola-saffron combination in treating mild to moderate depression. With the help of general practitioners (GPs), 45 adults with mild or moderate depression were given a combination of rhodiola and saffron extracts (one tablet, 154 mg of rhodiola and 15 mg of saffron; recommended dose two tablets per day for 6 weeks). After 6 weeks of daily ingestion, the patients’ depressive assessment scores (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression) noticeably decreased by 58%. In fact, 85.4% of the patients’ scores improved. Looking at the other measures for anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety and depression), there were marked reductions again at 6 weeks. From 2 weeks post-intake, the decreases in scores were significant. Both the GP and the patient agreed that their depression had improved by the end of the study. Moreover, no severe adverse effects were reported. This observational study supports the use of a rhodiola and saffron combination in the management of mild to moderate depression. These compounds may also provide anxiolytic benefits, but a double-blind placebo-controlled study is warranted to provide further evidence. [NPID: major, herbs, depressive, anxiety, rhodiola, crocus]

Year: 2018

Reference: Bangratz, M., Ait Abdellah, S., Berlin, A., Blondeau, C., Guilbot, A., Dubourdeaux, M., & Lemoine, P. (2018). A preliminary assessment of a combination of rhodiola and saffron in the management of mild-moderate depression. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 14, 1821–1829.