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Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Hausenblas et al. (2013) sought to provide a comprehensive and statistical review of the randomized controlled trials examining the effects of saffron (crocus sativus L.) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) following accumulating evidence for the beneficial effects saffron induces in depressive patients. To be selected from the database search results, the randomized controlled trials had to study adults (aged 18 years and older) with symptoms of depression, examine effects of saffron supplementation on depressive signs, and also involve a placebo control or antidepressant comparison group. Five trials, including two placebo-controlled trials and three antidepressant-controlled trials, met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the review. The former trials showed a large effect size for saffron supplementation vs. placebo control in treating depressive symptoms, indicating a significant reduction in symptoms in the saffron intervention group compared to the placebo. When saffron was compared to another antidepressant, a null effect size was revealed, meaning both treatments were similarly effective. Also, the JADAD score of five marked the trials in this meta-analysis were of high quality. To conclude, although long-term follow-ups are needed to affirm these findings, this meta-analysis shows that saffron supplementation can improve symptoms of depression in adults with MDD. [NPID: saffron, depressive, MDD, depression, herbs]
Year: 2013
