does saffron help reduce anxiety?

Introduction

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has been traditionally used in various cultures for its potential health benefits, including its effects on mental health. Recent research has explored its efficacy in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, given the limitations and side effects associated with conventional pharmacological treatments.

Key Insights

Efficacy in Reducing Anxiety and Depression Symptoms:
- Saffron supplementation has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in various populations, including those with mild to moderate comorbid depression-anxiety, type 2 diabetes, and healthy adults with subclinical symptoms .
- Clinical trials have demonstrated that saffron's effects on anxiety and depression are comparable to conventional antidepressants but with fewer side effects .
Mechanisms of Action:
- Saffron and its active constituents, such as crocins and safranal, are believed to exert their effects through multiple mechanisms, including modulation of neurotransmitters, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidant effects .
Youth and Specific Populations:
- In adolescents with mild to moderate anxiety or depressive symptoms, saffron extract (affron®) showed significant improvements in self-reported anxiety and depression scores, although parental reports were inconsistent.
- Saffron has also been studied in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), but no significant benefits were observed in this specific population.
Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews:
- Meta-analyses have confirmed the positive effects of saffron on anxiety and depression, highlighting its potential as an effective intervention. However, they also note the presence of publication bias and the need for more diverse and rigorous trials .
Safety and Tolerability:
- Saffron is generally well-tolerated with a low incidence of side effects, making it a promising alternative or adjunctive treatment for anxiety and depression .

Conclusion

The collective evidence suggests that saffron is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression across various populations. Its comparable efficacy to conventional treatments, coupled with a favorable safety profile, positions saffron as a viable alternative or adjunctive therapy for managing anxiety and depression. However, further research is needed to address publication biases and to explore its effects in more diverse populations.

Does saffron help reduce anxiety?

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

The effects of alcoholic extract of saffron (Crocus satious L.) on mild to moderate comorbid depression-anxiety, sleep quality, and life satisfaction in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Saffron alcoholic extract significantly improves mild to moderate depression-anxiety symptoms, anxiety, and sleep disturbance in type 2 diabetic patients, but not depression alone.

Saffron in the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders: Current evidence and potential mechanisms of action.

Saffron may provide effective and safe treatment for depression and anxiety disorders, with potential benefits similar to current medications but with fewer side effects.

Effect of saffron supplementation on symptoms of depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Saffron supplementation shows potential as an effective intervention for symptoms of depression and anxiety, but further trials are needed due to publication bias and lack of regional diversity.

Effects of Saffron Extract Supplementation on Mood, Well-Being, and Response to a Psychosocial Stressor in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group, Clinical Trial

Saffron extract supplementation improves subclinical depressive symptoms and may contribute to increased resilience against stress-related psychiatric disorders in healthy individuals.

affron®, a standardised extract from saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for the treatment of youth anxiety and depressive symptoms: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Affron®, a standardised saffron extract, improved anxiety and depressive symptoms in youth with mild-to-moderate symptoms, but parental reports of improvements were inconsistent.

The effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on mental health parameters and C-reactive protein: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Saffron intake significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and sleep quality scores, but did not affect HDRS-D, HARS-A scores, or CRP levels.

Saffron extract (Safr'Inside™) improves anxiety related behaviour in a mouse model of low-grade inflammation through the modulation of the microbiota and gut derived metabolites.

Saffron extract improves anxiety-related behavior in mice with low-grade inflammation by modulating gut microbiota and metabolites, potentially indicating a novel gut-brain axis interaction contributing to anxiety-related disorders.

Constituents of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) as Potential Candidates for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders and Schizophrenia

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its components show potential as a promising class of compounds for treating anxiety disorders and schizophrenia, offering advantages over current anxiolytics and neuroleptics.

A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the treatment of anxiety and depression

Saffron supplements significantly improve anxiety and depression symptoms, with rare side effects, after 12 weeks of treatment.

Effects of Saffron on Cognition, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Saffron does not show significant benefits in treating cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

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