Introduction
Depression is a mental health disorder that causes individuals to experience a wide range of emotions and behaviours that can adversely affect their daily lives. It is estimated that over 17.3 million American adults suffer from depression in any given year (Kessler, Chiu, Demler, & Walters, 2005). While traditional treatments such as psychotherapy and medications exist, there is growing interest in natural remedies as an alternative treatment for depression. One such remedy is the use of saffron capsules for depression. This article will discuss the definition, history, and scientific evidence for the efficacy of saffron capsules as an alternative treatment for depression.
Definition
Saffron capsules are capsules containing the plant-based supplement saffron extract. Saffron has been used for centuries as a culinary spice and in traditional medicines. It is derived from the stigma of the saffron crocus flower and is known for its distinct yellow colour and spicy flavour. Saffron extract is thought to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties (Mousavi et al., 2015).
History
Saffron has a long history of being used in traditional medicine. It has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including depression. In traditional Iranian medicine, saffron has been used to treat depression and anxiety (Hosseinzadeh et al., 2008). In recent years, saffron extract has been studied in the context of mental health disorders like depression.
Scientific Evidence
The scientific evidence for the use of saffron capsules for depression is promising. Several studies have found that saffron extract has superior efficacy to placebo in the treatment of mild to moderate depression (Lopresti et al., 2014; Akhondzadeh et al., 2005). In a study of 40 patients with mild to moderate depression, saffron extract was found to have a significant effect on depressive symptoms compared to placebo (Akhondzadeh et al., 2005). Additionally, saffron has been found to have fewer side effects than traditional antidepressant medications (Lopresti et al., 2014).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of saffron capsules for depression is gaining traction as an alternative treatment for mild to moderate depression. Several studies have found saffron extract to be superior to placebo in the treatment of depression, with fewer side effects than traditional medications. Further research is needed to understand the full potential of saffron capsules for depression.
References
Akhondzadeh, S., Tahmacebi-Pour, N., Noorbala, A. A., Amini, H., Fallah-Pour, H., Jamshidi, A. H., & Khani, M. (2005). Saffron in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate depression: A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 5(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-5-12
Hosseinzadeh, H., Tajabadi, M., & Hosseinzadeh, A. (2008). The effects of Crocus sativus (saffron) and its constituents on nervous system: A review. Phytotherapy Research, 22(2), 191–203. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2239
Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 617–627. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.617
Lopresti, A. L., Maes, M., Maker, G. L., Hood, S. D., & Drummond, P. D. (2014). Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: A systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 29(2), 97–103. https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.2345
Mousavi, S. H., Hosseinzadeh, H., & Ziaee, T. (2015). Crocus sativus L. (saffron) and its constituents: A review of biological activities and toxicity studies. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 78, 199–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2015.03.042