Saffron

Saffron vs. fluoxetine: According to a double-blind 6-week randomized study, use of saffron at 30 mg daily is equally effective as standard treatment for mild to moderate depression. Forty participants with diagnosed depression randomly received either saffron 30 mg/day or fluoxetine 20 mg/day. No significant differences between the two groups were reported. (2)

More on saffron vs. fluoxetine: Evidence for medicinal effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Crocus sativus (saffron) involve treatment of depression . According to results of a 6-week randomized and double-blind clinical trial by Akhondzadeh et al., use of saffron at 30 mg daily is more effective than placebo and equally effective as standard treatment for major depression. Forty adults who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) for major depression based on the structured clinical interview for DSM-IV and with mild to moderate depression participated in the trial. Patients were randomly assigned to receive capsules of saffron 30 mg/day (Group 1) or a capsule of fluoxetine (an antidepressant) 20 mg/day (Group 2) for a 6-week study. Saffron at this dose was found to be effective similar to fluoxetine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. There were no significant differences in the two groups in terms of observed side effects. The results of this study according to the authors indicated effectiveness of Crocus sativus in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. (3)