Saffron

Saffron extract vs. donepezil: Saffron extract in the treatment of 54 Persian-speaking patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (aged 55 years or older) was analyzed in this 22-week, double-blind study. Each participant was randomly assigned to receive saffron at 30 mg/day (15 mg twice per day) or donepezil at 10 mg/day (5 mg twice per day). Cognitive function in both groups was measured using the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale-Sums of Boxes scores compared with baseline. Researchers found saffron had a similar effect to the drug donepezil in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s—but with significantly less vomiting experienced among the saffron group. (5)