From the Guidelines
Saffron is not recommended as a treatment for depression and/or anxiety disorders due to a lack of compelling evidence in recent studies. The most recent and highest quality study, a 2023 guideline update on the management of anxiety and depression in adult survivors of cancer, does not mention saffron as a treatment option 1. Instead, the study recommends cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBTs) and behavioral activations (BAs) as first-line treatments, with pharmacotherapy considered only when there is no or low availability of mental health resources or in specific patient circumstances.
Some key points to consider when treating depression and/or anxiety disorders include:
- The importance of regular assessment of mental health following initial diagnosis
- The need for shared decision making, taking into account availability, accessibility, patient preference, likelihood of adverse events, adherence, and cost
- The consideration of organizational and workforce obstacles, such as a shortage of mental health professionals, and limited referral networks for managing depression and anxiety
- The recommendation for CBTs and BAs as first-line treatments, with components such as problem solving used alone or in combination
It is essential to prioritize evidence-based treatments, and saffron is not a supported treatment option based on the current evidence 1. While saffron may have shown promise in some studies, the most recent and highest quality study does not support its use as a treatment for depression and/or anxiety disorders.
From the Research
Role of Saffron in Treating Depression and Anxiety Disorders
- There are no research papers provided to assist in answering this question, as the studies cited do not mention saffron in the treatment of depression and/or anxiety disorders 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies provided discuss the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other medications in the treatment of anxiety and depression, but do not mention saffron as a potential treatment option.
- The evidence suggests that SSRIs, such as escitalopram and sertraline, are effective in treating anxiety and depression, but does not provide information on the use of saffron for these conditions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.