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I read somewhere that a study with saffron had the same effect on participants as Prozac. More paella!!
Saffron used to treat Depression
- Thread starter Miss Chloe
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This is about a year old but it sums it up 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24299602
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Hausenblas HA1, Saha D, Dubyak PJ, Anton SD.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Due to safety concerns and side effects of many antidepressant medications, herbal psychopharmacology research has increased, and herbal remedies are becoming increasingly popular as alternatives to prescribed medications for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Of these, accumulating trials reveal positive effects of the spice saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for the treatment of depression. A comprehensive and statistical review of the clinical trials examining the effects of saffron for treatment of MDD is warranted.
OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials examining the effects of saffron supplementation on symptoms of depression among participants with MDD.
SEARCH STRATEGY:
We conducted electronic and non-electronic searches to identify all relevant randomized, double-blind controlled trials. Reference lists of all retrieved articles were searched for relevant studies.
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
The criteria for study selection included the following: (1) adults (aged 18 and older) with symptoms of depression, (2) randomized controlled trial, (3) effects of saffron supplementation on depressive symptoms examined, and (4) study had either a placebo control or antidepressant comparison group.
DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS:
Using random effects modeling procedures, we calculated weighted mean effect sizes separately for the saffron supplementation vs placebo control groups, and for the saffron supplementation vs antidepressant groups. The methodological quality of all studies was assessed using the Jadad score. The computer software Comprehensive Meta-analysis 2 was used to analyze the data.
RESULTS:
Based on our pre-specified criteria, five randomized controlled trials (n = 2 placebo controlled trials, n = 3 antidepressant controlled trials) were included in our review. A large effect size was found for saffron supplementation vs placebo control in treating depressive symptoms (M ES = 1.62, P < 0.001), revealing that saffron supplementation significantly reduced depression symptoms compared to the placebo control. A null effect size was evidenced between saffron supplementation and the antidepressant groups (M ES = -0.15) indicating that both treatments were similarly effective in reducing depression symptoms. The mean Jadad score was 5 indicating high quality of trials.
CONCLUSION:
Findings from clinical trials conducted to date indicate that saffron supplementation can improve symptoms of depression in adults with MDD. Larger clinical trials, conducted by research teams outside of Iran, with long-term follow-ups are needed before firm conclusions can be made regarding saffron's efficacy and safety for treating depressive symptoms.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24299602
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Hausenblas HA1, Saha D, Dubyak PJ, Anton SD.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Due to safety concerns and side effects of many antidepressant medications, herbal psychopharmacology research has increased, and herbal remedies are becoming increasingly popular as alternatives to prescribed medications for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Of these, accumulating trials reveal positive effects of the spice saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for the treatment of depression. A comprehensive and statistical review of the clinical trials examining the effects of saffron for treatment of MDD is warranted.
OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials examining the effects of saffron supplementation on symptoms of depression among participants with MDD.
SEARCH STRATEGY:
We conducted electronic and non-electronic searches to identify all relevant randomized, double-blind controlled trials. Reference lists of all retrieved articles were searched for relevant studies.
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
The criteria for study selection included the following: (1) adults (aged 18 and older) with symptoms of depression, (2) randomized controlled trial, (3) effects of saffron supplementation on depressive symptoms examined, and (4) study had either a placebo control or antidepressant comparison group.
DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS:
Using random effects modeling procedures, we calculated weighted mean effect sizes separately for the saffron supplementation vs placebo control groups, and for the saffron supplementation vs antidepressant groups. The methodological quality of all studies was assessed using the Jadad score. The computer software Comprehensive Meta-analysis 2 was used to analyze the data.
RESULTS:
Based on our pre-specified criteria, five randomized controlled trials (n = 2 placebo controlled trials, n = 3 antidepressant controlled trials) were included in our review. A large effect size was found for saffron supplementation vs placebo control in treating depressive symptoms (M ES = 1.62, P < 0.001), revealing that saffron supplementation significantly reduced depression symptoms compared to the placebo control. A null effect size was evidenced between saffron supplementation and the antidepressant groups (M ES = -0.15) indicating that both treatments were similarly effective in reducing depression symptoms. The mean Jadad score was 5 indicating high quality of trials.
CONCLUSION:
Findings from clinical trials conducted to date indicate that saffron supplementation can improve symptoms of depression in adults with MDD. Larger clinical trials, conducted by research teams outside of Iran, with long-term follow-ups are needed before firm conclusions can be made regarding saffron's efficacy and safety for treating depressive symptoms.
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And also Brahmi!! Such a fantastic herb that does all sorts of amazing things-great for your brain, used for improving memory and concentration but also for anxiety and relaxing plus so much more. I have used it for memory and concentration and it is really good.
Troutmouth
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Saffron as in the herb used in Indian foods alot?
JSheehan89
Bronze Member
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No wonder im feeling so flash lately, not having enough curries, here i come curry house
Tyler Page
Bronze Member
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Saffron eh?? I'm allergic to shellfish so sadly no paella for me. But might be interesting to try and see if i can buy to just take daily..
? Cant be much worse than antidepressants daily
? Cant be much worse than antidepressants daily
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Vit D has been proven to increase brain function and therefore reduce symptoms of depression
https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/health-conditions/depression/
(A good summary with references)
Nothing like a bit of D to increase your mood
https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/health-conditions/depression/
(A good summary with references)
Nothing like a bit of D to increase your mood
Tyler Page
Bronze Member
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Yeah my doctor gave me some prescription for melatonin or something. It's Meant to stimulate the same part of your brain that makes you feel better when you're out in the sun. Can't say it did much for me.
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Saffron, Crocus sativus (Iridaceae), is a perennial herb, which earned its popularity as both medicine and spice. It is an inhabitant of different mountainous regions of Asia Minor to Greece, Western Asia, Egypt, and India. The benefits of saffron as an antidepressant are well-documented
Research shows that taking saffron or saffron extract by mouth for 6-12 weeks improves symptoms of major depression. Some studies show that saffron might be as effective as taking a low-dose prescription antidepressant, such as fluoxetine or imipramine. Early research in patients already taking an antidepressant shows that taking crocin, a chemical found in saffron, for 4 weeks reduces symptoms of depression more than taking the antidepressant alone.
www.webmd.com
Research shows that taking saffron or saffron extract by mouth for 6-12 weeks improves symptoms of major depression. Some studies show that saffron might be as effective as taking a low-dose prescription antidepressant, such as fluoxetine or imipramine. Early research in patients already taking an antidepressant shows that taking crocin, a chemical found in saffron, for 4 weeks reduces symptoms of depression more than taking the antidepressant alone.
SAFFRON: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews
Learn more about SAFFRON uses, effectiveness, possible side effects, interactions, dosage, user ratings and products that contain SAFFRON.
www.webmd.com