Crocus sativus L. versus Citalopram in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress: A Double-Blind, Controlled Clinical Trial

Ghajar A, Neishabouri S, Velayati N, Jahangard L, Matinnia N, Haghighi M, Ghaleiha A, Afarideh M, Salimi S, Meysamie A, Akhondzadeh S · Pharmacopsychiatry · 2016 October 04

DOI 10.1055/s-0042-116159

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in treating major depressive disorder with anxious distress through a randomized controlled trial.

Conclusions

Saffron demonstrated significant improvement in scores of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, comparable to the effects of citalopram, indicating its potential as an efficacious and tolerable treatment for major depressive disorder with anxious distress.

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Insights

Saffron has shown potential as an effective and tolerable treatment for major depressive disorder with anxious distress.

In the study, 66 patients suffering from major depressive disorder with anxious distress were randomly chosen to be treated either with 30 mg of saffron per day or 40 mg of citalopram per day for a duration of 6 weeks. Their progress was monitored using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, which aided in evaluating the effects of the treatment throughout the trial. In the results observed, it was found that patients from both groups, those treated with saffron and those administered with citalopram, demonstrated significant improvement in their depression and anxiety scales. The change in the scores between the two groups was examined and it was found that there was no profound difference. Interestingly, the frequency of side effects appearing was also not significantly varied between the two groups. This study hence showcases saffron as a potential reliable and well-tolerated treatment for major depressive disorder accompanied with anxious distress.