A systematic review of randomized controlled trials examining the effectiveness of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on psychological and behavioral outcomes / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Throughout the past three decades, increased scientific attention has been given to examining saffron's (Crocus sativus L.) use as a potential therapeutic or preventive agent for a number of health conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and depression.</p><p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The purpose of this systematic review is to examine and categorize the current state of scientific evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the efficacy of saffron on psychological/behavioral outcomes.</p><p><b>SEARCH STRATEGY</b>Electronic and non-electronic systematic searches were conducted to identify all relevant human clinical research on saffron. The search strategy was extensive and was designed according to the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)." Reference lists of articles that met the inclusion criteria were searched. Only English language studies were reviewed.</p><p><b>INCLUSION CRITERIA</b>Saffron trials in combination with other substances and saffron safety studies were considered, in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Included studies must have a control group. Included studies must measure a physiological and/or a behavioral outcome.</p><p><b>DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS</b>The methodological quality of all included studies was independently evaluated by two reviewers using the Jadad score. Mean scores and P-values of measures were compared both inter- and intra-study for each parameter (i.e., depression).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twelve studies met our inclusion criteria. These studies examined the effects of saffron on psychological/behavioral outcomes of: major depressive disorder (n=6), premenstrual syndrome (n = 1), sexual dysfunction and infertility (n=4), and weight loss/snacking behaviors (n=1). The data from these studies support the efficacy of saffron as compared to placebo in improving the following conditions: depressive symptoms (compared to anti-depressants and placebo), premenstrual symptoms, and sexual dysfunction. In addition, saffron use was also effective in reducing excessive snacking behavior.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Findings from initial clinical trials suggest that saffron may improve the symptoms and the effects of depression, premenstrual syndrome, sexual dysfunction and infertility, and excessive snacking behaviors. Larger multi-site clinical trials are needed to extend these preliminary findings.</p>

Effect of a novel dietary supplement on pH levels of healthy volunteers: a pilot study / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the effects of a greens alkalizing dietary supplement on urinary pH levels in individuals with lower-than-average pH levels.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The present study investigated the effects of an alkalizing formula (Reserveage Wholeganic Greens(TM)) on four individuals who had average urinary pH levels below 6.0 for three consecutive days. Following the three-day, baseline period, participants received Reserveage Wholeganic Greens(TM) for four consecutive days and were instructed to continue to measure their urine pH levels. Paired samples t-tests were used to examine pH levels before and after a four-day treatment period with Reserveage Wholeganic Greens(TM).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to baseline, mean urine pH levels in all volunteers were significantly higher following the supplementation with Reserveage Wholeganic Greens(TM) (5.89 ± 0.20 vs 5.56 ± 0.23; P<0.01). Participants' pH levels were also significantly higher than baseline on days 5, 6, and 7 of the treatment period (P < 0.05). Noteworthy, on day 7, participants' mean pH levels were significantly higher than at the beginning of the treatment period (6.03 ± 0.15 at day 7 vs 5.65 ± 0.24 at day 4; P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The findings of this study suggest that supplementation with Reserveage Wholeganic Greens(TM) has an alkalizing effect on the body and can increase the urine pH levels in individuals with lower-than-average pH levels.</p>

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>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.</p><p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>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.</p><p><b>SEARCH STRATEGY</b>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.</p><p><b>INCLUSION CRITERIA</b>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.</p><p><b>DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS</b>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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>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.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>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.</p>