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Shafiee A, Jafarabady K, Seighali N, Mohammadi I, Rajai Firouz Abadi S, Abhari FS, Bakhtiyari M. Effect of Saffron Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutr Rev 2024:nuae076. [PMID: 38913392 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuae076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Saffron, a natural remedy with potential antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, has gained attention as a potential therapeutic option. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of saffron versus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating depression and anxiety. DATA SOURCE Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database, were searched from inception to April 31, 2023. DATA EXTRACTION Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing saffron intervention with SSRIs in adults with depression or anxiety were included. DATA ANALYSIS Random-effects meta-analysis using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and risk ratio (RRs) with their 95% CIs calculated continuous and binary outcomes, respectively. Meta-analysis of 8 studies assessing depression outcomes revealed a nonsignificant difference between saffron and SSRIs in reducing depressive symptoms (SMD = 0.10l 95% CI: -0.09 to 0.29). Four studies reporting anxiety outcomes showed a nonsignificant difference between saffron and SSRIs in reducing anxiety symptoms (SMD = 0.04; 95% CI: -0.22 to 0.29). With regard to safety, participants receiving saffron had fewer adverse events than the SSRI group (risk difference: -0.06; 95% CI: -0.09, -0.04; I2: 0%). CONCLUSION Saffron could be a potential SSRI alternative to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms with fewer adverse events. Further research with larger sample sizes and in diverse populations is warranted to validate these findings and explore potential moderators of treatment response. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023443236.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Shafiee
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Kyana Jafarabady
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran
| | - Niloofar Seighali
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ida Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahryar Rajai Firouz Abadi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faeze Soltani Abhari
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mahmood Bakhtiyari
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Department of Community Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, 3149779453, Iran
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Hasheminasab FS, Azimi M, Raeiszadeh M. Therapeutic effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L) on female reproductive system disorders: A systematic review. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2832-2846. [PMID: 38558480 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The effect of Crocus sativus on several disorders has been discussed or even confirmed, but the efficacy of this herb on the female reproductive system has not been well presented. In this regard, this systematic review comprehensively discussed the efficacy of C. sativus and its main phytochemical compounds on the female reproductive system and its disorders for the first time. In this systematic review, scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Scientific Information Database, were explored profoundly. In vivo, in vitro, and human studies published until the end of July 2023, which had investigated the pharmacological properties of C. sativus, crocin, crocetin, safranal, or picrocrocin on the female reproductive system, were selected. A total of 50 studies conducted on the effect of C. sativus on the female reproductive system were acquired. These studies confirmed the efficacy of C. sativus or its main phytochemical ingredients in several aspects of the female reproductive system, including regulation of sex hormones, folliculogenesis, ovulation, and protection of the ovary and uterus against several oxidative stress. Several retrieved studies indicated that this herb also can alleviate the symptoms of patients suffering from dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, menopause, polycystic ovary disease (PCOD), and sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, it is a promising candidate for future studies or even trials regarding ovarian and cervical cancers. This review concluded that C. sativus can improve the symptoms of several female reproductive system disorders, which is particularly due to the presence of phytochemical ingredients, such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maryam Azimi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Raeiszadeh
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman university of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Mir RA, Tyagi A, Hussain SJ, Almalki MA, Zeyad MT, Deshmukh R, Ali S. Saffron, a Potential Bridge between Nutrition and Disease Therapeutics: Global Health Challenges and Therapeutic Opportunities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1467. [PMID: 38891276 PMCID: PMC11174376 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Plants are an important source of essential bioactive compounds that not only have a beneficial role in human health and nutrition but also act as drivers for shaping gut microbiome. However, the mechanism of their functional attributes is not fully understood despite their significance. One such important plant is Crocus sativus, also known as saffron, which possesses huge medicinal, nutritional, and industrial applications like food and cosmetics. The importance of this plant is grossly attributed to its incredible bioactive constituents such as crocins, crocetin, safranal, picrocrocin, and glycosides. These bioactive compounds possess a wide range of therapeutic activities against multiple human ailments. Since a huge number of studies have revealed negative unwanted side effects of modern-day drugs, the scientific communities at the global level are investigating a large number of medicinal plants to explore natural products as the best alternatives. Taken into consideration, the available research findings indicate that saffron has a huge scope to be further explored to establish alternative natural-product-based drugs for health benefits. In this review, we are providing an update on the role of bioactive compounds of saffron as therapeutic agents (human disorders and antimicrobial activity) and its nutritional values. We also highlighted the role of omics and metabolic engineering tools for increasing the content of key saffron bioactive molecules for its mass production. Finally, pre-clinical and clinical studies seem to be necessary to establish its therapeutic potential against human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakeeb Ahmad Mir
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal 191201, India
| | - Anshika Tyagi
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sofi Javed Hussain
- Department of Botany, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal 191201, India;
| | - Mohammed A. Almalki
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Tarique Zeyad
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India;
| | - Rupesh Deshmukh
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh 123031, India;
| | - Sajad Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea;
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Han S, Cao Y, Wu X, Xu J, Nie Z, Qiu Y. New horizons for the study of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its active ingredients in the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders: A systematic review of clinical evidence and mechanisms. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2276-2302. [PMID: 38424688 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus), as an herbal medicine, has been extensively investigated for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. This systematic review aimed to assess the overall effects of saffron on cognition, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by searching PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials databases up to June 2023 according to search terms and inclusion criteria. The participants were either healthy or suffering from some diseases, including neurological and psychiatric disorders, and consumed saffron or its extracts as an intervention. The risk of bias was assessed according to the Cochrane guidelines, and the PRISMA statement was followed. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan and STATA software. A random-effects or fixed-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect sizes. Forty-six RCTs were enrolled, and the duration of these trials ranged from 4 to 48 weeks with saffron or its extracts, both alone or in combination with conventional drugs. Saffron was more effective than placebo in improving cognition, depression with an overall effect size of -4.26 (95% CI: -5.76, -2.77), anxiety of -3.75 (95% CI: -5.83, -1.67), and sleep disorders of -1.91 (95% CI: -2.88, -0.93). Saffron was non-inferior to conventional drugs for treating cognitive disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, and it exhibited good tolerance with few side effects. Saffron may exert protective roles for neurological and psychiatric disorders and represents a relatively favorable and safe treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufen Han
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifei Cao
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingrong Wu
- Male Department of General Psychiatry, Shanxi Provincial Mental Health Center and Taiyuan Psychiatric Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaoyang Xu
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zizheng Nie
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Qiu
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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Kouchaki E, Rafiei H, Ghaderi A, Azadchehr MJ, Safa F, Omidian K, Khodabakhshi A, Vahid F, Rezapoor-Kafteroodi B, Banafshe HR, Safa N. Effects of crocin on inflammatory biomarkers and mental health status in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized, double-blinded clinical trial. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 83:105454. [PMID: 38306888 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS), as a demyelinating disease correlated with inflammation and oxidative stress, affects the central nervous system and causes a wide range of complications, including psychiatric disorders. Considering the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties associated with the bioactive components of saffron, such as crocin (trans-crocetin bis(β-d-gentiobiosyl) ester), and their potential impact on ameliorating psychiatric symptoms, our study aimed to investigate the effect of crocin on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and mental health, e.g., depression and anxiety in individuals with MS. METHOD Patients with MS were randomized into two groups, taking either 15 mg crocin tablets twice a day (n = 25; 30 mg/day) or placebo tablets (n = 25) for 8 weeks. The valid and reliable Beck depression and anxiety scale questionnaire was recorded, and fasting blood samples were collected to measure biomarkers, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) at baseline and week 8 following the intervention. RESULTS The data analysis using ANCOVA showed that supplementation with crocin for 8 weeks significantly lowered hs-CRP levels (p-value= 0.01). In addition, within-group comparisons showed crocin significantly decreased anxiety (p-value= 0.01). However, crocin did not affect serum MDA and NO after 8 weeks of intervention. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that crocin may keep promise in attenuating inflammation, evidenced by reducing hs-CRP in patients with MS. However, supplementation for 8 weeks may not be sufficient to improve mental health, and future clinical studies with higher sample sizes and various doses and durations are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Kouchaki
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hossein Rafiei
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Amir Ghaderi
- Department of Addiction Studies, School of Medical and Clinical Research Development Unit-Matini/Kargarnejad Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Fateme Safa
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Kosar Omidian
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Adeleh Khodabakhshi
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Farhad Vahid
- Nutrition and Health Group, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | | | - Hamid-Reza Banafshe
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Nasim Safa
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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Izadi S, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Yadollahi P, Mirghafourvand M. Effect of vitamin E with and without saffron on the sexual function in women of reproductive age with sexual dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:143. [PMID: 38408971 PMCID: PMC10897983 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-02980-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual satisfaction is a crucial part of a fulfilled life, and the ability to have satisfying sexual function is crucial to one's sexual health. This study investigated the effect of the combined administration of saffron and vitamin E and vitamin E alone on the sexual function of women in their reproductive years. METHODS A triple-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 50 participants experiencing sexual dysfunction without comorbid sleep disorders or severe depression. They were allocated into two groups using a block randomization method (stratified based on the severity of moderate or mild/normal depression). During the 8-week intervention period, participants in the experimental group were administered a 15 mg saffron capsule (safrotin) in the morning and a combination capsule containing 15 mg saffron and 50 mg vitamin E (safradide) in the evening. During the same period, the control group consumed one saffron placebo capsule in the morning and one capsule containing 50 mg of vitamin E and saffron placebo in the evening (in identical appearance to safradide). The Female Sexual Function Index was used to assess sexual function, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to measure levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. These measures were administered at baseline as well as four and eight weeks post-intervention, with an additional measurement taken four weeks after the intervention ceased. The repeated measures ANOVA, ANCOVA, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the groups. RESULTS Following the intervention, the experimental group (saffron and vitamin E) demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the overall mean score of sexual function compared to the control group (placebo of saffron and vitamin E) (adjusted mean difference (AMD): 4.6; 95%CI: 3.1 to 6.1; p < 0.001). The mean scores for sexual function dimensions, namely libido, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction, except for pain, were consistently higher than those of the control group across all time points (p < 0.001). Additionally, the mean score for lubrication was significantly higher only at the eighth-week measurement (p = 0.004). The mean depression score in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group at all-time points, i.e., four (p = 0.011) and eight weeks after the intervention (p = 0.005), and four weeks after the end of the intervention (p = 0.007). The experimental group exhibited a statistically significant decrease in mean anxiety score compared to the control group at four weeks into the intervention (p = 0.016) and four weeks following the end of the intervention (p = 0.002). At eight weeks post-intervention, however, there was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.177). Additionally, the experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in the overall mean stress score compared to the control group after the intervention (AMD: -2.3; 95%CI: -3.1 to -1.5; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Using the combination of saffron and vitamin E is more effective in improving sexual function and its domains compared to vitamin E alone in women of reproductive age with sexual dysfunction without severe depression. Also, it diminishes the degree of depression, anxiety, and stress more compared to vitamin E alone. However, further research is required to arrive at a more definitive conclusion. TRIAL REGISTRATION Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20100414003706N36. Date of registration: 17/05/2020; URL: https://en.irct.ir/trial/45992 ; Date of first registration: 21/05/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Izadi
- Student Research Committee, Midwifery Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Parvin Yadollahi
- Maternal-fetal medicine Research Center, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mojgan Mirghafourvand
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Hamedani SG, Pourmasoumi M, Zarifi SH, Askari G, Jamialahmadi T, Bagherniya M, Sahebkar A. Therapeutic effects of saffron and its components on neurodegenerative diseases. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24334. [PMID: 38298664 PMCID: PMC10827773 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to an increase in the number of older people in recent years, neurodegenerative diseases as the most important age-related neurological disorders are considered as a great threat to human health. The treatment strategies for these disorders are symptomatic and there is no known definitive treatment; however, recently, several studies have investigated the effectiveness of some herbs and their components in limiting the progression and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we searched Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. The keywords used in the search were: saffron [title/abstract] or (saffron compound [title/abstract]) and (neurological disorders [title/abstract]), publication date range (2010-2023), and language (English). After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 articles remained. Of the 30 articles included in the study, six studies on the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders by saffron and its components were in the clinical trial phase, and 24 studies were in the preclinical phase. Saffron and its compounds can play an important role in inhibiting neuroinflammation and excitotoxic pathways, modulating autophagy and apoptosis, attenuating oxidative damage, and activating defensive antioxidant enzymes, resulting in neuroprotection against neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to review the studies on the effects of saffron and its compounds on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Golpour- Hamedani
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of medical science, Iran
| | - Makan Pourmasoumi
- Gastrointestinal & Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | | | - Gholamreza Askari
- Nutrition and Food Security Research Center and Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Anesthesia and Critical Care Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagherniya
- Nutrition and Food Security Research Center and Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Anesthesia and Critical Care Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Knapik JJ, Trone DW, Steelman RA, Farina EK, Lieberman HR. Associations between clinically diagnosed medical conditions and dietary supplement use: the US military dietary supplement use study. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:1238-1253. [PMID: 36775272 PMCID: PMC10346078 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023000095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined associations between multiple dietary supplement (DS) categories and medical conditions diagnosed by health professionals. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Volunteers completed an online questionnaire on DS use and demographic/lifestyle factors. Medical diagnoses were obtained from a comprehensive military electronic medical surveillance system and grouped into twenty-four clinically diagnosed medical conditions (CDMC). PARTICIPANTS A stratified random sample of US service members (SM) from all military services (n 26 680). RESULTS After adjustment for demographic/lifestyle factors (logistic regression), higher risk was found for 92 % (22/24) of CDMC among individual vitamins/minerals users, 58 % (14/24) of CDMC among herbal users, 50 % (12/24) of CDMC among any DS users and 46 % (11/24) of CDMC among multivitamins/multiminerals (MVM) users. Among protein/amino acid (AA) users, risk was lower in 25 % (6/24) of CDMC. For combination products, risk was higher in 13 % (3/24) of CDMC and lower in 8 % (2/24). The greater the number of CDMC, the higher the prevalence of DS use in most DS categories except proteins/AA where prevalence decreased. CONCLUSIONS Users in many DS categories had a greater number of CDMC, but protein/AA users had fewer CDMC; results for combination products were mixed. These data indicate those with certain CDMC were also users in some DS categories, especially individual vitamins/minerals, herbals and MVM. Data are consistent with the perception that use of DS enhances health, especially in those with CDMC. Protein/AA and combination product users were more likely to be younger, more physically active men, factors that likely reduced CDMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Knapik
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, USARIEM, 10 General Greene Ave, Natick, MA01760, USA
| | - Daniel W Trone
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Emily K Farina
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, USARIEM, 10 General Greene Ave, Natick, MA01760, USA
| | - Harris R Lieberman
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, USARIEM, 10 General Greene Ave, Natick, MA01760, USA
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Boneva B, Marchev A, Amirova K, Ganova P, Georgiev M, Tchorbanov A, Mihaylova N. Crocus sativus Extract as a Biological Agent for Disease-Modifying Therapy of Collagenase-Induced Mouse Model of Osteoarthritis. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13040894. [PMID: 37109424 PMCID: PMC10143021 DOI: 10.3390/life13040894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related joint disease that involves the degeneration of cartilage and is the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting a large part of the population. OA is a multifactorial disorder, and no single etiological mechanism has been found to be common to all forms of the disease. Currently used therapies for control of the disease are mainly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid medications. The aim of this study was to investigate the extract from Crocus sativus as a biological disease-suppressing therapy agent. Methods: Balb/c mice were injected intra-articularly with Clostridium histolyticum type IA for induction of osteoarthritis. The mice were randomized to five groups: control group, I group (CIOA untreated), II group (CIOA + 100 mg/kg/daily saffron), III group (CIOA + 50 mg/kg/daily saffron), IV group (CIOA + 25 mg/kg/daily saffron). Flow-cytometry analysis was used to study the splenocytes’ phenotype isolated from the treated animals. The serum levels of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed with ELISA. The histological assessment was used to analyze the saffron extract effect on histopathological alterations. Results: Saffron treatment significantly decreased osteoarthritis-associated joint histological manifestations and decreased serum TNFα levels. The flow-cytometry analysis showed a decrease in pro-inflammatory immune cell subtypes in the spleen. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that saffron affected the disease progression and could be a potential therapeutic approach in osteoarthritic patients’ therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blagovesta Boneva
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Andrey Marchev
- Laboratory of Metabolomics, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 139 Ruski Blvd, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kristiana Amirova
- Laboratory of Metabolomics, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 139 Ruski Blvd, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Petya Ganova
- Laboratory of Immunohistochemistry and Immunopathology, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Milen Georgiev
- Laboratory of Metabolomics, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 139 Ruski Blvd, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Andrey Tchorbanov
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolina Mihaylova
- Laboratory of Immunohistochemistry and Immunopathology, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +359-2-979-3140; Fax: +359-2-870-0109
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Suhee FI, Shahriar M, Islam SMA, Bhuiyan MA, Islam MR. Elevated Serum IL-2 Levels are Associated With Major Depressive Disorder: A Case-Control Study. CLINICAL PATHOLOGY (THOUSAND OAKS, VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF.) 2023; 16:2632010X231180797. [PMID: 37360518 PMCID: PMC10285590 DOI: 10.1177/2632010x231180797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Numerous earlier studies have stated an association between major depressive disorder (MDD) and altered expression of inflammatory process. However, it still needs to determine whether the alteration of cytokines is the causative factor or a consequence of this disorder. Therefore, we attempted to evaluate the role of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-2 in the pathophysiology of depression. Methods We collected blood samples from 111 MDD patients and 112 healthy controls (HCs) matched by age and sex. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) score was used to assess study participants. We determined the severity of depression using the Hamilton Depression (Ham-D) rating scale. We assayed serum levels of IL-2 using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. Results Elevated levels of IL-2 were detected in MDD patients than HCs (29.79 ± 6.18 and 12.77 ± 4.84 pg/ml, P < 0.05). We observed a higher level of IL-2 in female MDD patients compared to female HCs (31.98 ± 8.34 and 7.76 ± 0.36 pg/ml, P < 0.05). We witnessed a sex-specific correlation between the serum IL-2 levels and the Ham-D score and found that the females with higher Ham-D scores had higher serum IL-2 levels. Moreover, the ROC curve represented the good diagnostic performance of serum IL-2 levels as a biomarker with sensitivity and specificity values of 83.7% and 80.4%, respectively. Conclusions The current study findings indicate that elevated serum IL-2 levels are associated with MDD. This alteration may be the cause of triggering depression or a result of the activated inflammatory process during the depression. Therefore, we recommend further interventional research to clarify the actual reasons for these altered IL-2 levels in MDD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Md. Rabiul Islam
- Md. Rabiul Islam, Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, 74/A Green Road, Farmgate, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh.
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11
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Yousef DM, Hassan HA, Nafea OE, El Fattah ERA. Crocin averts functional and structural rat hepatic disturbances induced by copper oxide nanoparticles. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2022; 11:911-919. [PMID: 36569481 PMCID: PMC9773068 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfac064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Exposure to nanoparticles became inevitable in our daily life due to their huge industrial uses. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) are one of the most frequently utilized metal nanoparticles in numerous applications. Crocin (CRO) is a major active constituent in saffron having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials. Objectives We designed this study to explore the probable defensive role of CRO against CuONPs-induced rat hepatic damage. Materials and methods Therefore, 24 adult rats were randomly distributed into 4 equal groups as negative control, CRO, CuONPs, and co-treated CuONPs with CRO groups. All treatments were administered for 14 days. The hepatotoxic effect of CuONPs was evaluated by estimation of hepatic alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes, hepatic oxidative malondialdehyde and antioxidant glutathione reduced, serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1-beta, and nuclear factor kappa B), and expression of the apoptotic BAX in hepatic tissues; in addition, histopathological examination of the hepatic tissues was conducted. Results We found that concurrent CRO supplement to CuONPs-treated rats significantly averted functional and structural rat hepatic damage as documented by decreased hepatic enzymes activities, restored hepatic oxidant/antioxidant balance, decreased serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers, reversed BAX-mediated apoptotic cell death in hepatic tissues along with repair of CuONPs-induced massive hepatic structural and ultrastructural alterations. Conclusions It is concluded that combined CRO supplement to CuONPs-treated rats improved hepatic function and structure by, at least in part, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Mohammed Yousef
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Heba Ahmed Hassan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Ola Elsayed Nafea
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Crocin, the main active saffron (Crocus sativus L.) constituent, as a potential candidate to prevent anxiety and depressive-like behaviors induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress. Neurosci Lett 2022; 791:136912. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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13
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Wu SX, Li J, Zhou DD, Xiong RG, Huang SY, Saimaiti A, Shang A, Li HB. Possible Effects and Mechanisms of Dietary Natural Products and Nutrients on Depression and Anxiety: A Narrative Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:2132. [PMID: 36358502 PMCID: PMC9686692 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression and anxiety are severe public health problems and have attracted more and more attention from researchers of food science and nutrition. Dietary natural products and nutrients, such as fish, coffee, tea, n-3 PUFA, lycopene, and dietary fiber, could play a vital role in the prevention and management of these diseases. The potential mechanisms of action mainly include inhibiting inflammation, ameliorating oxidative stress, modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis, suppressing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity, and regulating the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters. In this narrative review, we summarize the most recent advancements regarding the effects of dietary natural products and nutrients on depression and anxiety, and their underlying mechanisms are discussed. We hope that this paper can provide a better understanding of the anti-depressive and anxiolytic action of dietary natural products, and that it is also helpful for developing dietary natural products for functional food, dietary supplements, or auxiliary agents for the prevention and management of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Xia Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiahui Li
- School of Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Dan-Dan Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ruo-Gu Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Si-Yu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Adila Saimaiti
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ao Shang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Hua-Bin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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14
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Determination of Saffron Quality through a Multi-Analytical Approach. Foods 2022; 11:3227. [PMCID: PMC9601413 DOI: 10.3390/foods11203227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the specifications for the assessment of saffron quality are contained in the ISO 3632 technical standard. This norm evaluates saffron quality through a UV-Vis spectrophotometric method and grades the spice into three commercial categories. However, numerous studies have highlighted several weaknesses and limitations of the ISO method. For this reason, a new multi-analytical approach for the determination of saffron quality is proposed in this work. Different techniques were employed to assess saffron quality: UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and inductively coupled plasma—optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results show that the commercial grading based on the ISO 3632 methodology is not always in line with the observations made with the other techniques. Moreover, the use of two new techniques in the field of saffron quality determination, i.e., SEM-EDX and ICP-OES, proved to be effective for the determination of elemental composition and metal content, which are two important parameters to take into consideration when assessing the quality of the spice.
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15
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Moragrega I, Ríos JL. Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Depression. II: Evidence from Clinical Trials. PLANTA MEDICA 2022; 88:1092-1110. [PMID: 34157753 DOI: 10.1055/a-1517-6882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a syndrome characterized by deep sadness and the inhibition of psychic functions, sometimes accompanied by neurovegetative disorders, with symptoms of anxiety almost always present. The disease produces alterations in a variety of neural networks and neurotransmission systems, along with a dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which leads to concomitant alterations in the immunological response. Generally, there is a parallel increase in proinflammatory mediators as well as oxidative and nitrosative damage caused by a reduction of antioxidant defenses. In a previous review, we compiled and examined studies of medicinal plants that had been evaluated in preclinical assays, including existing data on 155 species studied and reported as antidepressants or as sources of active principles for treating this condition. This review will thus limit its focus to the 95 clinical trials found in PubMed among the 670 articles on antidepressant-like medicinal plants. To this end, we have reviewed the publications cited in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, and the Science Citation Index from 2000 to 2020. Our review emphasizes those species that have demonstrated the greatest pharmacological potential when studied for their antidepressant properties in humans through clinical trials. Saffron, turmeric, St. John's wort, ginkgo, kava, and golden root are the most relevant plants that have provided important evidence for the treatment of depression in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Moragrega
- Departament de Psicobiologia, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Luis Ríos
- Departament de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
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16
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Potential Role of Phytochemical Extract from Saffron in Development of Functional Foods and Protection of Brain-Related Disorders. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6480590. [PMID: 36193081 PMCID: PMC9526642 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6480590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The present review is designed to measure the effects of saffron extract in functional foods and its pharmacological properties against various disorders. Saffron is a traditional medicinal plant used as a food additive. The stigma of saffron has bioactive compounds such as safranal, crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, kaempferol, and flavonoid. These bioactive compounds can be extracted using conventional (maceration, solvent extraction, soxhlet extraction, and vapor or hydrodistillation) and novel techniques (emulsion liquid membrane extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, enzyme-associated extraction, pulsed electric field extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction). Saffron is used as a functional ingredient, natural colorant, shelf-life enhancer, and fortifying agent in developing different food products. The demand for saffron has been increasing in the pharma industry due to its protection against cardiovascular and Alzheimer disease and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antidepressant properties. Conclusively, the phytochemical compounds of saffron improve the nutrition value of products and protect humans against various disorders.
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17
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Munirah MP, Norhayati MN, Noraini M. Crocus Sativus for Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11658. [PMID: 36141931 PMCID: PMC9517076 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Insomnia is a common complaint affecting human performance in daily life activities. This study aimed to analyze the effects of Crocus sativus on insomnia. Methods: PRISMA guidelines were used according to the PICOS model. A systematic search of PubMed/Medline and the Cochrane Library was undertaken for literature until December 2021. A random effects model was used with I2 statistic to assess heterogeneity and a GRADE assessment was used to assess the quality of the outcomes. Eight articles were included, involving 431 participants. Crocus sativus reduced insomnia severity (SMD: 0.53; 95%CI: -0.05 to 1.11; I2 statistic = 59%; p = 0.08) and increased sleep quality (SMD 0.89, 95% CI 0.10 to 1.68; I2 statistic = 90%; p = 0.03; 6 studies, 308 participants, very low-quality evidence) and duration (SMD: 0.57; 95%CI: 0.21 to 0.93; I2 statistic = 40%; p = 0.002; 5 studies; 220 participants, moderate-quality evidence) compared with the placebos. Although there is limited evidence of a very low- to moderate-quality, Crocus sativus may benefit people with insomnia. This non-pharmacological intervention may reduce the chance of adults with insomnia taking sedative-hypnotic medication, thus reducing dependency and withdrawal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Puad Munirah
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu 16150, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Noor Norhayati
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu 16150, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Noraini
- School of Dental Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu 16150, Malaysia
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18
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Lopresti AL, Smith SJ. An examination into the mental and physical effects of a saffron extract (affron®) in recreationally-active adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2022; 19:219-238. [PMID: 35813851 PMCID: PMC9261746 DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2022.2083455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian L Lopresti
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Australia
- Murdoch University, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Perth, Australia
| | - Stephen J Smith
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Australia
- Murdoch University, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Perth, Australia
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19
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Scuto M, Modafferi S, Rampulla F, Zimbone V, Tomasello M, Spano’ S, Ontario M, Palmeri A, Trovato Salinaro A, Siracusa R, Di Paola R, Cuzzocrea S, Calabrese E, Wenzel U, Calabrese V. Redox modulation of stress resilience by Crocus Sativus L. for potential neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory applications in brain disorders: From molecular basis to therapy. Mech Ageing Dev 2022; 205:111686. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2022.111686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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20
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Noori T, Sureda A, Sobarzo-Sánchez E, Shirooie S. The Role of Natural Products in Treatment of Depressive Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:929-949. [PMID: 34979889 PMCID: PMC9881107 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220103140834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Depressive disorder is one of the most common psychiatric syndromes that, if left untreated, can cause many disturbances in a person's life. Numerous factors are involved in depression, including inflammation, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), GABAergic system, hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal (HPA) Axis, monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin (5-HT), noradrenaline, and dopamine). Common treatments for depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, but these drugs have several side effects such as anxiety, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, and sexual dysfunctions. These agents only reduce the symptoms and temporarily reduce the rate of cognitive impairment associated with depression. As a result, extensive research has recently been conducted on the potential use of antidepressant and sedative herbs. According to the available data, herbs used in traditional medicine can be significantly effective in reducing depression, depressive symptoms and improving patients' performance. The present study provides a summary of biomarkers and therapeutic goals of depression and shows that natural products such as saffron or genipin have antidepressant effects. Some of the useful natural products and their mechanisms were evaluated. Data on various herbs and natural isolated compounds reported to prevent and reduce depressive symptoms is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Noori
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress (NUCOX) and Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), University of Balearic Islands-IUNICS, Palma de Mallorca E-07122, Balearic Islands, Spain;,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Sobarzo-Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigación y Postgrado, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Central de Chile; Chile;,Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago, Spain
| | - Samira Shirooie
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran;,Address correspondence to this author at the Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; E-mail:
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21
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Avula B, Katragunta K, Wang YH, Upton R, Khan IA. Analysis of Crocetins and Safranal Variations in Saffron (Crocus sativus) Stigma Samples and Dietary Supplements Using HPLC/UHPLC-PDA-MS: Chemical Profiling and Chemometric Analysis Using LC-QToF. FOOD ANAL METHOD 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12161-022-02268-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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22
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Zhang W, Yan Y, Wu Y, Yang H, Zhu P, Yan F, Zhao R, Tian P, Wang T, Fan Q, Su Z. Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Pharmacol Res 2022; 179:106204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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23
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Aucoin M, LaChance L, Naidoo U, Remy D, Shekdar T, Sayar N, Cardozo V, Rawana T, Chan I, Cooley K. Diet and Anxiety: A Scoping Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13124418. [PMID: 34959972 PMCID: PMC8706568 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most common group of mental disorders. There is mounting evidence demonstrating the importance of nutrition in the development and progression of mental disorders such as depression; however, less is known about the role of nutrition in anxiety disorders. This scoping review sought to systematically map the existing literature on anxiety disorders and nutrition in order to identify associations between dietary factors and anxiety symptoms or disorder prevalence as well as identify gaps and opportunities for further research. The review followed established methodological approaches for scoping reviews. Due to the large volume of results, an online program (Abstrackr) with artificial intelligence features was used. Studies reporting an association between a dietary constituent and anxiety symptoms or disorders were counted and presented in figures. A total of 55,914 unique results were identified. After a full-text review, 1541 articles met criteria for inclusion. Analysis revealed an association between less anxiety and more fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, “healthy” dietary patterns, caloric restriction, breakfast consumption, ketogenic diet, broad-spectrum micronutrient supplementation, zinc, magnesium and selenium, probiotics, and a range of phytochemicals. Analysis revealed an association between higher levels of anxiety and high-fat diet, inadequate tryptophan and dietary protein, high intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates, and “unhealthy” dietary patterns. Results are limited by a large percentage of animal and observational studies. Only 10% of intervention studies involved participants with anxiety disorders, limiting the applicability of the findings. High quality intervention studies involving participants with anxiety disorders are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Aucoin
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada
| | - Laura LaChance
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- St. Mary's Hospital Centre, Montreal, QC H3T 1M5, Canada
| | - Umadevi Naidoo
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Daniella Remy
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada
- Anthrophi Technologies, Toronto, ON M6H1W2, Canada
| | - Tanisha Shekdar
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada
| | - Negin Sayar
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada
| | - Valentina Cardozo
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada
| | - Tara Rawana
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada
| | - Irina Chan
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada
| | - Kieran Cooley
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada
- School of Public Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo 2007, Australia
- Pacific College of Health Sciences, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore 2480, Australia
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Xing B, Li S, Yang J, Lin D, Feng Y, Lu J, Shao Q. Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and potential clinical applications of saffron: A review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 281:114555. [PMID: 34438035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Saffron, the dried red stigma of the perennial herb Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), is one of the most important and expensive spices in the world. It is used as a traditional Chinese medicine with demonstrated effects in promoting blood circulation and suppressing blood stasis, cooling blood detoxification, and relieving depression. It is mainly used for the treatment of depression, irregular menstruation, postpartum thrombosis, and bruises. AIM OF THE STUDY This review aims to provide a systematic and up-to-date overview of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical applications of saffron. We hope it could provide useful references and guidance for the future directions of research on saffron. MATERIALS AND METHODS The online database, such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, SpringerLink, Wiley Online Library, SciFinder and Chemical book, and CNKI were used to collect relevant literature. And the classic books about Chinese herbal medicine were also being referenced. RESULTS More than 150 chemical compounds, including carotenoids, flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides, monoterpenes and monoterpenoid derivatives, monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, amino acids, alkaloids and others, were revealed. The pharmacological activities study of saffron were focused on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antidepressant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, memory-enhancing, and so on. Currently, saffron is mainly used for the treatment of diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, depression, anxiety disorders, cardiovascular diseases, learning and memory disorders, cancer, and other conditions. CONCLUSIONS Phytochemical and pharmacological analyses of saffron have been revealed in recent studies. However, clinical studies have focused mainly on AD, depression and anxiety disorders. Therefore, a large number of clinical trials are needed to study the efficacy of saffron and its major chemical components against other diseases including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cancer. Further studies of the mechanism of action and toxicological properties of saffron are also required, especially research to establish an effective dose of saffron and its long-term toxicity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingcong Xing
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Shuailing Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Jiaxin Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Ding Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Yue Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Jiangjie Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, China
| | - Qingsong Shao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China.
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Effect of Crocus sativus (Saffron) Intake on Top of Standard Treatment, on Disease Outcomes and Comorbidities in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases: Synthesis without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) and Level of Adherence to the CONSORT Statement for Randomized Controlled Trials Delivering Herbal Medicine Interventions. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13124274. [PMID: 34959826 PMCID: PMC8706139 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic diseases (RDs) are often complicated by chronic symptoms and frequent side-effects associated with their treatment. Saffron, a spice derived from the Crocus sativus L. flower, is a popular complementary and alternative medicine among patients with RDs. The present systematic review aimed to summarize the available evidence regarding the efficacy of supplementation with saffron on disease outcomes and comorbidities in patients with RD diagnoses. PubMed, CENTRAL, clinicaltrials.gov and the grey literature were searched until October 2021, and relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were screened for eligibility using Rayyan. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane’s Risk of Bias-2.0 (RoB) tool. A synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) was performed by vote counting and an effect direction plot was created. Out of 125 reports, seven fulfilled the eligibility criteria belonging to five RCTs and were included in the SWiM. The RCTs involved patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, and evaluated outcomes related to pain, disease activity, depression, immune response, inflammation, oxidative stress, health, fatigue and functional ability. The majority of trials demonstrated some concerns regarding overall bias. Moreover, the majority of trialists failed to adhere to the formula elaborations suggested by the CONSORT statement for RCTs incorporating herbal medicine interventions. Standardization of herbal medicine confirms its identity, purity and quality; however, the majority of trials failed to adhere to these guidelines. Due to the great heterogeneity and the lack of important information regarding the standardization and content of herbal interventions, it appears that the evidence is not enough to secure a direction of effect for any of the examined outcomes.
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Musazadeh V, Zarezadeh M, Faghfouri AH, Keramati M, Ghoreishi Z, Farnam A. Saffron, as an adjunct therapy, contributes to relieve depression symptoms: An umbrella meta-analysis. Pharmacol Res 2021; 175:105963. [PMID: 34757208 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saffron is a traditional herbal medicine that has been used to treat various ailments such as depressive mood. However, the findings of several meta-analyses regarding anti-depressive properties of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) are controversial. The current umbrella meta-analysis was carried out to determine the magnitude and direction of saffron administration on depression. METHODS Relevant studies were searched in international databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Library up to June 2021. Meta-analysis studies investigating the effects of saffron on depression were considered to include in the study. Random-effects model was used to perform the meta-analysis. Additional analyses including subgroup and sensitivity analyses were carried out. RESULTS Overall, 7 meta-analyses were included in the study. The results demonstrated that the consumption of saffron resulted in a significant reduction in BDI scores (ES: -3.87; 95% CI: -5.27, -2.46). However, saffron did not change the HAMD scores (ES: -2.10; 95% CI: -5.05, 0.86, p = 0.164) and mixed scores (HAM-D/BDI/DASS) (ES: 0.02; 95% CI: -0.39, 0.43,p = 0.941). CONCLUSION Present umbrella meta-analysis demonstrated that saffron intake might contribute to alleviation of depression disorder, however, it cannot be considered as a single therapeutic approach to treat depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vali Musazadeh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Meysam Zarezadeh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Nutrition Research Center, Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Amir Hossein Faghfouri
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Keramati
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zohreh Ghoreishi
- Nutrition Research Center, Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Farnam
- Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Lu C, Ke L, Li J, Zhao H, Lu T, Mentis AFA, Wang Y, Wang Z, Polissiou MG, Tang L, Tang H, Yang K. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and health outcomes: a meta-research review of meta-analyses and an evidence mapping study. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 91:153699. [PMID: 34419735 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although a number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) have been published, no study has comprehensively summarized the clinical evidence from meta-analyses, or assessed the reporting or methodological quality of these reviews. PURPOSE The present meta-research study was designed to fill the gaps in knowledge to inform future studies and allow enhanced clinical decision-making on saffron. METHODS The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CNKI databases were systematically searched from inception to April 3 rd, 2021, for meta-analyses of clinical trials that assessed the efficacy and safety of saffron. PRISMA 2009 and AMSTAR-2 were employed to assess the reporting and methodological quality of meta-analyses identified in the search, respectively. The present study was registered on PROSPERO with registration number CRD42020220274. RESULTS Nineteen eligible systematic reviews with meta-analyses published in English were identified from 235 records. These meta-analyses were published in 12 peer-reviewed journals from 2013 to 2021. The heterogeneous results indicated that saffron significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and improved symptoms of depression, cognitive function and sexual dysfunction compared with controls (mainly placebos). Common side effects of saffron consumption included nausea, dry mouth, poor appetite, and headache, but no serious adverse reactions were reported. Primary analysis and sensitivity analysis confirmed that the reporting and methodological quality of reviews included in the study were highly correlated (p < 0.001). The quality of meta-analyses of saffron requires improvement by including a structured abstract, a prospective protocol and registration, explanation of the study designs within each study that is reviewed, the searches, risk of bias assessment, literature selection, and reporting of funding sources. CONCLUSION The available evidence indicates that saffron is a safe plant for administration as a medicine and can improve diverse clinical outcomes, but the scientific quality of the published systematic reviews needs to be improved. Moreover, the clinical effects of saffron need to be confirmed through high-quality randomized trials in multiple countries with large sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuncun Lu
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Lixin Ke
- Hepatobiliary and pancreatic center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jieyun Li
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Haitong Zhao
- Evidence-Based Social Science Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Tingting Lu
- Institute of Clinical Research and Evidence Based Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Alexios Fotios A Mentis
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 10183, Greece
| | - Youyou Wang
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Zhifei Wang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Moschos G Polissiou
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens 10183, Greece
| | - Liyao Tang
- Clinical College of Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Hao Tang
- Clinical College of Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Kehu Yang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Evidence-Based Social Science Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China.
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Sarris J, Marx W, Ashton MM, Ng CH, Galvao-Coelho N, Ayati Z, Zhang ZJ, Kasper S, Ravindran A, Harvey BH, Lopresti A, Mischoulon D, Amsterdam J, Yatham LN, Berk M. Plant-based Medicines (Phytoceuticals) in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders: A Meta-review of Meta-analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials: Les médicaments à base de plantes (phytoceutiques) dans le traitement des troubles psychiatriques: une méta-revue des méta-analyses d'essais randomisés contrôlés. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2021; 66:849-862. [PMID: 33596697 PMCID: PMC8573706 DOI: 10.1177/0706743720979917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Plant-based medicines have had a long-standing history of use in psychiatric disorders. Highly quantified and standardized extracts or isolates may be termed "phytoceuticals," in a similar way that medicinal nutrients are termed as "nutraceuticals." Over the past 2 decades, several meta-analyses have examined the data for a range of plant-based medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The aim of this international project is to provide a "meta-review" of this top-tier evidence. METHODS We identified, synthesized, and appraised all available up to date meta-analyses... of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on the efficacy and effectiveness of individual phytoceuticals across all major psychiatric disorders. RESULTS Our systematic search identified 9 relevant meta-analyses of RCTs, with primary analyses including outcome data from 5,927 individuals. Supportive meta-analytic evidence was found for St John's wort for major depressive disorder (MDD); curcumin and saffron for MDD or depression symptoms, and ginkgo for total and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Kava was not effective in treating diagnosed anxiety disorders. We also provide details on 22 traditional Chinese herbal medicine formulas' meta-analyses (primarily for depression studies), all of which revealed highly significant and large effect sizes. Their methodology, reporting, and potential publication bias were, however, of marked concern. The same caveat was noted for the curcumin, ginkgo, and saffron meta-analyses, which may also have significant publication bias. CONCLUSIONS More rigorous international studies are required to validate the efficacy of these phytoceuticals before treatment recommendations can be made. In conclusion, the breadth of data tentatively supports several phytoceuticals which may be effective for mental disorders alongside pharmaceutical, psychological therapies, and standard lifestyle recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Sarris
- Western Sydney University, NICM Health Research Institute, Westmead, Australia.,The Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Marx
- Deakin University, IMPACT-the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Melanie M Ashton
- Deakin University, IMPACT-the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Chee H Ng
- The Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicole Galvao-Coelho
- Western Sydney University, NICM Health Research Institute, Westmead, Australia.,Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology and Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Translational Medicine, Brazil
| | - Zahra Ayati
- Western Sydney University, NICM Health Research Institute, Westmead, Australia.,Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zhang-Jin Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH), Shenzhen, China
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse, Wien, Austria
| | - Arun Ravindran
- University of Toronto and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian H Harvey
- Division of Pharmacology, Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Adrian Lopresti
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.,Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - David Mischoulon
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jay Amsterdam
- Depression Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT-the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.,Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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29
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Lopresti AL, Smith SJ. The Effects of a Saffron Extract (affron®) on Menopausal Symptoms in Women during Perimenopause: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. J Menopausal Med 2021; 27:66-78. [PMID: 34463070 PMCID: PMC8408316 DOI: 10.6118/jmm.21002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives There is preliminary evidence suggesting saffron may effectively treat menopausal symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the tolerability and efficacy of a standardised saffron extract (affron®) on menopausal complaints in perimenopausal women. Methods In this 12-week, parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial, 86 perimenopausal women experiencing menopausal complaints received either a placebo or 14 mg of a saffron extract (affron®), twice daily. Outcome measures included the Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Results Based on data collected from 82 participants, saffron was associated with greater improvements in mood and psychological symptoms compared to the placebo. Results from the GCS revealed a significantly greater reduction in the GCS psychological score (P = 0.032), characterised by a 33% reduction in anxiety and a 32% reduction in depression scores from baseline to week 12. There was also a significantly greater reduction in the PANAS negative affect score (P = 0.043) compared to the placebo. However, compared to the placebo, saffron was not associated with greater improvements in vasomotor symptoms, somatic symptoms, or other quality of life measures. Saffron intake was well tolerated with no reported major adverse events. Conclusions The saffron extract, affron®, administered for 12 weeks at a dose of 14 mg twice daily was associated with greater improvements in psychological symptoms. Further studies in perimenopausal women presenting with varying severity of menopausal symptoms, using different doses of saffron will be useful to examine in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian L Lopresti
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Australia.,College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
| | - Stephen J Smith
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Australia.,College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
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30
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Feigel ML, Kennard A, Lannaman K. Herbalism for Modern Obstetrics. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2021; 64:611-634. [PMID: 34323236 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
More pregnant and nursing mothers are using herbal remedies than health care providers realize. Lack of familiarity with herbalism in addition to the sparsity of high-quality research for many complementary and alternative medicines are barriers for the western practitioner to engage a patient about herbal therapies. This review provides historical information and available evidence for Traditional Chinese and Western herbal medicines commonly sought by pregnant and nursing mothers. We will review herbs commonly used for: nausea and vomiting, constipation, gestational diabetes, threatened miscarriage, immune system support, parturition preparation, postpartum depression, postpartum bleeding and pain, wound healing, and lactation support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Kennard
- Marian Regional Medical Center, Santa Maria, California
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31
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Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Drummond PD. An investigation into an evening intake of a saffron extract (affron®) on sleep quality, cortisol, and melatonin concentrations in adults with poor sleep: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-dose study. Sleep Med 2021; 86:7-18. [PMID: 34438361 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND To validate and extend on previous positive findings of the sleep-enhancing effects of saffron supplementation in adults with unsatisfactory sleep. PATIENTS/METHODS In this 28-day, 3-arm, parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial, 120 adults with unsatisfactory sleep received either a placebo, 14 mg, or 28 mg of a standardised saffron extract (affron®), 1 h before bed. Outcome measures included the Pittsburgh Sleep Diary (with sleep quality ratings as the primary outcome measure), Insomnia Symptom Questionnaire (ISQ), Profile of Mood States, Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire, and evening salivary melatonin and cortisol concentrations. RESULTS Compared to the placebo, saffron supplementation was associated with greater improvements in sleep quality ratings (primary outcome measure), mood ratings after awakening, the ISQ total score, and ISQ-insomnia classifications. However, there were no significant differences between the saffron and placebo groups in other questionnaire and sleep diary outcome measures. Sleep improvements were similar for the two administered saffron doses. Compared to the placebo, saffron supplementation was associated with increases in evening melatonin concentrations but did not affect evening cortisol. Saffron supplementation was well-tolerated with no reported significant adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS These results provide further validation of the sleep-enhancing effects of 28-days of saffron supplementation in adults with unsatisfactory sleep. Further research is required to examine the efficacy and safety of saffron supplementation using objective sleep measures, over a longer duration, in people presenting with a diagnosed insomnia disorder and other psychogenic and demographic characteristics, and into its potential sleep-enhancing mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian L Lopresti
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6023, Australia; College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Stephen J Smith
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6023, Australia; College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Peter D Drummond
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
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32
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Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Metse AP, Drummond PD. Effects of saffron on sleep quality in healthy adults with self-reported poor sleep: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Sleep Med 2021; 16:937-947. [PMID: 32056539 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.8376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Herbal medicines are frequently used by adults with sleep difficulties. However, evidence of their efficacy is limited. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine the sleep-enhancing effects of a standardized saffron extract (affron). METHODS This was a 28-day, parallel-group, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Sixty-three healthy adults aged 18-70 with self-reported sleep problems were recruited and randomized to receive either saffron extract (affron; 14 mg twice daily) or a placebo. Outcome measures included the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI; primary outcome measure) collected at baseline and days 7, 14, 21, and 28 and the Restorative Sleep Questionnaire (RSQ) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Diary (PSD) collected on days -1, 0, 3, 7, 14, 27, and 28. RESULTS Based on data collected from 55 participants, saffron was associated with greater improvements in ISI total score (P = .017), RSQ total score (P = .029), and PSD sleep quality ratings (P = .014) than the placebo. Saffron intake was well tolerated with no reported adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS Saffron intake was associated with improvements in sleep quality in adults with self-reported sleep complaints. Further studies using larger samples sizes, treatment periods, objective outcome measures, and volunteers with varying demographic and psychographic characteristics are required to replicate and extend these findings. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Registry: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry; Name: Effects of Saffron on Sleep Quality in Healthy Adults with Self-Reported Unsatisfactory Sleep; URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=377781; Identifier: ACTRN12619000863134.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian L Lopresti
- College of Science, Health, Engineering, and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Stephen J Smith
- College of Science, Health, Engineering, and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alexandra P Metse
- College of Science, Health, Engineering, and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter D Drummond
- College of Science, Health, Engineering, and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Garakani A, Murrough JW, Freire RC, Thom RP, Larkin K, Buono FD, Iosifescu DV. Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders: Current and Emerging Treatment Options. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2021; 19:222-242. [PMID: 34690588 PMCID: PMC8475923 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.19203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
(Appeared originally in Frontiers in Psychiatry 2020 Dec 23; 11:595584)
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34
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Grosso G. Nutritional Psychiatry: How Diet Affects Brain through Gut Microbiota. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13041282. [PMID: 33919680 PMCID: PMC8070365 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutritional sciences have been recognized as being of paramount importance for the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Among others, mental health disorders have been hypothesized to be influenced by dietary risk through a variety of molecular mechanisms. The improvements in the technology and implementation of-omics sciences in terms of nutrition have created the possibility of studying the relation between diet, gut microbiota and mental health. The gut–brain–axis represents the core rationale setting the stage for a relatively new discipline of study defined as “nutritional psychiatry”. Research on this matter will help to better understand the relation between food and mood, sleep quality, cognition, and mental health in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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35
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'An Apple a Day'?: Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Psychotherapists Report Poor Literacy for Nutritional Medicine: International Survey Spanning 52 Countries. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13030822. [PMID: 33801454 PMCID: PMC8000813 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutritional interventions have beneficial effects on certain psychiatric disorder symptomatology and common physical health comorbidities. However, studies evaluating nutritional literacy in mental health professionals (MHP) are scarce. This study aimed to assess the across 52 countries. Surveys were distributed via colleagues and professional societies. Data were collected regarding self-reported general nutrition knowledge, nutrition education, learning opportunities, and the tendency to recommend food supplements or prescribe specific diets in clinical practice. In total, 1056 subjects participated in the study: 354 psychiatrists, 511 psychologists, 44 psychotherapists, and 147 MHPs in-training. All participants believed the diet quality of individuals with mental disorders was poorer compared to the general population (p < 0.001). The majority of the psychiatrists (74.2%) and psychologists (66.3%) reported having no training in nutrition. Nevertheless, many of them used nutrition approaches, with 58.6% recommending supplements and 43.8% recommending specific diet strategies to their patients. Only 0.8% of participants rated their education regarding nutrition as 'very good.' Almost all (92.9%) stated they would like to expand their knowledge regarding 'Nutritional Psychiatry.' There is an urgent need to integrate nutrition education into MHP training, ideally in collaboration with nutrition experts to achieve best practice care.
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36
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Jackson PA, Forster J, Khan J, Pouchieu C, Dubreuil S, Gaudout D, Moras B, Pourtau L, Joffre F, Vaysse C, Bertrand K, Abrous H, Vauzour D, Brossaud J, Corcuff JB, Capuron L, Kennedy DO. Effects of Saffron Extract Supplementation on Mood, Well-Being, and Response to a Psychosocial Stressor in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group, Clinical Trial. Front Nutr 2021; 7:606124. [PMID: 33598475 PMCID: PMC7882499 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.606124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety, stress, and low mood are closely related and may contribute to depressive symptoms. Among non-pharmacological solutions to improve subclinical mood symptoms and resilience to stress, natural products such as saffron—identified as promising following preliminary beneficial effects in major depressive disorder—represent a relevant strategy. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of 8 weeks' supplementation with 30 mg standardized saffron extract on emotional well-being in healthy adults with subclinical feelings of low mood and anxiety and/or stress and evaluate the acute effect of saffron in response to a lab-based psychosocial stressor. The study adopted a double-blind, randomized, parallel groups design in which 56 healthy male and female individuals (18–54 years) received either a saffron extract or a placebo for 8 weeks. Chronic effects of saffron on subjective anxiety, stress, and depressive feelings were assessed using a questionnaire battery [including Profile of Mood State-2, (POMS)] and acute effects in response to a lab-based psychosocial stressor were measured through psychological and physiological parameters. Urinary crocetin levels were quantified. Participants who received the saffron extract reported reduced depression scores and improved social relationships at the end of the study. Urinary crocetin levels increased significantly with saffron supplementation and were correlated with change in depression scores. The typical stress-induced decrease in heart rate variability (HRV) during exposure to the stressor was attenuated following acute saffron intake. Saffron extract appears to improve subclinical depressive symptoms in healthy individuals and may contribute to increased resilience against the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders. Clinical trials number: NCT03639831.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa A Jackson
- Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne Forster
- Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Khan
- Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Florent Joffre
- ITERG, Nutrition-Health & Lipid Biochemistry Department, Canéjan, France
| | - Carole Vaysse
- ITERG, Nutrition-Health & Lipid Biochemistry Department, Canéjan, France
| | - Karène Bertrand
- ITERG, Nutrition-Health & Lipid Biochemistry Department, Canéjan, France
| | - Hélène Abrous
- ITERG, Nutrition-Health & Lipid Biochemistry Department, Canéjan, France
| | - David Vauzour
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Brossaud
- Hormone Laboratory, Nuclear Medicine, CHU Bordeaux, UMR INRA 1286, University Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean Benoit Corcuff
- Hormone Laboratory, Nuclear Medicine, CHU Bordeaux, UMR INRA 1286, University Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Lucile Capuron
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, France
| | - David O Kennedy
- Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Akbari-Fakhrabadi M, Najafi M, Mortazavian S, Memari AH, Shidfar F, Shahbazi A, Heshmati J. Saffron ( Crocus Sativus L.), Combined with Endurance Exercise, Synergistically Enhances BDNF, Serotonin, and NT-3 in Wistar Rats. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 9:426-434. [PMID: 33969136 PMCID: PMC8068454 DOI: 10.52547/rbmb.9.4.426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence indicates that combined approaches based on exercise and nutrition benefit neural development. We aimed to determine the effect of saffron and endurance training on hippocampus neurogenic factors, neurotrophin-3 gene expression in soleus muscle, and short-term memory in Wistar rats. METHODS The study analyzed four groups of ten rats each: control, exercise, saffron, and saffron plus exercise. The rats in the exercise groups were trained on a rodent motor-driven treadmill. All rats were gavage daily with either saffron extract (40 mg/kg) or water. After eight weeks of intervention all rats were evaluated using the novel object recognition (NOR) test. Blood and tissue samples were collected to measure proteins and neurotrophin-3 gene expression. RESULTS Rats that received saffron treatment combined with exercise had significantly greater brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serotonin in hippocampus compared to the control and saffron-only-treated rats (p< 0.05). Neurotrophin-3 mRNA in soleus muscle was higher in the saffron plus exercise group than rats in the other three groups (p< 0.05). Hippocampus 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid and short-term memory were significantly greater in all the intervention groups than in the control group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION Saffron, combined with endurance exercise, synergistically increased hippocampus BDNF, serotonin, and muscular neurotrophin-3 mRNA in Wistar rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Akbari-Fakhrabadi
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Corresponding author: Maryam Akbari-Fakhrabadi; Tel: +98 9129485450; E-mail:
| | - Mohammad Najafi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Soudabehsadat Mortazavian
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Amir-Hossein Memari
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Farzad Shidfar
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Shahbazi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Javad Heshmati
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Food Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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Trkulja V, Barić H. Current Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: An Evidence-Based Review. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1305:375-427. [PMID: 33834410 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-33-6044-0_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a wide range of different non-mainstream therapies that have been increasingly used for treatment or adjunctive treatment of various ailments with mood disorders and "depressive difficulties" being two of the commonly CAM (self-)medicated conditions. We focus specifically on clinically diagnosed (in line with the standard criteria) depressive disorders, primarily major depressive disorder (MDD), and overview evidence of efficacy/safety of a range of CAM modalities addressing exclusively randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/meta-analyses of RCTs. The list of addressed CAM interventions is not exhaustive: due to space limitation, addressed are interventions with at least a few conducted RCTs in the specific clinical conditions. We try to provide numerical and meaningful data as much as it is possible and to (a) indicate situations in which the reported data/estimates might have been "too enthusiastic" and (b) warn about heterogeneity of results that, together with other possible limitations (various biases and imprecision), results in uncertainty about the effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Trkulja
- Department of Pharmacology, Zagreb University School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Hrvoje Barić
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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39
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de Castro ML, Quiles-Zafra R. Appropriate use of analytical terminology – examples drawn from research on saffron. TALANTA OPEN 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talo.2020.100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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40
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Smith SJ, Lopresti AL, Teo SYM, Fairchild TJ. Examining the Effects of Herbs on Testosterone Concentrations in Men: A Systematic Review. Adv Nutr 2020; 12:744-765. [PMID: 33150931 PMCID: PMC8166567 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmaa134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone concentrations in males tend to decline with advancing age. Low testosterone, also known as androgen deficiency (AD), is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Currently, the primary treatment for AD is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which may exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions. Therefore, the use of alternative options, such as herbs, spices, plants, or their extracts, has been explored as a potential treatment option for AD. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize and critically evaluate randomized controlled trials published on the efficacy of single herbal ingredients on testosterone concentrations, in addition to its fractions or binding proteins, in men (≥18 y). From the 4 databases searched, there were 13 herbs identified in 32 studies, published between 2001 and 2019. The main findings of this review indicate that 2 herbal extracts, fenugreek seed extracts and ashwagandha root and root/leaf extracts, have positive effects on testosterone concentrations in men. Also, some evidence exists for another herb and herbal extract, Asian red ginseng and forskohlii root extract. Overall, 9 out of 32 studies demonstrated statistically significant increases in testosterone concentrations. Moreover, 6 studies out of 32 were judged as having a low risk of bias. Current evidence is largely based on young, nonclinical populations, with 16 out of 32 studies using men <40 y of age. Conclusions are moderated by the paucity of research for many herbs, the variation in dosages and extracts used, small sample sizes, and the heterogeneity of study characteristics. Also, further research is required before definitive conclusions on efficacy and safety can be made. This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42020173623.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrian L Lopresti
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia,College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Shaun Y M Teo
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy J Fairchild
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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41
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Orio L, Alen F, Ballesta A, Martin R, Gomez de Heras R. Antianhedonic and Antidepressant Effects of Affron ®, a Standardized Saffron ( Crocus Sativus L.) Extract. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25143207. [PMID: 32679643 PMCID: PMC7397008 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25143207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety and depression have high prevalence in the general population, affecting millions of people worldwide, but there is still a need for effective and safe treatments. Nutritional supplements have recently received a lot of attention, particularly saffron. Thus, several pre-clinical studies support a beneficial role for bioactive compounds, such as saffron, in anxiety and depression. Here we used an animal model of depression based on social isolation to assess the effects of affron®, a standardized saffron extract containing ≥3.5% of total bioactive compounds safranal and crocin isomers. Affron® was administered both through the oral and the intraperitoneal routes, and several tasks related to anxiety and depression, such as the elevated plus maze, the forced swimming test or the sucrose preference test, were assessed. These tasks model key features of depressive states and anxious states relating to fear, behavioral despair or anhedonia, the lack of motivation and/or pleasure from everyday activities, respectively. Animals receiving oral affron® displayed behaviors congruent with improvements in their anxious/depressive state, showing the enhanced consumption of a sweet solution, as well as an increase in certain escape responses in the forced swimming test. Our data support a beneficial role for oral saffron in anxious/depressive states.
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42
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Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Metse AP, Foster T, Drummond PD. The Feasibility and Efficacy of a Brief Integrative Treatment for Adults With Depression and/or Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Evid Based Integr Med 2020; 25:2515690X20937997. [PMID: 32638615 PMCID: PMC7359645 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x20937997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and suitability of a brief integrative intervention, Personalized Integrative Therapy (PI Therapy), for the treatment of adult depression and/or anxiety. In this 6-week, 3-arm, parallel-group, randomized trial, PI Therapy delivered alone or with nutritional supplements (PI Therapy + Supps) was compared to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in 48 adults with depression and/or anxiety. All treatments were delivered as a 1-day workshop plus 6 weeks of reminder phone text messages to reinforce topics and skills covered in the workshop. Affective symptoms decreased significantly and to the same extent in all 3 conditions. At the end of treatment, 33% to 58% of participants reported levels of depressive symptoms in the normal range, and 50% to 58% reported nonclinical levels of anxiety. Compared to CBT and PI Therapy, PI Therapy + Supps was associated with significantly greater improvements in sleep quality. These findings suggest that a brief integrative intervention with or without supplements was comparable to CBT in reducing affective symptoms in adults with depression and/or anxiety. However, sleep quality improved only in the PI Therapy + Supps condition. These findings will require replication with a larger cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian L Lopresti
- Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Stephen J Smith
- Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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43
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Bioaccessibility and Pharmacokinetics of a Commercial Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) Extract. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:1575730. [PMID: 32089715 PMCID: PMC7013346 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1575730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
There are few studies about the pharmacokinetics of the low-molecular mass carotenoids crocetin or crocin isomers from saffron (Crocus sativus L.). None has been performed with a galenic preparation of a standardised saffron extract. The aim of the present research work was to study the effect of in vitro digestion process on the main bioactive components of saffron extract tablets and the corresponding pharmacokinetic parameters in humans. Pharmacokinetics were calculated collecting blood samples every 30 min during the first 3 h and at 24 h after administration of two different concentrations (56 and 84 mg of the saffron extract) to 13 healthy human volunteers. Additionally, an in vitro digestion process was performed in order to determine the bioaccessibility of saffron main bioactive compounds. Identification and quantification analysis were performed by HPLC-PAD/MS. Digestion resulted in 40% of bioaccesibility for crocin isomers, whereas, safranal content followed an opposite trend increasing about 2 folds its initial concentration after the digestion process. Crocetin in plasma was detected in a maximum concentration (C max) in blood between 60 and 90 min after oral consumption with dose-dependent response kinetics, showing that crocin isomers from galenic preparation of saffron extract are rapidly transformed into crocetin. The results showed that this tested galenic form is an efficient way to administer a saffron extract, since the observed crocetin C max was similar and more quickly bioavailable than those obtained by other studies with much higher concentrations of crocetin.
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44
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Garakani A, Murrough JW, Freire RC, Thom RP, Larkin K, Buono FD, Iosifescu DV. Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders: Current and Emerging Treatment Options. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:595584. [PMID: 33424664 PMCID: PMC7786299 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.595584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorders and a leading cause of disability. While there continues to be expansive research in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and schizophrenia, there is a relative dearth of novel medications under investigation for anxiety disorders. This review's first aim is to summarize current pharmacological treatments (both approved and off-label) for panic disorder (PD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and specific phobias (SP), including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), azapirones (e.g., buspirone), mixed antidepressants (e.g., mirtazapine), antipsychotics, antihistamines (e.g., hydroxyzine), alpha- and beta-adrenergic medications (e.g., propranolol, clonidine), and GABAergic medications (benzodiazepines, pregabalin, and gabapentin). Posttraumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder are excluded from this review. Second, we will review novel pharmacotherapeutic agents under investigation for the treatment of anxiety disorders in adults. The pathways and neurotransmitters reviewed include serotonergic agents, glutamate modulators, GABAergic medications, neuropeptides, neurosteroids, alpha- and beta-adrenergic agents, cannabinoids, and natural remedies. The outcome of the review reveals a lack of randomized double-blind placebo- controlled trials for anxiety disorders and few studies comparing novel treatments to existing anxiolytic agents. Although there are some recent randomized controlled trials for novel agents including neuropeptides, glutamatergic agents (such as ketamine and d-cycloserine), and cannabinoids (including cannabidiol) primarily in GAD or SAD, these trials have largely been negative, with only some promise for kava and PH94B (an inhaled neurosteroid). Overall, the progression of current and future psychopharmacology research in anxiety disorders suggests that there needs to be further expansion in research of these novel pathways and larger-scale studies of promising agents with positive results from smaller trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Garakani
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Silver Hill Hospital, New Canaan, CT, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - James W Murrough
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rafael C Freire
- Department of Psychiatry and Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Robyn P Thom
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Larkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Frank D Buono
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Dan V Iosifescu
- Clinical Research Division, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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45
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Ghaderi A, Asbaghi O, Reiner Ž, Kolahdooz F, Amirani E, Mirzaei H, Banafshe HR, Maleki Dana P, Asemi Z. The effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on mental health parameters and C-reactive protein: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Med 2020; 48:102250. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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46
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Ahmadpanah M, Ramezanshams F, Ghaleiha A, Akhondzadeh S, Sadeghi Bahmani D, Brand S. Crocus Sativus L. (saffron) versus sertraline on symptoms of depression among older people with major depressive disorders-a double-blind, randomized intervention study. Psychiatry Res 2019; 282:112613. [PMID: 31669837 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While there is sufficient evidence that Crocus Sativus L. (saffron) improves symptoms of depression in young and middle-aged adults, research on older people are missing. The purpose of the double-blind, randomized intervention study was to compare the effect of saffron and sertraline on MDD among a sample of older people. METHODS A total of 50 older out-patients with MDD (mean age = =65 years; 70% males) were randomly assigned either to the saffron condition (60 mg/d) or to the sertraline condition (100 mg/day) for six consecutive weeks. Experts employed the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) to rate participants' degree of depression. Timepoints were baseline, week 2, week 4 and week 6, the end of the study. RESULTS Symptoms of depression decreased over time, with no advantages or disadvantages for the saffron or sertraline condition. CONCLUSION The pattern of results suggests that both saffron and sertraline have the potential to significantly decrease symptoms of depression. The results are clinically relevant, because major depressive disorders in older people is a health concern. The results are further relevant, because saffron appears to be a powerful antidepressant for older people, who might be more reluctant to the use of synthetic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ahmadpanah
- Behavioral Disorders and Substances Abuse Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ramezanshams
- Behavioral Disorders and Substances Abuse Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ali Ghaleiha
- Behavioral Disorders and Substances Abuse Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Shahin Akhondzadeh
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Psychiatry and Psychology Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dena Sadeghi Bahmani
- University of Basel, Psychiatric Clinics (UPK) Center for Affective, Stress und Sleep Disorders, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Alzahra Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah, Iran; Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Serge Brand
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Psychiatry and Psychology Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; University of Basel, Psychiatric Clinics (UPK) Center for Affective, Stress und Sleep Disorders, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah, Iran; Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah, Iran; Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Division of Sport and Psychosocial Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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47
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Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Hood SD, Drummond PD. Efficacy of a standardised saffron extract (affron®) as an add-on to antidepressant medication for the treatment of persistent depressive symptoms in adults: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:1415-1427. [PMID: 31475623 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119867703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a stand-alone intervention, saffron has efficacy for the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. However, research as an adjunct agent is limited. AIMS The effects of saffron as an adjunct to pharmaceutical antidepressants in adults with persistent depression was investigated. METHODS In this eight-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, adults with persistent depression, currently taking a pharmaceutical antidepressant were given a placebo or a saffron extract (affron®, 14 mg b.i.d.). Primary outcome measures included the clinician-rated Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and self-rated MADRS (MADRS-S). Secondary outcome measures included the Antidepressant Side-Effect Checklist (ASEC) and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS Of the 160 participants enrolled, 139 provided usable data. Based on the MADRS, depressive symptoms decreased more in participants taking saffron compared with a placebo, with reductions of 41 and 21%, respectively (p = 0.001). However, scores on the MADRS-S decreased 27 and 26% in the saffron and placebo conditions, respectively (p = 0.831). Saffron was associated with a greater reduction in adverse effects of antidepressants (p = 0.019), although this was non-significant after covarying for baseline values (p = 0.449). Quality of life improved in both groups with no significant between-group differences (p = 0.638). CONCLUSION Adjunctive administration of a standardised saffron extract (affron®) for eight weeks was associated with a greater improvement in depressive symptoms as measured by the clinician-rated MADRS but not the self-report MADRS-S. Given the conflicting results, further research is needed to clarify the clinical benefits of saffron as an adjunctive treatment for adults with persistent depressive symptoms despite antidepressant drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian L Lopresti
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Clinical Research Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Stephen J Smith
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Clinical Research Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sean D Hood
- Division of Psychiatry, UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Peter D Drummond
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
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