Saffron Works As Well As Methylphenidate (Ritalin) ADHD

A new study finds that the spice saffron may be as effective as methylphenidate (Ritalin) in treating the symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

This is potentially very important for several reasons…

1. Some kids (about 30%) do not respond to stimulants like methylphenidate.
2. Some kids may experience significant side effects from stimulants these include anticholinergic effects ( anticholinergic side effects can include memory, changes in eyes, digestion, coordination, and much more), mental changes (including irritability, anxiety, tic disorder, …), orthostatic hypotension (dizziness due to inability to regulate blood pressure properly with changes of position), arrhythmias (irregular heart beat), tachycardia (rapid heart beat), sleep loss, appetite loss, nausea, and much more.
3. Many parents do not want to give amphetamines to their child.
4. Finally if a spice like saffron works just as well then it would seem to be a better choice anyway.

Methylphenidate Versus Saffron For ADHD Study

In a randomized 6 week trial of 54 kids ages 6 to 17 with ADHD researchers found there were no significant differences in benefit or adverse events in the saffron compared to the methylphenidate (Ritalin is an example of this drug) group.

Conclusion Quoted Directly From Study

The results of this study must be considered as preliminary.

This 6-week course of treatment with saffron showed the same efficacy as methylphenidate in children with ADHD.

In terms of safety, there is no significant difference between the two study groups in frequency of side effects.

Considering the memory-enhancing and antidepressant effects of saffron, future studies on the effectiveness of saffron compared with placebo should include a broader spectrum of ADHD patients, including those with co-morbid mood and anxiety disorders, sleep problems, and ADHD patients with inattentive presentation.

Nevertheless, larger “placebo-controlled studies” with longer treatment periods are indicated for future studies

Journal of Child and Adolescent PsychopharmacologyAhead of Print
Crocus sativus L. Versus Methylphenidate in Treatment of Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind Pilot Study

This study really shows that we should consider using saffron as an alternate treatment in patients with ADHD.

It’s a small study, but the results were very promising.

There are so many things that can help people suffering with ADHD, sensorimotor integration issues, developmental delays, and more that most people never hear about.

Reference:

Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology.

Published Online Ahead Of Print: 11 Feb 2019

Sara Baziar, Ali Aqamolaei, Ebrahim Khadem, Seyyed Hosein Mortazavi, Sina Naderi, Erfan Sahebolzamani, Amirhosein Mortezaei, Shakiba Jalilevand, Mohammad-Reza Mohammadi, Mahsa Shahmirzadi, and Shahin Akhondzadeh.


http://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2018.0146