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Effect of saffron supplementation on symptoms of depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis
journal contribution
posted on 2019-08-01, 00:00 authored by Wolf MarxWolf Marx, Melissa Lane, Tetyana RocksTetyana Rocks, Anu RuusunenAnu Ruusunen, Amy Loughman, Adrian Lopresti, Skye Marshall, Michael BerkMichael Berk, Felice JackaFelice Jacka, Olivia DeanOlivia DeanCONTEXT: Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has gained interest as a potential treatment in psychiatry. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to investigate the effect of saffron supplementation, as both an adjunctive therapy and monotherapy, on symptoms of depression and anxiety in clinical and general populations compared with pharmacotherapy or placebo. DATA SOURCES: Using the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials was conducted. DATA EXTRACTION: A meta-analysis was conducted to determine treatment effect. Risk of bias was assessed using the Jadad scale. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were included. Saffron had a large positive effect size when compared with placebo for depressive symptoms (g = 0.99, P < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (g = 0.95, P < 0.006). Saffron also had a large positive effect size when used as an adjunct to antidepressants for depressive symptoms (g = 1.23, P = 0.028). Egger's regression test found evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: Saffron could be an effective intervention for symptoms of depression and anxiety; however, due to evidence of publication bias and lack of regional diversity, further trials are required. PROSPERO registration CRD42017070060.
History
Journal
Nutrition reviewsVolume
77Issue
8Season
Special ArticlePagination
557 - 571Publisher
Oxford University PressLocation
Oxford, Eng.Publisher DOI
ISSN
0029-6643eISSN
1753-4887Language
engPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2019, The AuthorsUsage metrics
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