The popular and expensive spice saffron (Crocus sativus L), appears to be as effective as the stimulant methylphenidate (MPH) in treating symptoms in youngsters with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), new research suggests.
In a randomized 6-week trial, a team of investigators from Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, found there were no significant differences in efficacy or adverse events in the saffron vs MPH group.
"From this preliminary study, the main point is that we can consider saffron as an alternative [to stimulants] in patients with ADHD," senior author Shahin Akhondzadeh, PhD, FBPhS, DSc, professor of clinical psychopharmacology, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, told Medscape Medical News.
"Short-term efficacy of saffron demonstrated the same efficacy as methylphenidate, although larger, controlled studies with longer treatment periods are necessary to verify the findings," he said.
The study was published online February 11 in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology.
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MPH, which is commonly used to treat ADHD, has many side effects, including loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, and nausea, the authors note.
Moreover, approximately 30% of children do not respond to MPH, leading to a search for nonstimulant strategies.
"Many antidepressants have been used as alternatives to stimulants in patients with ADHD that cannot tolerate Ritalin or do not respond to Ritalin," Akhondzadeh said.
