Saffron

A growing body of evidence supports the use of saffron in treating ADHD in both children and adults.

An initial study showed promising results for saffron in treating ADHD in children and teenagers. The study, which was double-blinded, compared saffron directly to methylphenidate, the most effective treatment for ADHD in this age group. Surprisingly, saffron performed as well as methylphenidate and showed a tendency towards fewer side effects. Here is the link to the exact study: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/cap.2018.0146

Another study examined the addition of saffron to a stimulant in adults. It found that adults on a lower dose of the stimulant combined with saffron performed statistically better than those on a higher dose of the stimulant combined with a placebo. Here is the link to "Efficacy and safety of saffron as adjunctive therapy in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial": https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212958822000027

In children, adding saffron (at doses of 20mg or 30mg) to methylphenidate led to significant improvements in ADHD symptoms. See the following link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353607856_A_Comparison_of_Methylphenidate_MPH_and_Combined_Methylphenidate_with_Crocus_sativus_Saffron_in_the_Treatment_of_Children_and_Adolescents_with_ADHD_A_Randomized_Double-Blind_Parallel-Group_Clinical_Tr

Saffron was dosed at 20 mg/day for children weighing under 30 kg, and 30 mg/day for those weighing more. Older teens and adults can consider doses of 50mg and 88mg, respectively.

The proposed mechanism of saffron is similar to that of methylphenidate, as it is thought to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine. Additionally, saffron affects other brain functions, including blocking NMDA and GABA receptors, decreasing the activity of acetylcholine esterase, and inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase.

While this study shows promise, it is important to note that it is just one study conducted abroad, in Iran, where most of the world's saffron originates. Further research is needed to confirm these findings. However, for individuals who are averse to medication or have not responded well to other ADHD treatments, saffron could be a viable option.

In the study, about 16% of participants experienced side effects such as insomnia or reduced appetite, which are similar to side effects seen with methylphenidate.

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Saffron is not FDA-approved for ADHD treatment and is sold as a supplement. This means there is less oversight in its production.

Limited companies offer lower doses, here is one offering 30 mg: https://a.co/d/0evbCR0

Here is another lower dose option that could be beneficial for children/teens byOlly in gummy form: https://www.olly.com/products/hello-happy.

For older teens and adults: Here is a 50mg option by NOW: http://www.nowfoods.com/products/supplements/saffron-50-mg-veg-capsules

As well as the 88.5mg option, which is available through Luma Nutrition: https://a.co/d/bxAgXj1

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Written by:

Joeseph Gagnon Jr.