Effect of Saffron Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials compared saffron (Crocus sativus) with SSRIs in adults with depression or anxiety. Meta-analysis of 8 depression trials and 4 anxiety trials found no significant difference between saffron and SSRIs in reducing depressive or anxiety symptoms, while participants receiving saffron had fewer adverse events, suggesting saffron is a potential SSRI alternative with a better tolerability profile.
Referenced for these plants
How to cite
Shafiee, A., Jafarabady, K., Seighali, N., Mohammadi, I. et al (2025) 'Effect of Saffron Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials', Nutrition Reviews, 83(3), pp. e751-e761. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuae076
This reference is part of the evidence base for the Omnia Sana plant database. Source links open the original publication; Omnia Sana does not host third-party content.