Symptom → Plant Sources
Saffron (Crocus sativus) as a tool for helping with Insomnia / sleeplessness
inferred from sedative action
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3 sources supporting Saffron for Insomnia / sleeplessness. Includes scientific publications, books, monographs and traditional-use references.
Mechanistic basis
This use is associated with the plant's sedative / sleep support action. Further evidence for that pharmacology:
A systematic review of six randomized, double-blind clinical trials of saffron for depression. In placebo-comparison trials saffron had large treatment effects, and compared with antidepressant medications it had similar antidepressant efficacy. Saffron's antidepressant effects are potentially due to its serotonergic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuro-endocrine and neuroprotective actions, providing initial support for its use in mild-to-moderate depression.
This meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found saffron (Crocus sativus) supplementation significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder compared with placebo, supporting its sedative antidepressant use.
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, a standardised saffron (Crocus sativus) extract improved mood in healthy adults over 4 weeks, supporting the sedative/mood-regulating use of saffron.
In a randomized double-blind pilot study, Crocus sativus (saffron) was comparable to methylphenidate in treating children with ADHD, supporting its neuropsychiatric/sedative applications.
This review evaluates saffron (Crocus sativus) extracts and their constituents crocins and safranal as potential candidates for schizophrenia treatment, supporting the neuropsychiatric/sedative use of saffron.