Saffron

Authors:

Fatemeh Anaeigoudari

Findings:

Human and animal experiments indicate that therapeutic impacts of saffron and its constituents (crocin, crocetin, safranal) are mainly mediated via inhibiting inflammatory reactions and scavenging.

Participants:

Human and animal experiments

Study Quality Assessment:

Mentions human and animal experiments

Authors:

C R Vishwaraj, Rengaraj Venkatesh, Srinivasan Kavitha

Findings:

This review summarizes recent (last 5 years) progress in neuroprotection for glaucoma, covering modulation of neuroinflammation, gene and cell therapy, dietary supplementation, and sustained-release systems.

Study Quality Assessment:

Review summarizing progress over 5 years.

All Effects:

Authors:

Daniella Remy, Irina Chan, Kieran Cooley, Laura LaChance, Monique Aucoin, Negin Sayar, Tanisha Shekdar, Tara Rawana, Umadevi Naidoo, Valentina Cardozo

Study Quality Assessment:

Scoping Review

Authors:

Jillian Poles, John E Lewis

Findings:

This narrative review summarized 96 clinical trials on the effects of 21 nutrients and phytonutrients on cognitive function in various human populations. Many nutrients/phytonutrients showed potential for improving aspects of cognition (e.g., memory, attention, executive function, reaction time) and mood/anxiety, particularly in populations with cognitive impairment like AD, though effects were not consistent across all studies or populations. Adverse effects reported in the reviewed trials were generally minimal or nonexistent. The authors conclude that some nutrients/phytonutrients (e.g., aloe polysaccharides, Bacopa monnieri, curcumin, Rhodiola rosea, saffron, Withania somnifera, xanthines) are promising but require further large, well-controlled studies.

Participants:

The review included clinical trials conducted in humans between 2000 and 2021. Participants varied across the reviewed studies and included healthy adults (young, middle-aged, elderly), individuals with cognitive impairments (Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), dementia), patients with specific conditions (Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, brain tumor survivors), and specific groups like college students or physicians. Sample sizes and specific demographics (e.g., age ranges, specific diagnoses) are detailed for individual studies within the text's table.

Dosage:

Dosages varied widely across the 96 reviewed studies depending on the specific nutrient or phytonutrient. Examples include: α-lipoic acid (600mg/day), Vitamin E (800-2000 IU/day), NAC (up to 3600mg/day), B vitamins (various combinations/doses), Citicoline (500-1000mg/day), Phosphatidylserine (100-300mg/day), Vitamin D (400-10000 IU/day), Omega-3 fatty acids (1.8-3g/day), Bacopa monnieri (300-600mg/day), Ginkgo biloba (40-240mg/day), Ginseng (100mg-9g/day), Saffron (30mg/day), Curcumin formulations (providing ~80mg curcumin up to 1500mg formulation/day), Ashwagandha (500-600mg/day), Caffeine (37.5-180mg per dose). Specific dosages for each reviewed study are detailed in the text, particularly in Table 1.

Study Quality Assessment:

This is a narrative review based on a comprehensive literature search of PubMed for human clinical trials published in English (2000-2021). Six independent reviewers evaluated articles for inclusion. The review summarizes findings from 96 articles. The text notes that while many included studies were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, others had limitations such as small sample sizes, lack of blinding, placebo, or control groups. Heterogeneity in study design, treatment dosages, duration, outcome measures (neuropsychological tests), lack of dietary analysis, bioavailability issues, and potential variability in plant supplement composition are mentioned as limitations affecting generalizability. Specific sample sizes (N=X) and study designs (e.g., crossover, open-label) for individual trials are listed in the provided table.

All Effects:

Authors:

Konstantinos I Avgerinos

Findings:

This systematic review found evidence suggesting oral saffron intake in patients with AD may have similar efficacy to common anti-AD drugs (donepezil, memantine) regarding cognitive function and functional status, and was superior to placebo in some comparisons. Saffron appeared safe, with no significant difference in side effects compared to placebo or comparator drugs. However, conclusions should be interpreted cautiously due to potential risk of bias in included studies.

Participants:

Systematic review included studies with participants described as: Healthy or Mild Cognitive Impairment/Alzheimer’s Disease (MCI/AD) patients. Specifically, four studies involved subjects with AD or MCI (Mild/moderate AD, Probable AD, Moderate/severe AD, aMCI), and one study involved non-cognitively impaired subjects (CABG patients). Total participants across five studies: N=325.

Dosage:

30 mg daily saffron dose reported in four out of five included RCTs. One study did not report the dose (N/R).

Study Quality Assessment:

Systematic review of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) or cross-over RCTs. Followed PRISMA guidelines. Assessed Risk of Bias (ROB) using Cochrane Collaboration's tool (evaluating selection bias, performance bias, detection bias, attrition bias, reporting bias). Results of ROB assessment: 3 studies 'unclear' risk, 1 study 'low' risk, 1 study 'high' risk. Limitations acknowledged: only five studies included, potential ROB in several studies, meta-analysis not feasible due to heterogeneity in comparators and outcomes, potential lack of generalizability (4/5 studies from Iran).

All Effects: