Saffron may treat ADHD
SAFFRON may be a promising herbal alternative for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
A pilot study has found that saffron holds promise for treating children with ADHD.
ADHD is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood and adolescence.
The study, from Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, shows that saffron, which has anti-depressant and memory-enhancing properties, can be as effective at controlling symptoms as methylphenidate, the commonly prescribed drug Ritalin, used for treating ADHD.
Saffron, known as a spice and nutritional supplement in traditional medicine, could be particularly effective for the 30% of patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate stimulants like methylphenidate, which causes side-effects like nausea, stomach pain, decreased appetite, insomnia and headaches.
For the study, researchers included 54 ADHD patients aged 6 to 17 and compared the effects of saffron or methylphenidate over a six-week period.
The patients were randomly assigned to receive either 20-30 mg/d methylphenidate or 20-30 mg/d saffron capsules, depending on weight.
The findings, published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, showed no significant difference in effectiveness.
Previous studies have shown that oneto-one support and a focus on self-regulation may improve the academic outcomes of children with ADHD.
In addition, a computerised test of attention and activity can reduce the time needed to make a diagnostic decision on the disorder. | IANS