Saffron serves as more than just a spice in food. It has been used for millennia in traditional medicine, and research indicates that it might be useful in treating ADHD today. Among children, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders. It has impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattentional characteristics that might interfere with daily life and interpersonal connections.Medications that help with symptom reduction and attention improvement are beneficial for many individuals with ADHD, including adults. A growing amount of studies indicates that using the natural spice saffron may also be able to provide some of those benefits.

Can saffron lessen the symptoms of ADHD?

There are currently no extensive research demonstrating that saffron can successfully lessen symptoms of ADHD.

That being said, saffron is still useful for treating of ADHD . Smaller studies indicate that saffron may be useful both as an adjunctive treatment to increase the advantages of common ADHD drugs like methylphenidate and as a stand-alone treatment.One of the most often recommended drugs for ADHD treatment is methylphenidate, also marketed under the names Concerta and Ritalin. It is a member of the class of medications known as central nervous system stimulants, which function by controlling brain chemicals that are assumed to be responsible for the symptoms of ADHD. The ADHD community first became aware of saffron against methylphenidate in 2019 because to a groundbreaking pilot research. Researchers discovered that for the treatment of both inattention and hyperactivity symptoms, using 20–30 mg of saffron daily for six weeks was similar to using methylphenidate. Since then, other studies have been conducted to confirm the advantages of saffron for ADHD. Saffron was found to be more beneficial than methylphenidate in lowering hyperactive symptoms of ADHD, while methylphenidate was found to be more successful in reducing symptoms of inattention. The amount of hours people slept increased with both therapy, which is a common problem with ADHD; however, only saffron assisted with falling asleep.In a clinical research conducted in 2021, methylphenidate and saffron combined proved to be more beneficial than methylphenidate by itself. A clinical research conducted in 2022 confirmed these results, demonstrating that methylphenidate and saffron worked better together. Nevertheless, further extensive studies on saffron’s potential benefits for ADHD are still required. Less than 100 participants in small participant groups participated in each of the current research.

How is saffron used to treat ADHD?

Although the precise mechanisms by which saffron may benefit ADHD remain unclear, they may have to do with the neuroprotective properties of the spice and neurotransmitters linked to ADHD. It is believed that imbalances in specific neurotransmitters contribute significantly to ADHD and provide the basis for the efficacy of stimulant drugs. Saffron may act as a medication by increasing neurotransmitters like glutamate and dopamine in the brain, much to methylphenidate. The way saffron preserves brain function may possibly play a role. Saffron has been repeatedly demonstrated to have preventive properties against neurological illnesses, according to a review published in 2022. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities of the spice, which aid in the fight against oxidative stress and inflammation, are mostly responsible for these advantages. An imbalance known as oxidative stress occurs when the body produces more highly reactive molecules, or “free radicals,” than antioxidants, which assist to balance them out. Cells are harmed by oxidative stress, which also plays a role in a number of disease processes. Using antioxidants like saffron as part of an ADHD treatment plan may help prevent damage to neurons that could be involved in neurodevelopmental issues.

For ADHD, how should saffron be taken?

Saffron is an experimental treatment for ADHD , and there is no standard dosage. Depending on the source, dietary supplement recommendations might range up to 100 mg taken orally per day. youngsters between the ages of 6 and 17 who took 20–30 mg daily saw improvements in their symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention as fast as three weeks. In the 2022 clinical trial, 15 mg of saffron was administered twice daily for six weeks as an addition to methylphenidate medication .Saffron is available for purchase as powder, capsules, or threads, which are the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower that are hand-picked and dried.

Possible adverse reactions to saffron

Saffron appears to have a high safety margin when taken at the authorized dosage. While additional human research is required.

Among the side effects associated with saffron use are vertigo, dizziness, and vomiting.

Appetite decline headache

Blood in the pee nausea

An allergic response

Pregnant women should use saffron with caution as it can stimulate the uterus. It is advisable to speak with a medical expert before using saffron to treat ADHD.

Conclusion

Although research on saffron and ADHD is still in its infancy, the data is encouraging. Saffron’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities may help preserve neurological function, and it may also assist activate the brain chemicals responsible for ADHD.Speaking with a doctor can help you create a safe therapeutic plan for using saffron because there isn’t much information available regarding the right dosage of this spice specifically for treating ADHD.