Saffron as a Treatment for Mild to Moderate Depression: A Revision of Current Literature

Mild to moderate depression (MMD) is becoming a health burden due to its increasing prevalence. Current treatment options are not effective in all patients. Hence, researchers have studied herbal options. It has emerged in research that saffron can be used for the treatment of MMD due to its anti-depressant properties. This literature review focussed on the treatment of MMD by comparing saffron to placebo and current antidepressants. Overall, research has shown that saffron reduces depression rating scores, but little is known about its safety and toxicity. Thus, this literature review concluded that there is inconsistent evidence to recommend saffron for the treatment of MMD. Further research is of high clinical need to resolve the growing burden of MMD.