Summary
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition (affecting brain and nervous system development) that impacts both children and adults.
Traditionally, ADHD treatment relies on medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. However, more and more people are turning to the natural benefits of saffron to alleviate symptoms.
Saffron, extracted from the flower Crocus sativus and used for centuries in traditional medicine, has been the subject of various studies in recent years for its beneficial effects on ADHD. Research indicates that saffron may effectively reduce hyperactivity and improve attention, particularly in children with this condition.
ADHD Symptoms
ADHD manifests through a variety of symptoms that impact a person's ability to focus, stay organised, and control impulses. The primary symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
This condition affects between 4% and 8% of children, and approximately 60% of cases persist into adulthood.
People with ADHD may struggle to stay focused on tasks or activities, frequently forget details, and appear not to listen when spoken to. They may also have difficulties organising activities, completing tasks, or managing their time effectively, which can disrupt their sleep and mental health.
Hyperactivity manifests as constant restlessness, a need to move or talk excessively, and a difficulty sitting still or staying calm.
Impulsivity, on the other hand, results in hasty actions without prior thought, frequent interruptions in conversations or games, and difficulty waiting their turn.
Of course, ADHD symptoms can vary in intensity depending on a person's age and gender. Both children and adults with ADHD often face significant challenges in their daily lives, whether at school, at work, or in their social relationships.
To better understand the symptoms of ADHD, with or without hyperactivity, it is essential to know the chemical mechanisms and neurotransmitters involved in the brain: let's now explore how each neurotransmitter influences ADHD symptoms.
The Role of Neurotransmitters in ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters in the brain, notably dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin.
These chemical messengers play specific roles in regulating mood, attention, and behaviour.
The bioactive compounds in saffron, such as crocin and safranal, have demonstrated their ability to modulate the availability of these neurotransmitters, contributing to better regulation of cognitive and behavioural functions:
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Dopamine: Essential for regulating many brain functions, including motivation, pleasure, and the brain's reward system. It helps maintain focus and filter out distractions, supporting executive functions such as planning, decision-making, and impulse control.
In individuals with ADHD, insufficient dopamine levels can lead to difficulties concentrating, staying motivated, and controlling impulses. For example, a child with low dopamine levels may struggle to focus on homework or wait their turn during group activities.
How does saffron affect dopamine? The bioactive compounds in saffron, such as crocin and safranal, have shown the ability to modulate dopamine availability by inhibiting the breakdown of this neurotransmitter, contributing to better regulation of cognitive and behavioural functions.
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Noradrenaline: Affects attention and responsiveness. Produced in the brainstem, it is released in response to stressful or exciting stimuli, increasing alertness and vigilance. It helps focus attention on important stimuli while filtering out distractions, which is essential for quick responses. Noradrenaline also strengthens learning and memory by enhancing neuronal connections during significant events, forming lasting memories. In individuals with ADHD, irregular noradrenaline levels can make it difficult to maintain attention and respond appropriately to stimuli.
How does saffron affect noradrenaline? Similar to the effects of ADHD medications, saffron helps regulate noradrenaline levels to improve attention and responsiveness.
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Serotonin: Mainly involved in mood regulation and emotional well-being, it stabilises feelings of happiness, calm, and satisfaction. Adequate serotonin levels are associated with a positive mood and reduced anxiety and depression.
How does saffron affect serotonin? Crocin and safranal, the bioactive compounds in saffron, play a role in regulating serotonin. Studies have shown that these compounds can increase serotonin levels by inhibiting its reabsorption in the brain. In other words, saffron prevents serotonin from being absorbed too quickly, allowing more serotonin to remain available in neural synapses.
Comparing Saffron to Traditional ADHD Treatments
Researchers are increasingly studying the potential impact of saffron on ADHD symptoms. While traditional treatments, such as stimulant medications and behavioural therapy, remain the standard, a growing number of people are exploring alternative options like saffron.
Studies have compared saffron supplementation to methylphenidate (Ritalin), a common ADHD medication, and the results are promising: both treatments show significant improvements in ADHD symptoms. This suggests that saffron could be a viable alternative or complement to traditional treatments, offering a natural approach to managing symptoms.
How Much Saffron Should Be Taken for ADHD?
Research on saffron’s effectiveness for ADHD treatment indicates doses of 20 to 30mg per day in clinical studies. Here are some key findings:
- Effect of Saffron Combined with Methylphenidate: A study compared methylphenidate alone to a combination of methylphenidate and saffron in children with ADHD. Patients taking 20 or 30mg of saffron daily, depending on their weight, showed faster and more marked symptom improvement after 4 weeks compared to methylphenidate alone.
- Similar Effect to Methylphenidate: Another study found that 20 to 30mg of saffron daily for 6 weeks was as effective as methylphenidate in reducing ADHD symptoms in children aged 6 to 17, with no significant differences in side effects between the two groups.
- Pilot Study: A small study showed that saffron at a similar dose was comparable to methylphenidate in treating ADHD, particularly for hyperactivity symptoms.
Conclusion: Studies suggest that daily doses of 20 to 30mg of saffron can effectively treat ADHD, with results comparable to methylphenidate, particularly for hyperactivity symptoms.
Can Saffron Be Taken with ADHD Medication?
It is essential to consult your doctor before combining these treatments to avoid any adverse effects. Combining treatments should only be done under the guidance and supervision of your healthcare professional.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Before deciding to use saffron for ADHD symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional. A doctor can help determine whether saffron is appropriate for your situation and symptoms. They can also monitor potential side effects or drug interactions and adjust your dosage if necessary.
To support emotional well-being and help maintain a positive mood, our saffron and vitamin B6 gummies, suitable for children aged 4 and over, are specially formulated to regulate mood and reduce stress symptoms often associated with ADHD.
Discover our Saffron B6 supplement course and experience its benefits today!
References
1. Saffron as a natural treatment for ADHD: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Moshiri, E., Basti, A. A., Noorbala, A. A., Jamshidi, A. H., Abbasi, S. H., & Akhondzadeh, S. (2019). Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 29(7), 517-524.
2. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): a source of nutrients for health and for the treatment of neuropsychiatric and age-related diseases. Ghrairi, T., Vejux, A., & Lizard, G. (2022). Nutrients, 14(3), 597.
3. Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Lopresti, A. L., & Drummond, P. D. (2014). Phytotherapy Research, 28(5), 731-740.
4. Effects of saffron on sleep quality in patients with major depressive disorder: A randomized double-blind controlled trial. Moshiri, E., Basti, A. A., Noorbala, A. A., Jamshidi, A. H., Abbasi, S. H., & Akhondzadeh, S. (2020). Sleep Medicine, 69, 110-116.
5. Safety and tolerability of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in pediatric use: A review of clinical trials. Akhondzadeh, S., & Sabet, M. S. (2018). BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 18(1), 30.
