Is Saffron As Effective As Ritalin?

Saffron has been traditionally used to treat a number of mental health conditions including mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, new research is emerging that saffron may also be an excellent treatment for those suffering from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). More than that, this natural support is proven to have no negative side effects, especially in comparison to potentially addictive synthetics such as Ritalin.

Many ADHD sufferers cannot tolerate stimulants and are often prescribed antidepressants. Dr. Shahin Akhondzadeh and his research team from Tehran University of Medical Sciences are finding that saffron in clinical doses is particularly useful to this group of sufferers. He says, “Many antidepressants have been used as alternatives for stimulants in patients with ADHD that cannot tolerate Ritalin (methylphenidate) or do not respond to Ritalin. Therefore, from this preliminary study, the main point is that we can consider saffron just as an alternative in the above-mentioned patients."

The study was a randomized, double-blind pilot clinical trial of 54 children that tested saffron capsules versus methylphenidate (a drug that can cause addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and if misused — fatal cardiac conditions). Both groups of children, those receiving saffron and those receiving methylphenidate, demonstrated an improvement in their ADHD symptoms, with no significant difference in their rates of response.

Dr. Greg W. Mattingly, an expert in ADHD, and the recent co-author of,TEAM ADHD Updates: A New Approach to ADHD, a clinician’s guide to ADHD treatments, is excited by the findings. He says, "The fact that saffron improved ADHD symptoms as much as a stimulant was truly impressive! The fact that these improvements in ADHD symptoms were observed both by parents and teachers was especially encouraging." 

He continued to echo THE FULLEST sentiment of a hopeful future that provides healing and treatment without harmful side effects often caused by synthetic drugs. He stated, "The 'holy grail' for families with ADHD is a non-stimulant which works as well as a stimulant. Even more exciting is when this non-stimulant is a natural product."

Although more long term evidence-based studies are required, these initial findings are incredibly encouraging and provide a bright outlook for ADHD patients and their families. 

If you are interested in the natural mood enhancing and mental health benefits of saffron, our Kinder Thoughts® saffron capsules contain the clinical dose of saffron. However, please consult your doctor and any mental health practitioner, especially if you have a history of mental health conditions.