Saffron, as an adjunct therapy, contributes to relieve depression symptoms: An umbrella meta-analysis.

Background: Saffron is a traditional herbal medicine that has been used to treat various ailments such as depressive mood. However, the findings of several meta-analyses regarding anti-depressive properties of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) are controversial. The current umbrella meta-analysis was carried out to determine the magnitude and direction of saffron administration on depression.

Methods: Relevant studies were searched in international databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Library up to June 2021. Meta-analysis studies investigating the effects of saffron on depression were considered to include in the study. Random-effects model was used to perform the meta-analysis. Additional analyses including subgroup and sensitivity analyses were carried out.

Results: Overall, 7 meta-analyses were included in the study. The results demonstrated that the consumption of saffron resulted in a significant reduction in BDI scores (ES: -3.87; 95% CI: -5.27, -2.46). However, saffron did not change the HAMD scores (ES: -2.10; 95% CI: -5.05, 0.86, p = 0.164) and mixed scores (HAM-D/BDI/DASS) (ES: 0.02; 95% CI: -0.39, 0.43,p = 0.941).

Conclusion: Present umbrella meta-analysis demonstrated that saffron intake might contribute to alleviation of depression disorder, however, it cannot be considered as a single therapeutic approach to treat depression.