Saffron may enhance methylphenidate efficacy in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to study findings published in Advances in Integrative Medicine.

“Around 30% of patients with ADHD do not respond to [methylphenidate] or cannot tolerate its side effects, which necessitates the consideration of alternative options,” wrote a research team from Iran. “Previous studies have shown the beneficial effects of Crocus sativus (saffron) in children with ADHD. However, its potential therapeutic effects in adults with ADHD is unknown.”

The double-blind trial randomized 56 adults with ADHD to treatment with either 30 mg of daily methylphenidate plus placebo or 15 mg of twice-daily methylphenidate plus saffron over 6 weeks.

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In the 54 patients who finished the study, there was a significantly greater drop in Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale scores for those taking methylphenidate plus saffron compared with placebo by the study’s end. Improvements as measured by the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales, however, did not differ between treatment groups.

The study identified a significant time by treatment interaction effect for Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale scores from baseline to the study endpoint.

The frequency of side effects did not notably differ between treatment groups.

“Saffron combination therapy with [methylphenidate] can effectively improve symptoms of patients with ADHD,” researchers concluded. “However, further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up treatment are needed to confirm our findings.”

Reference

Pazoki B, Zandi N, Assaf Z, et al. Efficacy and safety of saffron as adjunctive therapy in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Adv Integr Med. Published online January 11, 2022. doi.org/10.1016/j.aimed.2022.01.002