The Effects of Crocus sativus (Saffron) on ADHD: A Systematic Review.

This article systematically reviews the efficacy and safety of Crocus sativus (saffron) extracts in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Based on four clinical trials involving 118 patients, saffron demonstrated comparable effectiveness to methylphenidate (MPH) as a single therapy and showed additional benefits when used as an adjunct to MPH, with no significant safety concerns reported. The studies included children, adolescents, and adults, and suggested that saffron may particularly improve hyperactivity symptoms and sleep quality. Due to limitations such as small sample sizes, heterogeneity of participants, and geographic concentration of studies, the authors recommend further well-designed multicenter trials to confirm these findings.