Due to safety concerns and side effects of many antidepressant medications, herbal psychopharmacology research has increased, and herbal remedies are becoming increasingly popular as alternatives to prescribed medications for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Of these, accumulating trials reveal positive effects of the spice saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for the treatment of depression. A comprehensive and statistical review of the clinical trials examining the effects of saffron for treatment of MDD is warranted.

According to the classic "diet-heart" hypothesis, high dietary intake of saturated fats and cholesterol combined with low intake of polyunsaturated fats can increase levels of serum cholesterol and lead to the development of atherogenic plaques and ultimately cardiovascular diseases. Recently, the beneficial health effects of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid (LA), on cardiovascular health have been called into question with some scientists suggesting that consumption of LA should be reduced in Western countries. The focus of this critical review is on the controversy surrounding the effects of dietary intake of LA on cardiovascular health. Specifically, we critically examined the effects of both unadulterated and adulterated forms of LA on cardiovascular health outcomes based on findings from epidemiological studies and randomized controlled trials. Additionally, we address common concerns surrounding dietary intake of LA regarding its relationship with arachidonic acid, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, and its relationship with inflammation. Our critical review indicates that unadulterated forms of LA are cardioprotective and should be consumed as part of a healthy diet. In contrast, abundant evidence now indicates that adulterated forms of LA, predominantly hydrogenated vegetable oils, are atherogenic and should not be considered part of a healthy diet. The ability to adulterate the natural omega-6 fatty acid, LA, has contributed to mixed findings regarding the effects of this fatty acid on cardiovascular health. Thus, it is critical that the source of LA be taken into account when drawing conclusions about the physiological effects of this fatty acid. The findings of the present review are in line with current dietary recommendations of the American Heart Association.
Cardiovascular Diseases ; metabolism ; prevention & control ; Dietary Fats ; analysis ; metabolism ; Humans ; Linoleic Acid ; analysis ; metabolism ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

BACKGROUNDDue to safety concerns and side effects of many antidepressant medications, herbal psychopharmacology research has increased, and herbal remedies are becoming increasingly popular as alternatives to prescribed medications for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Of these, accumulating trials reveal positive effects of the spice saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for the treatment of depression. A comprehensive and statistical review of the clinical trials examining the effects of saffron for treatment of MDD is warranted.

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials examining the effects of saffron supplementation on symptoms of depression among participants with MDD.

SEARCH STRATEGYWe conducted electronic and non-electronic searches to identify all relevant randomized, double-blind controlled trials. Reference lists of all retrieved articles were searched for relevant studies.

INCLUSION CRITERIAThe criteria for study selection included the following: (1) adults (aged 18 and older) with symptoms of depression, (2) randomized controlled trial, (3) effects of saffron supplementation on depressive symptoms examined, and (4) study had either a placebo control or antidepressant comparison group.

DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSISUsing random effects modeling procedures, we calculated weighted mean effect sizes separately for the saffron supplementation vs placebo control groups, and for the saffron supplementation vs antidepressant groups. The methodological quality of all studies was assessed using the Jadad score. The computer software Comprehensive Meta-analysis 2 was used to analyze the data.

RESULTSBased on our pre-specified criteria, five randomized controlled trials (n = 2 placebo controlled trials, n = 3 antidepressant controlled trials) were included in our review. A large effect size was found for saffron supplementation vs placebo control in treating depressive symptoms (M ES = 1.62, P < 0.001), revealing that saffron supplementation significantly reduced depression symptoms compared to the placebo control. A null effect size was evidenced between saffron supplementation and the antidepressant groups (M ES = -0.15) indicating that both treatments were similarly effective in reducing depression symptoms. The mean Jadad score was 5 indicating high quality of trials.

CONCLUSIONFindings from clinical trials conducted to date indicate that saffron supplementation can improve symptoms of depression in adults with MDD. Larger clinical trials, conducted by research teams outside of Iran, with long-term follow-ups are needed before firm conclusions can be made regarding saffron's efficacy and safety for treating depressive symptoms.

Crocus ; adverse effects ; Depressive Disorder, Major ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Phytotherapy ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

OBJECTIVETo examine the effects of a greens alkalizing dietary supplement on urinary pH levels in individuals with lower-than-average pH levels.

METHODSThe present study investigated the effects of an alkalizing formula (Reserveage Wholeganic Greens(TM)) on four individuals who had average urinary pH levels below 6.0 for three consecutive days. Following the three-day, baseline period, participants received Reserveage Wholeganic Greens(TM) for four consecutive days and were instructed to continue to measure their urine pH levels. Paired samples t-tests were used to examine pH levels before and after a four-day treatment period with Reserveage Wholeganic Greens(TM).

RESULTSCompared to baseline, mean urine pH levels in all volunteers were significantly higher following the supplementation with Reserveage Wholeganic Greens(TM) (5.89 ± 0.20 vs 5.56 ± 0.23; P<0.01). Participants' pH levels were also significantly higher than baseline on days 5, 6, and 7 of the treatment period (P < 0.05). Noteworthy, on day 7, participants' mean pH levels were significantly higher than at the beginning of the treatment period (6.03 ± 0.15 at day 7 vs 5.65 ± 0.24 at day 4; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe findings of this study suggest that supplementation with Reserveage Wholeganic Greens(TM) has an alkalizing effect on the body and can increase the urine pH levels in individuals with lower-than-average pH levels.

Adult ; Dietary Supplements ; Edible Grain ; Female ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pilot Projects ; Poaceae ; Vegetables

BACKGROUNDThroughout the past three decades, increased scientific attention has been given to examining saffron's (Crocus sativus L.) use as a potential therapeutic or preventive agent for a number of health conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and depression.

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this systematic review is to examine and categorize the current state of scientific evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the efficacy of saffron on psychological/behavioral outcomes.

SEARCH STRATEGYElectronic and non-electronic systematic searches were conducted to identify all relevant human clinical research on saffron. The search strategy was extensive and was designed according to the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)." Reference lists of articles that met the inclusion criteria were searched. Only English language studies were reviewed.

INCLUSION CRITERIASaffron trials in combination with other substances and saffron safety studies were considered, in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Included studies must have a control group. Included studies must measure a physiological and/or a behavioral outcome.

DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSISThe methodological quality of all included studies was independently evaluated by two reviewers using the Jadad score. Mean scores and P-values of measures were compared both inter- and intra-study for each parameter (i.e., depression).

RESULTSTwelve studies met our inclusion criteria. These studies examined the effects of saffron on psychological/behavioral outcomes of: major depressive disorder (n=6), premenstrual syndrome (n = 1), sexual dysfunction and infertility (n=4), and weight loss/snacking behaviors (n=1). The data from these studies support the efficacy of saffron as compared to placebo in improving the following conditions: depressive symptoms (compared to anti-depressants and placebo), premenstrual symptoms, and sexual dysfunction. In addition, saffron use was also effective in reducing excessive snacking behavior.

CONCLUSIONFindings from initial clinical trials suggest that saffron may improve the symptoms and the effects of depression, premenstrual syndrome, sexual dysfunction and infertility, and excessive snacking behaviors. Larger multi-site clinical trials are needed to extend these preliminary findings.

Behavior ; drug effects ; Crocus ; Depressive Disorder, Major ; drug therapy ; psychology ; Humans ; Phytotherapy ; methods ; Plant Preparations ; therapeutic use ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic