Saffron: A Promising Herbal Medicine to Treat ADHD

Could a spice help treat kids with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder? A new study finds that saffron offers a promising herbal alternative for treating kids with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

Saffron could be a promising herbal option for treating kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), reports a pilot study. The findings of the study are published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology.

ADHD is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood and adolescence.

Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Adult attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition in adults seen as hyperactivity, impulsiveness and reduced attention. ADHD impairs social, academic, neuropsychological and occupational behavior.

‘Saffron may be an effective alternative as the drug Ritalin (methylphenidate) in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).’
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The study, from Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, showed that saffron, which has anti-depressant and memory-enhancing properties, can be as effective at controlling symptoms as methylphenidate, the commonly prescribed drug Ritalin for treating ADHD.

Saffron, known as a spice and nutritional supplement in traditional medicine, could be particularly effective for the 30 percent of patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate stimulants like methylphenidate, which causes side effects like nausea, stomach pain, decreased appetite, insomnia, and headache.

For the study, researchers included 54 ADHD patients aged six to 17 years and compared the effects of saffron or methylphenidate over a six-week period.

Genetic Risk Factors for ADHD Identified
Globally, around 2.5 percent adults and 5 percent of children have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A study published in Nature Genetics has uncovered the genetic variants underlying ADHD. About 12 independent loci on the genome where mutations can lead to ADHD have been identified.

The patients were randomly assigned to receive either 20-30 mg/d methylphenidate or 20-30 mg/d saffron capsules depending on weight.

The findings showed no significant difference in effectiveness.

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Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and possibly its medications may increase the risk of early-onset Parkinson’s and Parkinson-like disorders, says study.

Previous studies have shown that one-to-one support and a focus on self-regulation may improve the academic outcomes of children with ADHD.

In addition, a computerized test of attention and activity to standard care can reduce the time needed to make a diagnostic decision on the disorder.

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Increase in the use of digital media puts teenagers at risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, says study.

Source-IANS