Saffron for ADHD: The Spice That Matched Ritalin in a Clinical Trial
high Efficacy
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The Big Picture
Saffron is one of the only natural substances ever shown to be as effective as Ritalin in head to head clinical trials. For people who cannot tolerate the side effects of stimulants like high heart rate or loss of appetite, saffron offers an extremely efficacious way to manage symptoms without the typical stimulant drawbacks.
In Depth
Saffron provides three major benefits that align with ADHD treatment goals. 1. Comparable Focus. In multiple studies, saffron was non-inferior to Ritalin. This means it reduced inattention and hyperactivity scores to the same degree as the medication. 2. Better Sleep and Appetite. One of the biggest issues with stimulants is that they stop you from eating and sleeping. Which can result in poor nutrition and a cascade of negative side effects. Saffron does not have these side effects and it may even help you fall asleep faster while keeping your appetite normal throughout the day. 3. Mood Support. Saffron is widely known as a natural antidepressant. It helps prevent the emotional blunting or irritability that some people feel when they are on high doses of Adderall or Vyvanse.
The Science
Saffron works by preventing the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. This is a similar mechanism to how ADHD medications work, though saffron does it more gently. It also increases GABA and serotonin, which provides a calming effect that balances out the focus.
