ADHD: Understanding the Disorder and the Potential of Saffron as an Alternative Treatment
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most common childhood disorders. Nearly 6 million children in the U.S. aged 4-17 are affected by ADHD, and the numbers continue to rise each
year. Contrary to popular belief, ADHD also affects adults. Around 60% of children diagnosed with ADHD will continue to experience symptoms into adulthood. Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in ADHD diagnoses among females and adults, particularly mothers.
ADHD can significantly impact both children and adults. It can lead to decreased social abilities, low self-esteem, academic difficulties (such as trouble concentrating, poor time management, impulsivity, restlessness), and struggles with stress management. People with ADHD are also more likely to experience car accidents and alcohol abuse.
Conventional Treatment for ADHD: Medications and Their Side Effects
The most common treatment for ADHD is pharmacotherapy, with methylphenidate (Ritalin) being the most frequently prescribed medication. While Ritalin can improve the quality of life for some individuals, it may cause negative side effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite, and heart arrhythmias. Additionally, about 30% of children do not respond to the medication, or they experience adverse reactions that reduce medication compliance.
The Growing Interest in Alternative Therapies
Due to these side effects, many individuals turn to alternative therapies. One promising alternative is saffron, specifically Crocus sativus. A recent study compared saffron with methylphenidate to assess its effectiveness in treating ADHD. The results revealed that saffron had a similar impact to methylphenidate but with fewer negative side effects. Saffron contains antidepressant properties that influence various receptors and chemicals in the brain. It essentially blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are crucial for regulating attention and behavior.
Saffron’s Role in ADHD: How It Works
Saffron boosts dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which helps manage ADHD symptoms. The study also found that individuals with ADHD have significantly lower levels of these chemicals, which could explain the symptoms observed in many people. Stimulant medications like Ritalin and Adderall work by altering dopamine and norepinephrine levels, but saffron’s ability to increase these chemicals naturally may provide a gentler alternative.
In addition, saffron has been shown to increase GABA levels in the brain. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that helps relax muscles and reduce anxiety, making it beneficial for the hyperactivity component of ADHD.
How Was Saffron Used in Studies on ADHD?
In studies, saffron was administered at doses of 20 mg per day for children weighing less than 30 kg and 30 mg per day for children over 30 kg. For adults and teenagers over 30 years old, doses of 50 mg to 88 mg were considered.
What Mechanism Does Saffron Use to Help ADHD?
Similar to methylphenidate, saffron is believed to inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine. It also impacts the brain by blocking NMDA and GABA receptors, decreasing acetylcholinesterase activity, and reducing monoamine oxidase activity.
Is Saffron as Effective as Traditional ADHD Medications?
While saffron shows promise as an alternative treatment for ADHD, it was part of a single study, conducted in Iran (where saffron is a major export product). It’s important to replicate these studies to confirm the results. However, for those who are sensitive to traditional medications or have not found relief from other treatments, saffron could serve as a potential alternative.
What Were the Side Effects in the Study?
Approximately 16% of participants (about 1 in 6) reported experiencing reduced appetite or insomnia. These side effects were less severe than those commonly associated with methylphenidate (Ritalin), suggesting that saffron may offer a gentler treatment option.
