| Effect | Decrease |
| Values | WMD: -0.71; 95% CI: -1.66, 0.23 |
| Trial Design | Meta analysis |
| Trial Length | n/a |
| Number of Subjects | 0 |
| Sex | n/a |
This was a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials that evaluated the effects of saffron on mental health parameters and/or c-reactive protein. Overall, 21 trials were included, ranging from 4 to 12 weeks and with doses of 22 to 1,00 mg/day. There were 563 participants in intervention groups and 489 in control groups.
There was an improvement in depression according to the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and in anxiety according to the Beck Anxiety Inventory. The effect based on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-D), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale were not statistically significant. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index saw a statistically significant improvement. The reduction in CRP wasn't statistically significant.
There was evidence of publication bias via Egger's test for HDRS-D, BDI, and PSQI but not the others.
