Parents saw calmer, more focused kids, but objective attention tests didn’t change
STUDY: Hosseinpourfardi A et al, Brain and Behavior 2026
STUDY TYPE: Randomized controlled trial (open-label, active control)
FUNDING: Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Background
Saffron is one of the better-studied herbs for depression, but the data in ADHD is just preliminary: four small trials, most comparing it to methylphenidate without a placebo control, where it seemed to work on its own as well as to augment stimulants. In one, saffron worked better for hyperactivity and methylphenidate worked better for inattention.
This new trial doesn’t turn the tide, but adds to the trickle of small trials.
The Study
- 54 children ages 6 to 12 in Iran, all on methylphenidate for at least 3 months; 43 completed.
- Randomized to saffron extract (20–30 mg/day by weight) plus methylphenidate, or methylphenidate alone, for 6 weeks.
- No placebo. Raters were blinded, but parents were not.
- Outcomes: parent-rated ADHD scale (Conners CPRS-R), a computerized attention test (CPT), and a working memory task (Corsi block-span).
Results
Parent-rated symptoms fell 17% with saffron and didn’t change with methylphenidate alone (effect size 0.85). Inattention improved most with saffron, a contrast to earlier trials (effect size 0.92). The benefits in hyperactivity and impulsivity, however, were not significant after correcting for multiple comparisons.
Objective measures were disappointing. Saffron did not improve impulsivity, inattention, or sustained attention on the CPT, or working memory on the Corsi task.
Side Effects
No serious adverse effects were reported.
Limitations
- No placebo, and parents knew their child’s group.
- Small sample, 20% dropout, and only completers were analyzed.
- Short follow-up and no teacher ratings.
Practice Implications
- This is a flawed trial that does little to move the needle for saffron in ADHD.
- In depression, saffron improved mood and sleep in well-designed trials, most using the Affron brand (30 mg/day). Learn more in Carlat Fact Book on Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Psychiatry.
—Chris Aiken, MD
Director, Psych Partners
Editor in Chief, Carlat Psychiatry Report
