Effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on cognitive function. A systematic review of RCTs

Crocin alleviates cognitive impairment associated with atherosclerosis via improving neuroinflammation in LDLR−/− mice fed a high‐fat/cholesterol diet

“…A double–blind, parallel–controlled study on patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease showed that 1‐year administration of saffron extract capsules (30 mg/kg) is comparable with memantine in reducing cognitive decline (Farokhnia et al, 2014). Recent literature reviews also suggested that crocin may be beneficial for improving cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (Avgerinos et al, 2020; Ayati, Yang, Ayati, Emami, & Chang, 2020). The present study indicated that high‐dose crocin was more effective in playing a neuroprotective potential via enhancing spatial learning and memory ability, and reducing Aβ deposition and tau phosphorylation.…”

Crocins for Ischemic Stroke: A Review of Current Evidence

“…In addition, a study showed that 30 mg of SF supplement for 16 weeks improved cognition function (change in both AD Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) and clinical dementia ratings-scale sums of boxes (CDR-SB) in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (Akhondzadeh et al, 2010). This is supported by a recent systematic review of five RCTs involving 325 subjects on AD and mild cognitive impairment, suggesting that SF may be as efficacious as common drugs against AD, although it should be taken with caution as there may be an unknown or high risk of bias due to the low quality of some of the studies included (Avgerinos et al, 2020). On the other hand, a recent trial involving 50 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) confirmed a significant improvement in glycaemic control and insulin resistance after administration of 15 mg CR twice daily for up to 12 weeks (Behrouz et al, 2020).…”

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): A Source of Nutrients for Health and for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric and Age-Related Diseases

“…It is noteworthy that saffron extract and donepezil treated patients presented similar adverse events (AEs) frequency with the exception of vomiting, which occurred more frequently in the donepezil group [ 129 ]. In addition, a recent systematic review of clinical trials demonstrated that saffron was equally effective as commonly used drugs for Alzheimer’s disease and resulted in no difference in the incidence of side effects [ 133 ].…”