Date of Award

2015

Degree Type

Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review

Degree Name

Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

Department Chair

John Cavenagh, MBA, PhD, PA-C

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this EBM review is to determine whether or not Crocus Sativus L. is as effective as Fluoxetine for the treatment of mild to moderate depression in adults aged 18-55.

Study Design: Systematic review of three English language, double-blind randomized controlled trials published between 2005-2007.

Data Source: Three double-blind randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals comparing the effectiveness of Crocus Sativus L. vs. Fluoxetine or placebo for the treatment of mild to moderate depression in adults were found using PubMed and Ebscohost.

Outcomes Measured: In all three articles the outcomes measured were improvement in depression symptoms based on 17-item Hamilton Depression rating scale.

Results: Two studies that compared saffron to fluoxetine found that saffron was as effective as fluoxetine for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. One study that compared saffron to a placebo found that patients in the saffron group had a significant improvement in their symptoms compared to the placebo group.

Conclusions: According to the three studies conducted, Saffron can be used as an alternative for the treatment of mild to moderate depression in adults.

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