Comparison of Saffron versus Fluoxetine in Treatment of Mild to Moderate Postpartum Depression: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

• Published in: Pharmacopsychiatry Vol. 50; no. 2; p. 64
• Main Authors: Kashani, L, Eslatmanesh, S, Saedi, N, Niroomand, N, Ebrahimi, M, Hosseinian, M, Foroughifar, T, Salimi, S, Akhondzadeh, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01.03.2017
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Crocus; Depression, Postpartum - drug therapy; Double-Blind Method; Female; Fluoxetine - therapeutic use; Humans; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy - adverse effects; Plant Extracts - adverse effects; Plant Extracts - therapeutic use; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1439-0795
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-115306

Postpartum depression is a common mental health problem that is associated with maternal suffering. The aim of this double-blind clinical trial was to compare safety and efficacy of saffron and fluoxetine in treatment of mild to moderate postpartum depression. This was a 6-week, double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Subjects were women aged 18-45 years with mild to moderate postpartum depression who had Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS 17-item) score≤18. Eligible participants were randomized to receive either a capsule of saffron (15 mg capsule) or fluoxetine (20 mg capsule) twice daily for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was to evaluate efficacy of saffron compared to fluoxetine in improving depressive symptoms (HDRS score). There was no significant effect for time×treatment interaction on HDRS score [F (4.90, 292.50)=1.04, p=0.37] between the 2 groups. 13 (40.60%) patients in the saffron group experienced complete response (≥50% reduction in HDRS score) compared with 16 (50%) in the fluoxetine group and the difference between the 2 groups was not significant in this regard (p=0.61). Frequency of adverse events was not significantly different between the treatment groups. The results of this study may suggest that saffron is a safe alternative medication for improving depressive symptoms of postpartum depression. Nevertheless, it should be mentioned that the trial is not well powered and should be considered a preliminary study. Therefore, large clinical trials with longer treatment periods and comparison with placebo group would be appropriate for future studies.