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The effect of crocin (the main active saffron constituent) on the cognitive functions, craving, and withdrawal syndrome in opioid patients under methadone maintenance treatment
Author(s) -
AbbaszadehMashkani Samira,
Hoque Shahanara Sunjida,
Banafshe Hamid Reza,
Ghaderi Amir
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.6913
Subject(s) - crocin , craving , placebo , medicine , methadone maintenance , methadone , anesthesia , psychiatry , addiction , pharmacology , alternative medicine , pathology
Individuals under methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs are susceptible to several complications, including withdrawal syndrome, craving, and cognitive deficits. This study was designed to elevate the effect of crocin administration on withdrawal syndrome, craving, and cognitive function in subjects under MMT programs. It was a clinical trial that was conducted among 60 patients referred to Soltan Mirahmad Clinic for addict patients in Kashan, Iran. The patients were allocated to two groups including placebo and intervention groups. The intervention group received 30 mg/day crocin ( n = 30) and placebo ( n = 30) once a day, in 12 weeks. Withdrawal syndrome, craving, and cognitive function parameters were measured before and after the intervention in subjects under MMT programs. Compared with the placebo group, crocin resulted in a significant improvement in craving score ( p = .03), and withdrawal symptoms score ( p = .01) in the intervention group. In addition, crocin supplementation did not affect cognitive function parameters (e.g., TMT, FAS test, and DGSP score). Overall, crocin supplementation for 12 weeks to patients under MMT programs had beneficial effects on craving and withdrawal symptoms score, but did not affect the cognitive function parameters.