Snacking is an uncontrolled eating behavior, predisposing weight gain and obesity. It primarily affects the female population and is frequently associated with stress. We hypothesized that oral supplementation with Satiereal (Inoreal Ltd, Plerin, France), a novel extract of saffron stigma, may reduce snacking and enhance satiety through its suggested mood-improving effect, and thus contribute to weight loss. Healthy, mildly overweight women (N = 60) participated in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study that evaluated the efficacy of Satierealsupplementation on body weight changes over an 8-week period. Snacking frequency, the main secondary variable, was assessed by daily self-recording of episodes by the subjects in a nutrition diary.
Twice a day, enrolled subjects consumed 1 capsule of Satiereal (176.5 mg extract per day (n = 31) or a matching placebo (n = 29). Caloric intake was left unrestricted during the study. At baseline, both groups were homogeneous for age, body weight, and snacking frequency. Satiereal caused a significantly greater body weight reduction than placebo after 8 weeks (P max .01). The mean snacking frequency was significantly decreased in the Satiereal group as compared with the placebo group (P max .05). Other anthropometric dimensions and vital signs remained almost unchanged in both groups. No subject withdrawal attributable to a product effect was reported throughout the trial, suggesting a good tolerability to Satiereal.
Our results indicate that Satiereal consumption produces a reduction of snacking and creates a satiating effect that could contribute to body weight loss. The combination of an adequate diet with Satiereal supplementation might help subjects engaged in a weight loss program in achieving their objective.
Satiereal, a Crocus sativus L extract, reduces snacking and increases satiety in a randomized placebo- controlled study of mildly overweight, healthy women / Study for Satiereal [INSATIERAL], Nutr Res. 2010 May; 30(5): 305- 13. doi: 10.1016 / j.nutres. 2010 . 04 . 008, Gout B, Bourges C, Paineau-Dubreuil S.

BACKGROUND: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common disabling disorder. Crocin, the active component of the saffron plant (Crocus Sativus L.) has various pharmacological activities. The present study compared the efficacy and safety of crocin and Fluoxetine in treatment of mild to moderate OCD.
METHODS & MATERIALS: Fifty patients with OCD, aged 18 to 60 years, were randomized to receive either crocin (15 mg) or Fluoxetine (20 mg) capsules for 8 weeks. Eligible participants received one capsule/day in the first month, which followed by two capsules daily in the second month. The patients were evaluated using Yale-Brown Obsessive-compulsive scale (Y-BOCS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating scale (HARS).
RESULTS: The mean Y-BOCS score in both groups decreased significantly during 2 months (p-value = 0.0001). Also, HARS score in the crocin group was changed from 17.16 to 13.04 whereas, in the Fluoxetine group was decreased from 18.28 to 12.34. The results indicated no difference between the two groups in Y-BOCS and HARS score changes after 2-month trial (pvalue over 0.5). Also, fewer adverse effects were reported in the crocin group compared to the Fluoxetine group.
CONCLUSION: According to our study, it seems that crocin is effective in treatment of patients with mild to moderate OCD with possibly fewer adverse effects compared to Fluoxetine.
Effect of crocin versus fluoxetine in treatment of mild to moderate obsessive-compulsive disorder: A double blind randomized clinical trial Kazemi F, Vosough I, Sepahi S, Mohajeri SA, Hum Psychopharmacol. 2021 Feb 18. e2780
This double blind randomized clinical trial was to compare the efficacy and safety of crocin, the active component of the saffron plant (Crocus Sativus L.) and Fluoxetine in treatment of mild to moderate obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (n=50).

Abstract
Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood and adolescence. About 30% of patients do not respond to stimulants or cannot tolerate their side effects. Thus, alternative medication, like herbal medicine, should be considered. The aim of this trial is to compare the safety and efficacy of Crocus sativus (saffron) versus methylphenidate in improving symptoms of children with ADHD.
Methods: In a 6-week randomized double-blind study, 54 patients (children 6–17 years old) with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnosis of ADHD were randomly assigned to receive either 20– 30 mg/d (20 mg/d for max 30 kg and 30 mg/d for min 30 kg) methylphenidate (MPH) or 20–30 mg/d saffron capsules depending on weight (20 mg/d for max 30 kg and 30 mg/d for min 30 kg). Symptoms were assessed using the Teacher and Parent Attention- Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) at baseline and weeks 3 and 6.
Results: Fifty patients completed the trial. General linear model repeated measures showed no significant difference between the two groups on Parent and Teacher Rating Scale scores (F = 0.749, df = 1.317, p = 0.425, and F = 0.249, df = 1.410, p = 0.701, respectively). Changes in Teacher and Parent ADHD Rating Scale scores from baseline to the study end were not significantly different between the saffron group and theMPHgroup ( p = 0.731 and p = 0.883, respectively). The frequency of adverse effects was similar between saffron and MPH groups.
Conclusion: Short-term therapy with saffron capsule showed the same efficacy compared with methylphenidate. Nevertheless, larger controlled studies with longer treatment periods are necessary for future studies.
Keywords: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, clinical trial, methylphenidate, saffron, External and public Study for Saffron extract
Crocus sativus L. Versus Methylphenidate in Treatment of Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind Pilot Study - JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY Volume 29, Number 3