The study, published in Nutrients, is the first to demonstrate the beneficial impact of Scutellaria extract in humans and the synergistic effect of the herb with saffron.
The findings suggest the combination may simultaneously reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and increase positive emotions.
“This natural adjunctive nutritional strategy offers a promising alternative for individuals seeking safer options for mental health support,” wrote researchers from the Catholic University of Louvain.
Scutellaria: the potential benefits
As conventional pharmacological treatments for mental health disorders often lead to side effects, demand for safer and more natural interventions has grown. The researchers therefore set out to investigate two botanicals which have may have potential mental health benefits.
Scutellaria, commonly known as skullcaps, is a genus of flowering plant belonging to the mint family. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine, the herb contains flavonoids such as baicalin and baicalein, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anxiolytic effects.
Preclinical in vivo animal studies have shown that Scutellaria may alleviate symptoms of anxiety and mild depression by acting as a positive modulator of GABA-A receptors, working similarly to pharmaceutical drugs such as benzodiazepines.
Saffron—which contains bioactive compounds such as crocins, crocetin and safranal—has garnered more attention in recent years, with multiple human studies showcasing its potential antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.
“Saffron works by inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) and elevating glutamate levels, which helps regulate mood, leading to sustained higher neurotransmitter levels in the brain,” explained Monica Stephenson of Comercial Química Massó, which funded the study.
Study details
To conduct their study, the researchers assessed three products containing saffron, Scutellaria or both in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Each of the products were manufactured by Green Plants Extracts, a subsidiary of Comercial Quimica Massó.
In total, 180 participants between the ages of 18 and 75 were randomized to receive a placebo (450 mg of maltodextrin), 30 mg of saffron extract (Saffr’Activ), 20 mg of Scutellaria extract (Scutell’Up), or a combination of the two (Saffr’Up). Each group were instructed to take one capsule of the supplement every day for six weeks.
Participants completed questionnaires which assessed for positive and negative effects, anxiety levels, well-being levels and quality of life. Severity of depression was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD).
A synergistic effect
Overall, the combination group saw marked improvements, with decreases in depression and anxiety scores and an increase in well-being scores, suggesting that the two plant extracts have a synergistic effect.
“This synergy is likely due to the complementary mechanisms of action of the two extracts,” the researchers explained.
Saffron and Scutellaria appeared to have beneficial effects separately, too. Hamilton Depression Scale scores improved in both the saffron only and Scutellaria only groups, with the latter also seeing a rise in WHO-5 well-being scores.
However, the researchers noted that a placebo effect was also present, reporting a positive evolution of scores obtained from the questionnaires in all the groups, including placebo, at three and six weeks.
The researchers say this may be explained by the participants’ willingness to initiate a proactive desire to improve their well-being during the trial.
Nevertheless, a larger improvement of key variables was observed in the intervention groups compared to the placebo group in the final weeks.
“These results indicate that this type of natural intervention based on plant extracts requires a certain period of time, i.e., at least three weeks, and regular intake before any beneficial effect appears,” they wrote.
Saffron and Scutellaria may also have prolonged benefits, with findings from a wash-out period indicating maintained depression, anxiety and well-being scores for at least two weeks after cessation.
The researchers therefore suggest that further research is needed to establish the potential long-term benefits, as well as the effect on participants with more severe forms of depression.
Source: Nutrients. doi: 10.3390/nu17050809. “The Effects of Combined Scutellaria and Saffron Supplementation on Mood Regulation in Participants with Mild-to-Moderate Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study”. Authors: V. Dormal, et al.
