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The effects of crocin on psychological parameters in patients under methadone maintenance treatment: a randomized
Anahita Khalatbari-Mohseni1, Hamid Reza Banafshe1,2,3, Naghmeh Mirhosseini4
1Department of Addiction studies, School of Medical, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
Background:
Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) might be associated with the symptoms of depression and anxiety, sleep disturbances and sexual dysfunctions. This study was designed to determine the effects of crocin on psychological parameters in patients under MMT.
Methods:
Patients under MMT were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either 30 mg/day crocin (2 plus crocin tablet, 15 mg BID) (n = 25) or placebo (2 tablets per day, 15 mg BID) (n = 25), one hour after taking food, for 8 weeks. Psychological parameters were evaluated at baseline and end of the trial to determine related associations between crocin and patients' mental health status.
Results:
After 8-week intervention, crocin significantly decreased Beck Depression Inventory (b - 6.66; 95% CI, - 9.88, - 3.45; P < 0.0001), Beck Anxiety Inventory (b - 4.35; 95% CI, - 5.94, - 2.75; P < 0.0001), general health questionnaire (b - 4.45; 95% CI, - 7.68, - 1.22; P = 0.008) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (b - 2.73; 95% CI, - 3.74, - 1.73; P < 0.0001) in patients under MMT, compared with the placebo. Crocin also significantly improved International Index of Erectile Functions (b 4.98; 95% CI, 2.08, 7.88; P = 0.001) rather than placebo.
Conclusion:
Our findings indicated that taking crocin for 8 weeks by patients under MMT had beneficial effects on their mental health status. Crocin can be recommended as an adjunct to methadone in opioid withdrawal protocols because of the ability to improve the quality of life and decrease opioids side effects in these patients. This trial was registered in the Iranian website for clinical trials registry as http://www.irct.ir : IRCT2017110537243N1.
Clinical Trial Registration Number:
www.irct.ir: http://www.irct.ir: IRCT2017110537243N1 .
Insights
Crocin supplementation significantly improved psychological well-being in patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). This natural compound reduced depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, enhancing overall quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is associated with psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction.
- Identifying adjunct therapies to mitigate these side effects is crucial for improving patient outcomes in MMT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of crocin as an adjunctive treatment for psychological symptoms in patients receiving MMT.
- To evaluate the impact of crocin on depression, anxiety, general health, sleep quality, and sexual function.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted over 8 weeks.
- 25 patients received 30 mg/day of crocin, while 25 received a placebo, in addition to their MMT.
- Psychological parameters were assessed at baseline and after the 8-week intervention period.
Main Results:
- Crocin significantly reduced scores on the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, General Health Questionnaire, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index compared to placebo.
- Patients receiving crocin showed significant improvement in the International Index of Erectile Function.
- No significant adverse effects were reported for crocin.
Conclusions:
- Eight weeks of crocin supplementation demonstrated beneficial effects on the mental health status of patients undergoing MMT.
- Crocin can be recommended as an adjunct to methadone in opioid withdrawal protocols to improve quality of life and reduce side effects.
- This study provides evidence for crocin's potential role in managing psychological comorbidities associated with MMT.
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