The Impact of Saffron Crocin on Clinical and Psychological Complications of Opioid Substance Withdrawal Syndrome: A Systematic Review of in vivo and Clinical Trial Studies

Background Objectives: Drug addiction constitutes a global issue associated with severe personal, economic, social, and health problems. Saffron, an herbal medicine, has demonstrated potential therapeutic applications for mental and physical symptoms. This review assesses the efficacy of saffron crocin in managing the clinical and psychological complications of opioid substance withdrawal syndrome(OWS). Materials Methods: The research methodology entailed a comprehensive literature review spanning from 2010 to 2023, utilizing databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The search focused on the impact of saffron crocin on clinical and psychological complications of opioid substance withdrawal syndrome. Human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and animal studies published in English were included for data synthesis. Subsequently, information was collated based on the following parameters: study author, number of studies, dosage, control group, duration, outcome criteria, and primary outcomes. Results: Eight articles were analyzed, demonstrating the efficacy of saffron and crocin in treating opioid withdrawal syndrome (OWS) by ameliorating withdrawal symptoms and improving laboratory indicators. Conclusion: While several RCTs support the effectiveness of saffron crocin in alleviating opioid withdrawal symptoms, further rigorous studies are warranted to corroborate these findings.