Abstract
ObjectiveIn the era of evidence-based medicine, research in the area of herbal psychopharmacology has increased dramatically in recent decades. To date, however, there is no comprehensive review of safflower as an herbal antidepressant and anxiolytic with details on its psychopharmacology and applications in depression and anxiety.MethodsThis research is a review and qualitative research through an electronic survey among the Saudi population, thus assessing their knowledge about using safflower in treating depression and anxiety. The survey was distributed in Saudi Arabia in December 2021 and the results were finalized in January 2022.ResultsA total of 1074 Saudi participants were included in the study; 1002 (93.3%) participants reported knowing safflower very well while 72 (6.7%) had never heard of it. Some participants had used safflower infusions to treat anxiety and depression; 446 (44.4%) participants had never used it, but the remaining 558 (55.6%) had used it to varying degrees to treat anxiety and depression. Among the 752 participants who previously tried safflower, 279 (37.1%) reported that safflower was very effective, 389 (51.73%) reported some improvement, and 93 (12.36%) reported no improvement.ConclusionEmerging medical evidence is guiding herbal treatments. This research illustrates that more than 75% of the Saudi population are using Safflower to treat psychological stress. It elaborates that more than half of the population are already using safflower off the label to treat depression and anxiety and that they find it useful. A well-constructed clinical trial is thus critical to prove the evidence-based benefits of safflower in treating depression and anxiety. More studies on possible side effects are required to guarantee its safety. Nature has previously provided remarkable remedies, and more work will illustrate the value of safflower.
Highlights
IntroductionNatural products can boost health in humans and animals, and they have a significant role in the prevention of diseases
Rationale “An herb is a friend of the physicians and a praise of the cooks.” - CharlemagneNatural products can boost health in humans and animals, and they have a significant role in the prevention of diseases
A total of 1074 Saudi participants were included in the study; 1002 (93.3%) participants reported knowing safflower very well while 72 (6.7%) had never heard of it
Summary
Natural products can boost health in humans and animals, and they have a significant role in the prevention of diseases. These natural products have various biological properties such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. In vitro and in vivo studies have further established the usefulness of natural products in various pre-clinical models of neurodegenerative disorders [1]. In Arabic countries, funerals involve prayers at the mosque and tradition suggests that a safflower drink be included to soothe the mourners. Safflower is given in the puerperium period after delivery or even a miscarriage. Women are encouraged to add safflower to their drinks to help them cope with postpartum symptoms
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