Efficacy of Saffron Capsules on Binge Eating Episodes, Appetite and Body Mass Index of Individuals with Binge Eating Disorder: A 12-Week Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to assess the efficacy of saffron versus placebo on binge eating severity, appetite, and body mass index (BMI) in adults diagnosed with binge eating disorder (BED).

Method: This was a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with parallel design. We randomized 59 participants with confirmed diagnoses of BED according to DSM-5 criteria to receive either saffron extract (15 mg per capsule twice daily; total daily dose 30 mg; n = 30) or placebo (15 mg starch per capsule twice daily; n = 29). We assessed binge eating episodes (daily diary), appetite (visual analogue scale [VAS]), BMI, and macronutrient intake (3-day food records) before and after the trial. We analyzed the data using the intention-to-treat (ITT) approach and paired t-tests/Wilcoxon tests for within-group changes and independent t-tests/Mann-Whitney U tests for between-group differences. Furthermore, we used analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with the primary outcome as the dependent variable and key baseline variables as covariates to compare endpoint outcomes between groups.

Results: We detected significant reductions in the saffron group compared with the placebo group in binge eating severity (mean difference: −1.16 ± 0.25; P ≤ 0.001; Cohen’s d = −1.30), Appetite VAS scores (−3.34 ± 0.56; P ≤ 0.001; Cohen’s d = −1.76), Calorie intake (−448 ± 113 kcal/day; P ≤ 0.001; Cohen’s d = −1.03), and Fat intake (−21.45 ± 5.10 g/day; P ≤ 0.001; Cohen’s d = −1.09). Furthermore, the saffron group showed a significant decrease in mean difference of BMI (−0.61 ± 0.45 kg/m²; P = 0.006; Cohen’s d = −0.43). ANCOVA results revealed that the adjusted treatment effect was -1.10 (95% CI: -1.60 to -0.60, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Saffron supplementation significantly decreases the core symptoms of BED, reduces appetite and caloric intake, and modestly lowers BMI. Saffron capsules could be considered a safe and efficient supplement for people undergoing BED treatment.