Investigating The Effects Of Curcumin And Saffron On Stress, Anxiety And Depression In Women Of Reproductive Age With Diabetes Mellitus: A Triple-Blind Trial

Women of reproductive age with type ۲ diabetes commonly report heightened stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms that may undermine quality of life and diabetes self-management. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessed whether curcumin, saffron, or their combination improves these psychological symptoms. A total of ۱۴۰ eligible women were randomized in equal numbers to receive curcumin, saffron, curcumin plus saffron, or placebo for ۱۲ weeks. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-۲۱ (DASS-۲۱) at baseline and one week after completion of the intervention. Primary analyses used repeated-measures ANOVA to evaluate effects of time and time-by-group interaction, with paired t-tests to examine within-group changes. Adverse events were recorded throughout the trial. Baseline characteristics did not differ between groups (all p>۰.۰۵). Repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of time (p<۰.۰۰۱) and a significant time-by-group interaction (p=۰.۰۰۳), indicating differential changes across study arms. Within-group analyses demonstrated significant reductions in DASS-۲۱ depression, anxiety, and stress scores in the curcumin, saffron, and combination groups (all p≤۰.۰۰۲), while no significant change was observed in the placebo group (p=۰.۰۸۸). Adverse events were uncommon and mostly mild; four participants discontinued due to adverse events (curcumin n=۱, saffron n=۱, combination n=۲). Twelve-week supplementation with curcumin and saffron, alone or in combination, was associated with meaningful reductions in self-reported stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in reproductive-age women with type ۲ diabetes and was generally well tolerated. Larger trials with longer follow-up and inclusion of expectancy assessment, clinician-rated outcomes, and biological markers are warranted to confirm efficacy and clarify mechanisms.

کلیدواژه ها:

Stress ، Anxiety ، Depression ، Diabetes ، Curcumin ، Saffron