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Antidepressant Properties Of Crocus Sativus Essay

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Antidepressant Properties of Crocus sativus

Introduction: Crocus sativus is a perennial flowering plant that is commonly known as saffron crocus or sometimes autumn crocus. The taxonomy of the plant is as follows; “Division: Spermatophyta, Sub-division: Angiospermae, Class: Monocotyledonae, Sub-class: Liliidae, Order: Liliales, Family: Iridaceae, Genus: Crocus. (Saxena, R. B.)” Most well known for it’s culinary use, Crocus sativus is highly sought after for the use of it’s stigmas which are used for saffron. In addition to the culinary use of the stigmas, C. sativus has long been employed as an herbal remedy for many years and across many different cultures. Recent studies have been focused on determining the anti-depressant qualities of the plant. Depression is an increasingly common concern in today’s society. Current estimates indicate that 11% of Americans take prescription antidepressant medication and “antidepressants were the third most common prescription drug taken by Americans” (Pratt, L.A.). In consideration of the rate of depression symptoms, and antidepressant use, the search for alternative therapeutic methods is at the frontline of many research projects. Current research methods include randomized trials in which the therapeutic effects of C. sativus are compared with common prescription medications such as fluoxetine (selective serotonin re uptake inhibitor) and imipramine (tricyclic antidepressant). Additionally, research investigations are seeking
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