Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2
Applied biomedical Research Center, Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Clinical Research Development Unit, Imam Reza Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical
3
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
4
Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
5
Clinical Research Development Unit, Imam Reza Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
6
Applied biomedical Research Center, Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Objective: Clozapine is the treatment of choice for individuals with treatment-resistant schizophrenia but its use is associated with weight gain and increased cardiovascular risk. Crocin is a bioactive carotenoid and it exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics and efficacy against metabolic and/or psychiatric disorders. This study explored the effects of crocin on anthropometric parameters and symptom severity in clozapine-treated schizophrenia patients.
Materials and methods: Participants were randomly assigned to receive either crocin (30 mg/day) or placebo for 8 weeks in addition to their routine treatments. Primary outcome measures assessed were changes in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference and secondary outcome included changes in symptom severity assessed through the course of the study using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Data collection was done at baseline and at weeks 4 and 8.
Results: Analysis of changes from baseline to week 8 revealed no statistically significant effect for crocin on weight or body mass index (BMI). However, crocin significantly changed PANSS subscale scores (positive and general psychopathology) compared to placebo. Crocin did not produce serious adverse effects.
Conclusion: While crocin caused significant psychiatric improvements, it could not significantly improve anthropometric measures in schizophrenia patients receiving clozapine.
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