Effect of combination of honey, saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and sedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) on cognitive dysfunction in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Background and aims: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder of nervous system that leads to dementia in patients. This study was conducted to determine the effect of combination of honey, saffron (<em>Crocus sativus</em> L.) and sedge (<em>Cyperus rotundus</em> L.) on cognitive dysfunction in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Methods: This double-blinded clinical trial study enrolling a sample size of 30 subjects was conducted per cross-over method. The patients with mild Alzheimer's disease obtaining the scores 12 ≥ in cog-ADAS scale were enrolled into the study. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups of A and B. During the first 2 months in group A, placebo was given, and group B underwent treatment with the combination under study. After a one-month period of washout, the same procedure was run reversely in two groups. Finally, the data analysis was done by SPSS software using descriptive and analytical tests. Result: Mann-Whitney test indicated no difference in mean cognitive dysfunction between two groups in neither of periods (P>0.05). Also, Friedman test showed no change in cognitive dysfunction during the study in neither of groups (group A: P=0.287, group B: P=0.158). Conclusion: Simultaneous use of honey, <em>C. rotundus</em> and <em>C. sativus</em> has no more pronounced effect than placebo on cognitive dysfunction in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It is recommended that future studies of this compound be done on patients of younger age and its preventive effects be addressed.