Table 2.

Summary of future studies designed to evaluate the role of Crocus sativus and its bioactive components in schizophrenia. Key plans.

Preclinical research

Acute vs. repeated drug treatment Not pharmacological animal models of schizophrenia (genetic, neonatal ventral hippocampal lesions models etc) Evaluation of the effects of saffron and its constituents in animal models of attentional deficits Further evaluation of the effects of saffron and its constituents in animal models resembling cognitive impairments and negative symptoms of schizophrenia Investigation of potential mechanism(s) of action underlying the beneficial effects of saffron and its constituents observed in preclinical studies (molecular, biochemical, neurochemical, electrophysiological studies etc)

Clinical research

Multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies Studies of the effects of saffron alone in schizophrenia patients Studies of the effects of saffron in combination with atypical antipsychotics in schizophrenia patients Use of broad dose range of C. sativus Appropriate number of participants