Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "saffron crocus". The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried to be used mainly as a seasoning and coloring agent in food
This expensive spice appears to be as effective as the stimulant methylphenidate (MPH) used to treat children with ADHD ( attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). This was published data from a small randomized trial at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran. This group found there was no effective difference in the saffron vs MPH group.
Saffron and its active constituents appear to increase the reuptake inhibition of dopamine and norepinephrine . Saffron is also a GABA alpha agonist. This needs to be studied more
Saffron has been traditionally used for its antispasmodic, antiseptic and anticancer and its anticonvulsant effects.
It makes sense that this study was done in Iran as Saffron is a Persian herb