Daffodils may cure depression

Wordsworth found them "jocund company" and all he had to do was think of them when miserable and his heart would fill with pleasure.

New studies show daffodils may indeed help to treat depression.

A scientific research group from the University of Copenhagen has discovered that compounds from Crinum and Crytanthus – a South African species of snowdrops and daffodils – can pierce the brain's defensive barrier. Breaching this is a huge challenge for developing drugs for the brain.

"More than 90 per cent of all potential drugs fail the test by not making it through the barrier, or being pumped out," said Professor Birgen Broden of the research group.