Saffron

“Crocus Sativus L. ( Iridaceae)”, is a small perennial plant belonging to the family of Iridaceas. This plant is cultivated in many countries including Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and Spain. The stigmas of C. sativus are known to contain carotenoids, α-crocetin and glycoside crocin (responsible for saffron yellow color) and picrocrocin, the aglycone-safranal (responsible for saffron aroma); the antioxidant carotenoids lycopene and zeaxanthin and vitamin B2.

The spice saffron is made from the dried stigmas of the plant Crocus sativus L. The main use of saffron is in cooking, due to its ability to impart colour, flavour and aroma to foods and beverages. However, from time immemorial it has also been considered a medicinal plant because it possesses therapeutic properties, as illustrated in paintings found on the island of Santorini, dated 1627 BC. It is included in Catalogues of Medicinal Plants and in the European Pharmacopoeias, being part of a great number of compounded formulas from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The medicinal and pharmaceutical uses of this plant largely disappeared with the advent of synthetic chemistry-produced drugs. However, in recent years there has been growing interest in demonstrating saffron’s already known bioactivity, which is attributed to the main components—crocetin and its glycosidic esters, called crocins, and safranal—and to the synergy between the compounds present in the spice. The objective of this work was to provide an updated and critical review of the research on the therapeutic properties of saffron,including activity on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, in the liver, its antidepressant, anxiolytic and antineoplastic properties, as well as its potential use as a functional food or nutraceutical

The main active Chemical Components

  • Crocin
  • Crocetine
  • Picrocrocin
  • Safranal

Potential uses and benefits

  • A powerful antioxidant
  • May improve mood and treat depressive symptoms
  • May have cancer-fighting properties
  • May reduce PMS symptoms
  • May act as an aphrodisiac
  • May reduce appetite and aid weight loss
  • improved mood, libido, and sexual function, as well as reduced PMS symptoms and enhanced weight loss

Side effects & Warning

  • Drowsiness,
  • Stomach problems, Nausea or vomiting.
  • Allergic reactions are also possible.

Risks, precautions, and dosage

As a dietary supplement, people can safely take up to 1.5 grams (g) of saffron per day. However, high doses of 5 g or more may have toxic effects.

Pregnant people should also avoid high doses, which have been shown to cause miscarriage in animal studies and potentially affectTrusted Source the cervix in humans before pregnancy.

Another issue with saffron, especially saffron powder, is that it may be mixed with other ingredients, such as beet, red-dyed silk fibers, turmeric, and paprika.

Research Trusted Source suggests saffron may help reduce the risk of conditions that affect the brain, such as depression, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, and epilepsy, among others.

Data Sources:

Therapeutic effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in digestive disorders: a review (Therapeutic effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in digestive disorders: a review - PubMed)

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials - PubMed)

Saffron as a source of novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitors:molecular docking and in vitro enzymatic studies. Inhibitors of acetylcholine breakdown by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) constitute the main therapeutic modality for Alzheimer’s disease. (Saffron as a Source of Novel Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: Molecular Docking and in Vitro Enzymatic Studies | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry)

Saffron in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a 16-week, randomized and placebo￾controlled trial.(Saffron in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a 16‐week, randomized and placebo‐controlled trial - Akhondzadeh - 2010 - Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics - Wiley Online Library)

Crocus sativus L. (petal) in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression: A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial (Crocus sativus L. (petal) in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression: A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial - ScienceDirect)

Efficacy of Crocus sativus (saffron) in treatment of major depressive disorder associated with post‑menopausal hot flashes: a double‑blind, randomized, placebo‑controlled trial (Efficacy of Crocus sativus (saffron) in treatment of major depressive disorder associated with post-menopausal hot flashes: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial | Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics)

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): As an Antidepressant ((PDF) Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): As an Antidepressant)

Saffron in the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders: Current evidence and potential mechanisms of action (JAD | Journal of Affective Disorders | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier)

Neuroprotection by crocetin in a hemi-parkinsonian rat model (Neuroprotection by crocetin in a hemi-parkinsonian rat model - ScienceDirect)

Possible Role of Common Spices as a Preventive and Therapeutic

Agent for Alzheimer's Disease (Possible Role of Common Spices as a Preventive and Therapeutic Agent for Alzheimer's Disease - PubMed)