Saffron

October 3, 2020

Overview

Saffron is a plant. The dried stigmas (thread-like parts of the flower) are used to make saffron spice. It can take 75,000 saffron blossoms to produce a single pound of saffron spice. Saffron is largely cultivated and harvested by hand. Due to the amount of labor involved in harvesting, saffron is considered one of the world's most expensive spices. The stigmas, and sometimes the petals, are also used to make medicine.

Saffron is used for depression and Alzheimer disease. Women use saffron for menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Men use it to for early orgasm (premature ejaculation) and infertility. Saffron is used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.

Some people apply saffron directly to the scalp for baldness (alopecia).

In foods, saffron is used as a spice, yellow food coloring, and as a flavoring agent.

In manufacturing, saffron extracts are used as fragrance in perfumes and as a dye for cloth.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Plant

Primary Functions:

Depression, alzheimer disease

Also Known As:

Autumn Crocus, Azafrán, Azafron, Croci Stigma, Crocus Cultivé

How Does It Work?

Saffron contains chemicals that alter mood, kill cancer cells, decrease swelling, and act like antioxidants.

Uses

Alzheimer's disease. Taking a specific saffron extract by mouth for up to 22 weeks seems to improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Saffron might work about as well as the prescription drug donepezil (Aricept).
Depression. Research shows that taking saffron or saffron extract by mouth for 6-12 weeks improves symptoms of major depression. Some studies show that saffron might be as effective as taking a prescription antidepressant, such as fluoxetine, imipramine, or citalopram. Early research in patients already taking an antidepressant shows that taking crocin, a chemical found in saffron, for 4 weeks reduces symptoms of depression more than taking the antidepressant alone.
Menstrual discomfort. Some research shows the taking a specific product containing saffron, anise, and celery seed reduces pain during the menstrual cycle.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some research shows that taking a specific saffron extract improves symptoms of PMS after two menstrual cycles.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

For Alzheimer's disease: 30 mg of saffron extract daily for 22 weeks.
For depression: 30 mg of a saffron extract or 100 mg of saffron daily for up to 12 weeks.
For premenstrual syndrome (PMS): 15 mg of a saffron extract twice daily.
For menstrual discomfort: 500 mg of a specific combination product containing saffron, celery seed and anise extracts (SCA, Gol Daro Herbal Medicine Laboratory) taken three times a day for the first three days of menstruation.

Saffron Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

Are saffron supplements safe?

Side effects.

Using saffron supplements in the short-term seems safe for most people. They may cause side effects like anxiety, appetite changes, upset stomach, sleepiness, and headache. Using saffron in high doses or for long periods of time may be risky. Some people are also allergic to saffron.

What are the side effects of saffron?

Saffron is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine for up to 26 weeks. Some possible side effects include dry mouth, anxiety, agitation, drowsiness, low mood, sweating, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, change in appetite, flushing, and headache.

How often should you take saffron extract?

Clinical studies have evaluated doses ranging from 20 to 400 mg/day of pure saffron. Dosages of up to 1.5 g/day of saffron are thought to be safe; toxic effects have been reported for 5 g doses. Depression: 20 to 30 mg/day of saffron extract (stigma or petal) for mild to moderate depression.

Can we eat saffron daily?

Risks, Precautions, and Dosage

As a dietary supplement, people can safely take up to 1.5 grams of saffron per day. However, only 30 mg of saffron per day have been shown to be enough to reap its health benefits ( 7 , 17 , 30 ). On the other hand, high doses of 5 grams or more can have toxic effects.

What is saffron used for medically?

Saffron is a plant. The dried stigmas (thread-like parts of the flower) are used to make saffron spice. The stigmas are also used to make medicine. Saffron is used for asthma, cough, whooping cough (pertussis), and to loosen phlegm (as an expectorant).

Is Saffron good for kidneys?

Saffron and its carotenoid crocin could be potentially useful in diabetic nephropathy treatment. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that saffron can act as a diuretic and purifies the blood, kidney and bladder, and may regulate the BUN and sCr rate in blood.

Is Saffron good for eyesight?

New studies show that saffron spice has unique benefits for eye health, especially for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Studies demonstrated that saffron can increase blood flow to the retina, protect it from photo-oxidative damage, and help restore and improve visual performance.

What is the best time to take saffron?

Consume saffron only at the onset of the fifth month of gestation, as the pregnancy is stable at this time, and the risk of endangering the baby due to premature contractions is reduced.

Who should not use saffron?

For instance, the authors of one study note that pregnant women should avoid having more than 5 g per day of saffron as it has a stimulating effect on the uterus. Allergic reactions are a possibility. Anyone who experiences symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking saffron should see a doctor.

What is the difference between saffron and turmeric?

Saffron also goes well with soups, stews and seafood dishes. Though they are sometimes treated as the same spice, turmeric is an entirely different plant than saffron. Turmeric has a deep golden color and a peppery, bitter taste. Apart from its use in medicine and cuisines, this spice is used in coloring as well.

Does saffron increase estrogen?

Twenty minutes of exposure to the odor of saffron (even though diluted below recognition) had a significant effect on these young women: It decreased cortisol levels and increased estrogen levels. Saffron's effects on cortisol and estrogen did not differ between the follicular- and luteal-phase groups.

How long does it take for saffron extract to work?

It also improves sexual function in women and men and may help weight loss by suppressing appetite. Saffron starts to work for depression as early as 1 week, and its benefits continue to build over the first two months.

Is Saffron good for losing weight?

Weight Loss and Appetite Management

When used as a weight-loss aid, saffron supplements are purported to curb appetite and reduce cravings. Some proponents suggest that saffron increases brain levels of serotonin and, in turn, helps prevent compulsive overeating and the associated weight gain.

Does saffron make you sleepy?

Saffron is LIKELY SAFE in food amounts. Saffron is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine for up to 26 weeks. Some possible side effects include dry mouth, anxiety, agitation, drowsiness, low mood, sweating, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, change in appetite, flushing, and headache.

How much saffron is toxic?

Why is saffron expensive?

Saffron is one of the most precious spices in the world, retailing for more than $500 an ounce. It is so expensive because it is an extremely labor-intensive crop. Crocus sativa, or the saffron crocus, flowers in the fall. Each flower has three tiny, threadlike stigmas in the center.

Can I drink saffron tea everyday?

Does saffron raise blood pressure?

Saffron might lower blood pressure. Taking saffron along with medications used for lowering high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low. Saffron might lower blood pressure. Taking saffron with medication for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.

Does saffron make you happy?

Considered the spice of happiness in traditional Eastern medicine, a 2015 Iranian study suggests that saffron has the same effects as antidepressants. It's particularly believed to target problems relating to mood and depression, as well as food-related behavioural issues like snacking.

Is Saffron good for liver?

Although this study is the first time evaluation of protective effect of saffron extract and its most bioactive compound, crocin, among experimental rats with diet-induced fatty liver, however, the relevant studies [23–26] support the findings of this study that saffron is a potential nutraceutical for protecting liver .

Is saffron a blood thinner?

Interactions. When used as a supplement, saffron may cause problems for people on blood pressure medicine or blood thinners. Check with your doctor before using it if you are taking medication.

Is it OK to eat saffron threads?

In general, the consumption of saffron carries little risk. Cooking with saffron is a great way to add it to the diet without the risk of consuming too much of this spice. Taking up to 1.5 grams of saffron each day is generally safe, but eating too much can be toxic. Researchers consider 5 g to be a toxic dose.

How much saffron can I take daily?

Risks, Precautions, and Dosage

Does saffron help cataracts?

Saffron 2020 is the only saffron-containing supplement approved by Health Canada for macular degeneration and cataracts. Based on these studies, saffron activates mechanisms of self-defence and self-repair in the retina of the eye protecting it against oxidative damage.

Is Saffron an anti inflammatory?

The main components of saffron are crocin, crocetin, safranal. Due to its antioxidant properties as well as hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects, saffron are also used as a natural agent in traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases.

Clinical Studies

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^ a b Kanakis CD, et al. Qualitative determination of volatile compounds and quantitative evaluation of safranal and 4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde (HTCC) in Greek saffron. J Agric Food Chem. (2004)
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^ Akhondzadeh S, et al. Comparison of Crocus sativus L. and imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a pilot double-blind randomized trial {ISRCTN45683816}. BMC Complement Altern Med. (2004)
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^ a b Modabbernia A, et al. Effect of saffron on fluoxetine-induced sexual impairment in men: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl). (2012)
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^ Meamarbashi A, Rajabi A. Preventive effects of 10-day supplementation with saffron and indomethacin on the delayed-onset muscle soreness. Clin J Sport Med. (2015)
^ a b c d Kianbakht S, Ghazavi A. Immunomodulatory effects of saffron: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. (2011)
^ a b c Safarinejad MR, Shafiei N, Safarinejad S. A prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study of the effect of saffron (Crocus sativus Linn.) on semen parameters and seminal plasma antioxidant capacity in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Phytother Res. (2011)
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^ Hosseinzadeh H, Ziaee T, Sadeghi A. The effect of saffron, Crocus sativus stigma, extract and its constituents, safranal and crocin on sexual behaviors in normal male rats. Phytomedicine. (2008)
^ Shamsa A, et al. Evaluation of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on male erectile dysfunction: a pilot study. Phytomedicine. (2009)
^ Safarinejad MR, Shafiei N, Safarinejad S. An open label, randomized, fixed-dose, crossover study comparing efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate and saffron (Crocus sativus Linn.) for treating erectile dysfunction in men naïve to treatment. Int J Impot Res. (2010)
^ Heidary M, et al. Effect of saffron on semen parameters of infertile men. Urol J. (2008)
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^ Boskabady MH, Byrami G, Feizpour A. The effect of safranal, a constituent of Crocus sativus (saffron), on tracheal responsiveness, serum levels of cytokines, total NO and nitrite in sensitized guinea pigs. Pharmacol Rep. (2014)
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^ a b Bukhari SI, et al. Safranal of Crocus sativus L. inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase and attenuates asthma in a mouse model of asthma. Phytother Res. (2015)
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^ Natoli R, et al. Gene and noncoding RNA regulation underlying photoreceptor protection: microarray study of dietary antioxidant saffron and photobiomodulation in rat retina. Mol Vis. (2010)
^ a b Maccarone R, Di Marco S, Bisti S. Saffron supplement maintains morphology and function after exposure to damaging light in mammalian retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. (2008)
^ a b Marco FD, et al. The time course of action of two neuroprotectants, dietary saffron and photobiomodulation, assessed in the rat retina. Am J Neurodegener Dis. (2013)
^ Makri OE, et al. Saffron administration prevents selenite-induced cataractogenesis. Mol Vis. (2013)
^ Falsini B, et al. Retinal sensitivity to flicker modulation: reduced by early age-related maculopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. (2000)
^ a b Falsini B, et al. Influence of saffron supplementation on retinal flicker sensitivity in early age-related macular degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. (2010)
^ Klein RJ, et al. Complement factor H polymorphism in age-related macular degeneration. Science. (2005)
^ Rivera A, et al. Hypothetical LOC387715 is a second major susceptibility gene for age-related macular degeneration, contributing independently of complement factor H to disease risk. Hum Mol Genet. (2005)
^ Marangoni D, et al. Functional effect of Saffron supplementation and risk genotypes in early age-related macular degeneration: a preliminary report. J Transl Med. (2013)
^ Samarghandian S1, Shabestari MM. DNA fragmentation and apoptosis induced by safranal in human prostate cancer cell line. Indian J Urol. (2013)
^ Misonou H, Morishima-Kawashima M, Ihara Y. Oxidative Stress Induces Intracellular Accumulation of Amyloid β-Protein (Aβ) in Human Neuroblastoma Cells. Biochem. (2000)
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^ a b Hosseinzadeh H, et al. Acute and subacute toxicity of safranal, a constituent of saffron, in mice and rats. Iran J Pharm Res. (2013)
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