Saffron

Common names:

Saffron, also known as Crocus sativus ( Safron ), is a spice from the Iridaceae family. Most commonly bright orange in colour, the strands from this purple flower have long been used to brighten up your life with its mood enhancing effects. Other common names include saffron crocus and autumn crocus.

Health giving benefits:

Saffron has emerged as a potential alternative therapy for low mood. It is known to promote the release of dopamine, which is the hormone associated with pleasure and reward. Showing it plays a role in feeling upbeat and motivated. It contributes to emotional balance and helps to maintain a positive mood. Following the research into depressive symptoms, saffron has also shown further evidence of its potent action in those with insomniac symptoms.

This spice has a rich composition of bioactive compounds such as crocin and safranal. Crocin is a compound known for enhancing memory and cognitive function. Safranal gives saffron its distinctive aroma, whilst exerting mood lifting effects. It is also known to play a role in neuroprotection particularly in the context of neurodegenerative disease. These bioactive compounds are also responsible for saffron’ s unique bright colour, strong taste and aroma.

Saffron has also been studied for its potential treatment for stress related over-eating. With one study suggesting that saffron consumption produces a reduction of snacking and creates a satiating effect that could contribute to body weight loss.

Saffron is a perfect partner for magnesium and vitamin B6, which are both also often used for providing beneficial effects of women suffering with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. Saffron, magnesium and vitamin B6 have also been shown to play an important role in maintaining hormonal balance. It can also be paired with other botanicals such as hops which have also improved menopausal symptoms in previous studies.

Research:

In one study, 60 patients with anxiety and depression received crocus sativus stigma capsules or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. The results showed that saffron supplementation reduced Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores by 2 times more than placebo.

Another systematic review by Marx et al. 2019, which included 23 studies, found that saffron had large positive effects on depressive and anxiety symptoms when compared with placebo. Saffron has also been used alongside anti-depressant medication in people with mild to moderate depression. This combination has shown to be safe, as well as reduce side effects, with possible beneficial interactions on depressive symptoms. In addition to its positive neurological impact, Saffron has also been shown to have antioxidant, blood pressure lowering and anti-inflammatory effects.