Saffron as a dietary supplement
Saffron, derived from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativa flower, is a Mediterranean herb that has been utilized not only as a culinary spice but also as a dietary supplement. Historically, it has been associated with various health benefits, including mood enhancement, digestive support, and alleviation of anxiety. Recent research has particularly highlighted saffron's potential in treating depression, with studies suggesting that a daily dose of 30 milligrams may be effective, showing results comparable to standard antidepressant treatments. While these findings are promising, they stem from preliminary studies, necessitating larger and more diverse clinical trials for confirmation.
Beyond its antidepressant effects, saffron is also investigated for its possible roles in cancer prevention, cholesterol reduction, mental function enhancement, neuroprotection, and anti-inflammatory properties. The herb is rich in antioxidants, which may combat oxidative stress linked to chronic illnesses. While saffron appears to have a favorable safety profile, caution is advised for specific populations, including children and pregnant women, as its effects in these groups are not fully understood. Overall, saffron presents an intriguing option for those exploring dietary supplements for mental and physical health.
Saffron as a dietary supplement
DEFINITION: Herbal product promoted as a dietary supplement for specific health benefits.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Depression
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Cancer prevention, high cholesterol, mental function enhancement, mood enhancement, antidepressant, neuroprotective effects, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Overview
The Mediterranean herb saffron, long used in cooking, is made from the dried stigma (top of the female portion) of the Crocus sativa flower. Each flower has only three small stigmas, and about seventy-five thousand flowers are needed to produce 1 pound of saffron. As a cooking herb, saffron is valued for its intense orange-yellow color and subtle flavor.
Since ancient times, saffron has been used to strengthen digestion, relieve coughs, smooth menstruation, relax muscle spasms, improve mood, and calm anxiety. Saffron contains vitamin B2 along with a yellow flavonoid called crocin, a bitter glycoside called picrocrocin, and the volatile, aromatic substance called safranal.
Uses and Applications
The best evidence for medicinal effects of saffron involve the treatment of depression. According to preliminary double-blind studies, the use of saffron at 30 milligrams (mg) daily is more effective than placebo and just as effective as standard treatment for major depression. However, all these studies were small and preliminary and were performed by a single research group in Iran. Larger studies and independent confirmation are necessary to determine whether this expensive herb is truly effective for depression.
Additional studies on the use of saffron as an antidepressant began to emerge in the late 2010s and appeared to confirm these preliminary results. One study published in 2019 found that adolescents given saffron to treat their mild depression over eight weeks had a more significant improvement in symptoms when compared to the placebo group. Another study published in 2020 saw significant improvements in depression symptoms when taking saffron.
Other proposed uses of saffron have weaker supporting evidence. Test-tube and animal studies hint that saffron and its constituents may help prevent or treat cancer, reduce cholesterol levels, protect against side effects of the drug cisplatin, and enhance mental function. Saffron is rich in antioxidants, which may protect against free radicals that lead to chronic health conditions. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and arthritis. Research also indicated saffron might offer neuroprotective effects, improving memory and cognitive function, which could be beneficial for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Other proposed therapeutic uses for saffron include reducing blood sugar levels, aiding in weight loss and management, and promoting healthy sexual function.
Dosage
In the foregoing studies of depression, saffron was used at a dose of 30 mg daily as an alcohol-based extract.
Safety Issues
Saffron appears to be safe. One study found no serious adverse effects among healthy volunteers given up to 200 mg per day of saffron for one week. It is often said that very high doses of saffron can cause abortion and possible toxic symptoms, but there is no scientific documentation of these supposed effects. However, the so-called meadow saffron, Colchicum autumnale, is highly toxic, and sometimes people mistake one for the other. Also, the safety of saffron use in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
Abdullaev, F. I., and J. J. Espinosa-Aguirre. "Biomedical Properties of Saffron and Its Potential Use in Cancer Therapy and Chemoprevention Trials." Cancer Detection and Prevention, vol. 28, 2004, pp. 426-432.
Gout, B., C. Bourges, and S. Paineau-Dubreuil. "Satiereal, a Crocus sativus L. Extract, Reduces Snacking and Increases Satiety in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Mildly Overweight, Healthy Women." Nutrition Research, vol. 30, 2010, pp. 305-313.
Jackson, Philippa A., et al. "Effects of Saffron Extract Supplementation on Mood, Well-Being, and Response to a Psychosocial Stressor in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group, Clinical Trial." Frontiers in Nutrition, vol. 7, 2021, p. 606124, doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.606124. Accessed 19 Sept. 2024.
Modaghegh, M. H., et al. "Safety Evaluation of Saffron (Crocus sativus) Tablets in Healthy Volunteers." Phytomedicine, vol. 15, 2008, pp. 1032-1037.
Noorbala, A. A., et al. "Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Crocus sativus L. Versus Fluoxetine in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Depression." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 97, 2005, pp. 281-284.
"Saffron – Uses, Side Effects, And More." WebMD, www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-844/saffron. Accessed 19 Sept. 2024.
Shafiee, Arman, et al. "Effect of Saffron Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials." Nutrition Reviews, doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuae076. Accessed 19 Sept. 2024.