6 benefits of saffron proven by science

Saffron is a species widely used in our kitchen to give color and flavor to dishes such as paella. But this condiment, which is specifically extracted from the stigmas of the flower of the saffron plant (crocus sativus), contains many compounds with medicinal properties. Hence, saffron is also used in phytotherapy as a medicinal plant.

In the following video we explain the tricks to use saffron well in the kitchen.

Various scientific studies support its effects for very different therapeutic indications. One of its compounds, colchicine, has even recently been studied for its potential against Covid-19.

The therapeutic uses of saffron

These are the main benefits of saffron that have been the subject of scientific studies in recent years and that support its therapeutic use.

1. Antidepressant

A dose of 15 mg of saffron twice a day, in the morning and at night, has been shown to be effective for treat mild depression according to a study published in Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatrywho considers that treatment with this spice is as effective as treatment with Prozac.

A 2019 meta-analysis including up to eleven randomized studies confirms that saffron is significantly more effective than placebo in treating symptoms of mild to moderate depression, and no less effective than other known antidepressant drugs.

2. Protector against toxic

Regular use of saffron protects body tissues (especially the brain, heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs) against harmful natural or man-made toxic compounds.

This is due to the antioxidant capacity of saffron, whose flavonoids help reduce the damage caused by free radicals generated during oxidation in the body.

3. Reduces appetite

Saffron can be used to promote weight control, because it helps reduce appetite. In addition to using it as a spice, you can use the extract at a rate of 175 mg daily.

A study by Iranian researchers corroborated this effect in 2017. Both crocin, an active component of saffron, and aqueous extracts of saffron, but especially the latter, have been shown to be effective in reducing appetite and improving parameters associated with obesity. such as abdominal circumference and body fat mass.

4. Boost memory

Saffron crocin is also used to improve cognitive abilities and memory in people suffering from Alzheimer’s. The benefits are similar to those achieved by some drugs, but without their side effects.

5. Improves premenstrual syndrome

An amount of 30 mg of saffron per day (spread out between morning and night) can help reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome as confirmed more than a decade ago by a study published in An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. In particular they were observed improvements in mood, pain and tenderness of the breasts.

Another more recent study published in Advanced Biomedical Research confirms the efficacy of saffron in treating menstrual dysphoric disorder. To reach this conclusion, they administered fluoxetine or saffron to 120 women diagnosed with this disorder during the luteal phase for two cycles. The fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is the active ingredient in antidepressant drugs such as Prozac. The researchers concluded that saffron is just as effective than fluoxetine to treat premenstrual discomfort, but without its side effects.

6. Take care of your skin

As an ingredient in creams, saffron is used to calm the itch, protect from the sun’s rays and maintain hydration. These uses would be endorsed by the antioxidant and photoprotective properties of compounds present in saffron such as safranal, currently only verified in in vitro studies according to the authors of this review of studies published in 2021.

Other indications of saffron are infertility, cholesterol and hypertension.