Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the “saffron crocus”. The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food. Saffron is a spice with a strong fragrance and distinctive color. Early evidence suggests that it may also fight oxidative stress. Saffron is generally safe for most people to consume, and it is very simple to add it to the diet. Saffron is very expensive due to the difficulty of harvesting it. Farmers must harvest the delicate threads from each flower by hand. They then heat and cure the threads to bring out the flavor of the saffron. This extra labor makes saffron one of the most expensive spices in the world.
Benefits
The benefits of saffron may include:
- Providing antioxidants
The majority of the health claims surrounding saffron relate to its high levels of specific antioxidants. The main active antioxidants include:
- crocin
- picrocrocin
- safranal
Other compounds include kaempferol and crocetin.
These antioxidants help fight against oxidative stress and free radicals in the body. As oxidative stress and free radicals play a role in the development of many health conditions, including cancer and heart disease, antioxidants such as these may help protect a person’s health.
- Preventing nervous system disorders
The antioxidants in saffron may play a role in protecting the body from disorders affecting the nervous system. Research says that compounds in saffron, such as crocin, appear to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in the brain, which may lead to beneficial effects.
Research also says that saffron might theoretically help with Alzheimer’s symptoms due to both its memory-enhancing properties and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Boosting mood
There is also growing evidence that saffron may help improve mood and be a useful addition to treatment for depression. A study in the Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science found that a saffron extract increased dopamine levels in the brain without changing the levels of other brain hormones, such as serotonin.
- Promoting libido
Saffron may also increase sex drive and sexual function in both males and females. Researchers Trusted Source reviewed the effects of saffron on male infertility problems and noted that while it had a positive effect on erectile dysfunction and overall sex drive, it did not change the viability of the semen.
- Reducing PMS symptoms
Saffron may also act to reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
- Promoting weight loss
There is also some evidence to suggest that saffron may help promote weight loss and curb the appetite.
A study in the Journal of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Research Trusted Source found that taking a saffron extract helped people with coronary artery disease reduce their body mass index (BMI), total fat mass, and waist circumference.
People who took the supplement also had a reduced appetite compared with those in the placebo group.
