SAFFRON: A SPICE AND HERB WITH MEDICINAL USES

Saffron is an antioxidant-rich spice derived from the crocus flower (Crocus sativus). Often known for its unique red coloring that turns golden upon being harvested and dried, saffron has been used throughout history in culinary, cosmetic, and traditional medicine fields.

Researchers are beginning to expand on saffron's benefits, including its potential role in supporting mental health disorders, certain eye conditions, and heart health.

This article discusses saffron's nutritional and medicinal benefits, outlining where to find it and who should avoid it.

Saffron Spice Benefits and Medicinal Uses

As a supplement or a spice in food dishes, saffron benefits various medical uses. Researchers theorize this may be due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances like carotenoids (crocin) and terpene (safranal). These protective compounds can help reduce inflammation, protect against chronic disease development, and support overall health.

Takeaway

Saffron is also called "red gold," not just for its color. It is one of the most expensive medicinal plants, with high production costs.

Nutrition Profile

Because saffron is typically consumed in smaller quantities (like when used as a spice), it's not considered a significant source of micro or macronutrients.

Here's what a 2 tablespoon serving of saffron contains:

• Calories: 13
• Fat: 0.25 grams (g)
• Carbohydrates: 2.74 g
• Fiber: 0.16 g
• Protein: 0.48 g
• Vitamin C: 3.4 milligrams (mg)
• Manganese: 1.19 mg

Saffron is a solid source of manganese, a mineral that helps with energy metabolism and immune system function. A 2 tablespoon serving offers more than half of the daily recommended intake. It also contains around 4% of the Daily Value (DV) of vitamin C.

Supports Mental Health

Current evidence suggests that saffron's compounds crocin and safranal may help increase mood-boosting chemicals (such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine) in the brain. At least one research review found that saffron positively impacted anxiety and depression symptoms when compared to placebo treatments. It may offer benefits similar to antidepressant medications.

Helps Certain Eye Conditions

Saffron may protect against and improve symptoms of certain eye diseases. Studies show that daily saffron supplements may improve vision in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic maculopathy, which can both lead to vision loss. Supplementing with saffron has also been shown to lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma or chronic eye diseases that cause blindness.

Improves Sleep

Some research suggests that saffron could support better sleep. One review found that saffron treatment appeared beneficial for sleep duration and sleep quality. Researchers think it may work by encouraging higher levels of melatonin (sleep-regulating hormone) and triggering sleep-related receptors in the brain.

Benefits Heart Health

Saffron may benefit heart health, too. Studies suggest that saffron strengthens the blood circulatory system, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease. It's been shown to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and total and  low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) levels.

Experts say research points to saffron as a complementary supplement to conventional medical treatment for heart disease prevention and maintenance. Always discuss with your healthcare provider before incorporating saffron or other supplements.

Promotes Weight Management

Studies show that taking a daily saffron supplement can help reduce weight management factors such as appetite, body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in adolescents, people with obesity, and people with heart disease. While the results are promising, more human clinical trials are needed before saffron can be recommended as an anti-obesity treatment.

Forms of Saffron Supplements

As a supplement, saffron can be purchased in several different forms. These include:

• Capsule
• Extract
• Tablet
• Liquid
• Powder
• Tea

It is also produced in paste for skin care or cosmetic purposes.

Who Should Avoid Saffron?

Saffron is generally considered safe for most healthy adults when taken in a dose of less than 5 grams.

Saffron should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some evidence has suggested that saffron may have the potential to lead to miscarriage. There's currently not enough research on whether it's safe for nursing infants.

Seek medical attention if you're consuming saffron and notice numbness or tingling of hands and feet or yellow-tinted eyes and skin. This could be the result of severe saffron toxicity.

Side Effects and Drug Interactions

Mild side effects related to ingesting too much saffron include:

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting

In addition, saffron may interact with the following medications:

• Blood thinners: May increase your chance of bleeding
• Mood medications: Can have effects on your mood
• Sleep-inducing medications: Might make you tired and sleepy

Check with a healthcare provider before adding saffron or any new supplements to your routine to ensure their safety.

Where to Find Saffron

As a food source, saffron is available naturally as a plant or spice. Along with being used as a food spice, saffron is also generally considered safe as a flavoring or coloring agent.

You can also find saffron as a supplement in drugstores and natural food stores. Supplements are not regulated the same way as medications, so the safety and efficacy of particular supplement products are not guaranteed.

Summary

Saffron, a uniquely colored spice, is rich in beneficial compounds. Research shows that saffron's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may support heart health, certain mental health disorders, eye conditions, sleep quality, weight management, and more.

While available evidence shows that saffron is generally safe for most adults when ingested in normal quantities, consult a healthcare provider before trying it for medical purposes. Avoid saffron if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.

2024-08-01T12:33:46Z