Saffron: Effects, Dosage, and More — Not (Just) for Cooking

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is one of the few plant-based substances where traditional use and modern research overlap in several areas. For centuries, it has been used for complaints that are now grouped under mood fluctuations, inner restlessness, digestive problems or hormonally related symptoms.

Today’s article focuses on the medical effects of saffron. We show what it can be taken for and in which form, explain its mechanisms of action, dosage recommendations, possible side effects and answer further questions.

On Origin and (Historical) Use: What Is Saffron?

Saffron (Crocus sativus) originally comes from the eastern Mediterranean region and Western Asia. It was already used in ancient Persia, Greece and the Roman Empire. Through trade routes, the plant later spread to Europe and Asia.

Saffron has been (and still is) used for:

·       nervous complaints

·       digestive problems

·       menstrual-related symptoms.

These areas of application also form the basis for today’s scientific investigation (Srivastava et al., 2010).

What we know as saffron in cooking is obtained from the dried stigmas of the flower. These are located at the tip of the style and naturally serve to receive pollen.

The stigmas — striking red, thread-like structures in the centre of the flower — are harvested by hand and dried. Each flower produces only three of these threads. The labour-intensive and naturally low-yield harvest explains the rarity (and high price) of the final product.

For centuries, saffron has been considered one of the most valuable spices in the world. Even small amounts give dishes an intense golden-yellow colour, a slightly tart, warm aroma and a delicate bittersweet taste.

Traditionally, saffron is used, for example, in:

·       rice dishes (e.g. paella)

·       desserts and baked goods

·       broths and sauces.

Active Compounds: What Are the Key Components of Saffron?

Notably, the compounds responsible for colour and aroma are also responsible for the health-promoting effects (Srivastava et al., 2010):

                 ·       Crosin

Crocin belongs to the carotenoids and is mainly responsible for the yellow colour of saffron.

In the body, crocin is associated primarily with:

o   influence on neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine by stabilising signal transmission in the brain

o   antioxidant effects (protection against oxidative stress in nerve cells)

o   neuroprotective effects (protection of nerve cells).

·       Picrocrocin

The substance responsible for the slightly bitter taste and a precursor of safranal. Its direct effects are less well studied, but the following are discussed:

o   contribution to the overall effect of saffron

o   influence on digestive processes (traditional use).

·       Safranal

Formed during the drying process and mainly responsible for the characteristic smell.

Biochemically, safranal is primarily associated with:

o   influence on the GABA system (important for relaxation and dampening of stimuli)

o   modulatory effects on the central nervous system

o   effects on sleep and stress responses.

The Effects of Saffron: How and What Is It Used For?

Standardised extracts are available in capsule or tablet form. Powders are not standardised, and the amounts of active compounds can vary greatly. Tinctures are also available, though less common.

Details on current medical use (not exhaustive):

·       Saffron for Depression

Randomised studies show that saffron may improve mild to moderate depressive symptoms (Akhondzadeh et al., 2004; Noorbala et al., 2005).

In clinical studies, 30 mg of saffron extract per day was usually used (typically divided into two doses.)

Review articles also link saffron with:

·       anxiety

·       sleep

·       stress responses

(Lopresti et al., 2019).

·       Saffron for Fibromyalgia

Randomized, double-blind studies show that saffron may help improve pain and accompanying symptoms such as fatigue and sleep disturbances in fibromyalgia. In this context, saffron was found to be comparably effective to duloxetine, a medication commonly used in fibromyalgia treatment.

In most studies, 30 mg of saffron extract per day was used, typically divided into two doses (Shakiba et al., 2018).

·       Saffron for Memory and Concentration Problems

Saffron is also studied in connection with cognitive function. A randomized study even showed improvements in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

For this purpose, 30 mg per day is typically used, often as a standardized extract in capsules. The application usually continues over several weeks or months (Akhondzadeh et al., 2010).

·       Saffron for Sexual Dysfunction

Randomized, double-blind studies show that saffron may contribute to improvements, particularly in antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction. Improvements have been observed in arousal, lubrication and reduction of pain. The already mentioned 30 mg daily may be effective when taken over several months (Modabbernia et al., 2012; Kashani et al., 2013).

·       Safran for PMS

Study results show that saffron may reduce both psychological and physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. 15 mg of saffron extract twice daily over several menstrual cycles has been investigated (Agha-Hosseini et al., 2008).

·       Safran for Hormonal Changes

Sleep disturbances, stress and depressive mood are typical accompanying symptoms of hormonal changes, which is why saffron has also been used successfully, for example, to alleviate symptoms during menopause (cf. Lopresti et al., 2019).

Medically effective amounts cannot realistically be achieved through diet.

Saffron is used in cooking only in very small quantities — usually a few threads per dish. These provide flavour and colour, but not a reproducible amount of active compounds. In addition, the content of active substances such as crocin or safranal can vary greatly.

Saffron: Risks and Side Effects?

At the dosages used in studies, saffron is generally considered well tolerated.

However, side effects may occasionally occur (Akhondzadeh et al., 2004):

·       gastrointestinal complaints (e.g. nausea, digestive problems)

·       headaches

·       dizziness

·       fatigue or restlessness

·       In high amounts (well above 30 mg per day), saffron may have toxic effects  (Srivastava et al., 2010).

Saffron: More Than a Spice … A Valuable Substance!

Saffron should neither be overestimated nor underestimated.

The available data show that certain effects are not only based on tradition but are also supported by scientific evidence. The key is targeted use in defined dosages.

At the same time, saffron does not act in isolation. It influences complex processes — from neurotransmitters and stress responses to neuronal signal processing. That is precisely where it can be useful — it is not arbitrary.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About the Medical Use of Saffron

1. Is saffron as a dietary supplement expensive — is it really worth buying?

Saffron is one of the most expensive plant-based substances, mainly due to the labour-intensive harvest. Extracts are correspondingly costly. Depending on quality and origin, wholesale prices are usually around €1,500 to €4,000 per kg, with retail prices sometimes even higher (FAO, 2021). However, since only small amounts are used daily, the cost is put into perspective: 1 kg would be sufficient for more than 30,000 daily doses, especially as pharmaceutical processing does not rely exclusively on whole saffron threads. High-quality products are therefore worth purchasing — and do not necessarily empty your wallet.

2. How quickly does saffron work for mood, stress or inner restlessness?

The effect does not occur immediately. In studies, initial effects were usually observed after several weeks, with more stable effects after up to 8 weeks (see above). Regular intake is crucial. Overall, the effects tend to develop gradually.

3. Can saffron supplements be taken together with medication?

Saffron affects processes in the nervous system, particularly neurotransmitter systems. Therefore, combining it with antidepressants or other centrally acting medications should be discussed with a doctor in advance.

4. Is saffron suitable for long-term use?

Most studies examine periods of several weeks to a few months. Within these time frames, saffron was well tolerated. The necessity and your personal decision regarding long-term use should be assessed individually.

5. Can saffron also be used preventively?

Most studies focus on existing symptoms. Due to its effects on stress regulation and the nervous system, preventive use is possible, but less well documented scientifically.

The newly published fifth volume of our “Codex Humanus” is now available in our online shop. The other four volumes of the series are also available there, as well as all volumes of the “Medizinskandale” series. You can also find further information on saffron and many other topics on our blog.

Sources:

·       Srivastava, R. et al. (2010): “Crocin, safranal and picrocrocin: chemistry and pharmacology of saffron,” Pharmacognosy Reviews.

·       Akhondzadeh, S. et al. (2004): “Comparison of Crocus sativus L. and imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a pilot double-blind randomized trial,” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

·       Noorbala, A. A. et al. (2005): “Hydro-alcoholic extract of Crocus sativus L. versus fluoxetine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind randomized pilot trial,” Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

·       Lopresti, A. L. et al. (2019): “Efficacy of a standardized saffron extract (affron®) on symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial,” Journal of Affective Disorders.

·       Shakiba, M. et al. (2018): “Saffron (Crocus sativus) versus duloxetine for treatment of patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized double-blind clinical trial,” Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine.

·       Akhondzadeh, S. et al. (2010): “Crocus sativus L. extract in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a 16-week, randomized and placebo-controlled trial,” Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.

·       Modabbernia, A. et al. (2012): “Effect of saffron on fluoxetine-induced sexual impairment in men: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial,” Psychopharmacology.

·       Kashani, L. et al. (2013): “Saffron for treatment of fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study,” Human Psychopharmacology.

·       Agha-Hosseini, M. et al. (2008): “Crocus sativus L. in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial,” BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

·       Food and Agriculture Organization (2021): “Saffron market overview and value chain analysis,” FAO.