Saffron Overview

1) Conditions Saffron Has Been Studied For

• Depression and mood disorders
• Alzheimer's disease
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Chronic pain
• Heart disease
• Weight loss and appetite control

2) Efficacy in Treating Those Conditions

Saffron has shown some promise in small-scale clinical trials for improving symptoms of depression and PMS. It may also have beneficial effects on cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease. However, more extensive and rigorous studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish saffron as a reliable treatment.

3) Health Benefits of Saffron

• May improve mood and treat depressive symptoms
• Potentially enhances cognitive function
• Could reduce PMS symptoms
• Antioxidant properties may protect against oxidative stress
• May promote heart health by reducing certain risk factors

4) Potential Downsides of Saffron

High doses of saffron can be toxic and may cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. It is also one of the world's most expensive spices, which can make regular use costly. Saffron may interact with certain medications, and there is limited information on its long-term safety.

5) Saffron's Benefits or Harms Relative to Genetic Variations

Currently, there is limited research on saffron's effects on specific genetic variations. As personalized medicine evolves, more studies may reveal how genetic differences influence the efficacy and safety of saffron supplementation. Always consult with a healthcare provider before adding saffron to your regimen, particularly if you have a known genetic condition or are taking other medications.

Research Summary on Saffron

Antioxidant Effects of Saffron

A study on the antioxidant effects of saffron in humans demonstrated that 50 mg of saffron dissolved in milk reduced lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility over 3 and 6 weeks, suggesting potent antioxidant capabilities that could benefit both healthy individuals and coronary artery disease patients.

Saffron and Sexual Dysfunction

Saffron was shown to significantly improve various aspects of sexual function in women experiencing sexual dysfunction due to fluoxetine, without notable side effects, indicating its potential as a safe and effective treatment option.

Toxicity of Safranal

Safranal, a compound in saffron, was found to have low toxicity when administered intraperitoneally in rats and mice and is practically non-toxic orally. However, subacute exposure may affect blood and biochemical parameters and cause kidney and lung pathology.

Saffron Tablets Safety and Tolerability

Saffron tablet administration at doses of 200 mg and 400 mg over a week led to no significant changes in general health, but the higher dose resulted in decreased blood pressure. All changes remained within normal clinical ranges.

Aphrodisiac Effects of Saffron

Saffron extract and crocin, a component of saffron, demonstrated aphrodisiac properties in male rats, improving sexual behaviors and decreasing latency times, while safranal did not display such effects.

Saffron and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Safranal showed preventive effects on tracheal responses and serum levels of cytokines in sensitized guinea pigs, suggesting anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.

Saffron Extract in Preventing Cataracts

Saffron extract prevented cataract formation induced by selenium in Wistar rat pups, likely due to its antioxidant properties that enhance antioxidant defenses and inhibit lens protein degradation.

Crocin Analogs in Ocular Diseases

Crocin analogs from saffron significantly improved blood flow in the retina and choroid, suggesting therapeutic uses in treating ischemic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

Safranal and Prostate Cancer

Safranal was found to effectively inhibit growth and induce apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent.

Saffron for Depression

Saffron petal was similarly effective as fluoxetine in treating mild to moderate depression, with both treatments achieving a 25% remission rate and no significant differences in side effects.

Crocus Sativus Extracts and Depression

Extracts from the stigmas and corms of Crocus sativus L. showed significant antidepressant-like activities, supporting its traditional medicinal use for treating depression.

Greek Saffron's Essential Oil

The essential oil of Greek saffron, particularly safranal and its precursor HTCC, were studied using different extraction methods, revealing a higher safranal yield with microsimultaneous hydrodistillation-extraction.

Saffron in Treating Mild to Moderate Depression

A clinical trial involving patients with mild to moderate depression showed that saffron significantly improved depression symptoms compared to a placebo, suggesting its efficacy as a treatment option.

Mineral Content of Iranian Saffron Corms

Iranian Crocus sativus L. corms were analyzed for mineral content, with higher levels observed during dormancy compared to the waking stage, and the highest concentration found for potassium.

Saffron for Premenstrual Syndrome

In a trial, saffron significantly relieved PMS symptoms, including depression, indicating it may be an effective alternative treatment for PMS.

Crocins and OCD-like Behavior

Crocins were shown to reduce OCD-like behavior in rats, suggesting a beneficial effect on compulsive behavior and a potential treatment avenue for OCD.

Nitric Oxide Synthase and Bronchial Vascular Remodeling

The study found that iNOS contributes to extracellular remodeling in the bronchial vasculature of asthma, and its inhibition could control vascular remodeling in chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation.

Saffron and Male Infertility

A study concluded that saffron does not significantly improve semen parameters in infertile men with idiopathic OAT, emphasizing the need for rigorous research on herbal remedies for male infertility.

Saffron in Alzheimer's Disease Treatment

Research found that saffron appears to be safe and effective for short-term treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, warranting further studies.

Saffron and Sexual Dysfunction in Men

Saffron improved erectile function and intercourse satisfaction in men with sexual dysfunction caused by fluoxetine, suggesting it is safe and effective for this condition.

Retinal Sensitivity to Flicker in Age-Related Maculopathy

The study discovered reduced retinal cone-mediated flicker sensitivity in patients with ARM, with different stages showing distinct changes in FERG response to flicker modulation.

Saffron Metabolites and DNA Interaction

Saffron metabolites were found to interact with DNA through intercalative and external binding modes, with implications for their potential therapeutic applications.

Complement Factor H Gene and Macular Degeneration

A genetic variation in the CFH gene was associated with age-related macular degeneration, identifying it as a major susceptibility gene for this condition.

Medicinal Uses of Saffron

Saffron's traditional medicinal uses for treating cancer and depression are discussed, with promising effects seen in laboratory, animal, and preliminary clinical studies.

Saffron Supplementation in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Saffron supplementation improved retinal function in patients with early AMD, suggesting a beneficial effect on visual function not dependent on genetic risk factors.

Saffron's Effect on Major Depressive Disorder

A meta-analysis indicated that saffron supplementation had a significant effect in reducing symptoms of depression when compared to a placebo and might be as effective as conventional antidepressants.

Neuroprotective Treatments and Retinal Degeneration

Saffron and photobiomodulation treatments showed a protective effect on the retina from degeneration, with time frames suggested for further research into their mechanisms of action.

Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Saffron for Depression

A clinical trial revealed that saffron was as effective as fluoxetine for treating mild to moderate depression, supporting its potential as a treatment option.

Volatiles in Saffron

The study examined the production of volatile compounds in saffron during aging and identified a new compound critical in the process, contributing to the understanding of saffron's volatile profile.

Saffron vs. Imipramine in Treating Depression

A clinical trial supported the antidepressant benefits of saffron, showing it was similarly effective as imipramine in treating depression but with fewer side effects.

Saffron's Protective Effect on Retinal Damage

Saffron extract was found to protect the retinas of albino rats from damage caused by bright light exposure, suggesting a therapeutic approach for retinal stress protection.

Crocus Sativus Stigmas and Alzheimer's Disease

The stigma extract of Crocus sativus showed antioxidant properties and an ability to prevent the formation of Abeta fibrils, indicating potential for preventing Alzheimer's disease pathology.

Saffron vs. Sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction

A study concluded that saffron did not have a beneficial effect on erectile dysfunction, whereas sildenafil was significantly more effective.

Genetic Risk Factors and Saffron in AMD

Saffron supplementation improved visual function in early AMD patients, with effects consistent regardless of CFH or ARMS2 genotype risk factors.

Saffron, DOMS, and Inflammation

Saffron showed a strong preventive effect on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and could alleviate its symptoms, highlighting its clinical relevance as a potential natural supplement.

Saffron Extracts for Pain and Inflammation

Saffron extracts from stigma and petals demonstrated pain-relief and anti-inflammatory effects, with potential for treating acute and chronic conditions.

Anxiolytic Properties of Crocins

Crocins, active compounds in Crocus sativus, exhibited anxiolytic-like effects in rats, suggesting their potential in reducing anxiety.

Pain-Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Saffron

Saffron extracts showed potential to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in mice, with stigma extracts affecting both acute and chronic inflammation.

Saffron's Effect on Premenstrual Syndrome

Exposure to saffron odor reduced cortisol levels, increased 17-β estradiol levels, and decreased anxiety levels in women, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for menstrual-related distress.

Complement Factor H Gene in AMD

A genetic variation in the CFH gene was linked to age-related macular degeneration, emphasizing its role as a susceptibility gene for this eye disease.

Crocetin's Anti-Cancer Potential

Crocetin from saffron was shown to inhibit growth and disrupt molecular synthesis processes in human cancer cell lines, indicating its potential anti-cancer properties.

Saffron's Effect on Male Erectile Dysfunction

A study indicated that saffron intake improved erectile function and sexual satisfaction in male patients with erectile dysfunction.

Saffron in Alzheimer's Disease

Saffron was found to be as effective as donepezil in treating mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease over a 22-week period, with a similar rate of adverse events.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Saffron

A study showed that short-term daily use of 100 mg of saffron can have temporary immunomodulatory effects without causing harm.

Anxiolytic and Hypnotic Effects of Saffron

The aqueous extract of saffron and its constituent, safranal, were found to have anxiolytic and hypnotic effects in mice.

Saffron Petal Extract for Depression

A 6-week trial suggested that saffron petal extract is effective in treating mild-to-moderate depression, leading to a call for larger-scale trials.

Saffron as a Natural Sunscreen

Lotion formulations with saffron were shown to have significant sun protection factor (SPF) values, indicating potential use as a natural UV-absorbing agent.

Herbal Drug for Dysmenorrhea

An herbal drug containing saffron was found to effectively alleviate menstrual pain in a pilot trial, suggesting its potential as a treatment for primary dysmenorrhea.

Saffron's Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Allergic Reactions

Safranal and Crocus sativus extract showed a preventative effect on lung inflammation in an animal model of allergy, with safranal being particularly potent.

Satiereal Saffron Extract and Weight Loss

Satiereal, a saffron stigma extract, was found to decrease snacking and body weight in mildly overweight women over an 8-week period.

Saffron's Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Impact on Asthma

Crocus sativus and its compounds displayed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in bronchial cells and a mouse model of asthma, suggesting its potential for asthma management.

Saffron on Semen Quality and Male Infertility

Saffron intake led to improved sperm motility and morphology in men with idiopathic infertility, but did not affect sperm count.

References:

1. Antioxidant property of Saffron in man
2. Saffron for treatment of fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study
3. Acute and subacute toxicity of safranal, a constituent of saffron, in mice and rats
4. Safety evaluation of saffron (Crocus sativus) tablets in healthy volunteers
5. The effect of saffron, Crocus sativus stigma, extract and its constituents, safranal and crocin on sexual behaviors in normal male rats
6. The effect of safranal, a constituent of Crocus sativus (saffron), on tracheal responsiveness, serum levels of cytokines, total NO and nitrite in sensitized guinea pigs
7. Saffron administration prevents selenite-induced cataractogenesis
8. Effects of crocin analogs on ocular blood flow and retinal function
9. DNA fragmentation and apoptosis induced by safranal in human prostate cancer cell line
10. Comparison of petal of Crocus sativus L. and fluoxetine in the treatment of depressed outpatients: a pilot double-blind randomized trial
11. Antidepressant properties of bioactive fractions from the extract of Crocus sativus L
12. Qualitative determination of volatile compounds and quantitative evaluation of safranal and 4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde (HTCC) in Greek saffron
13. m-CPP-induced self-grooming is mediated by 5-HT2C receptors
14. Gene and noncoding RNA regulation underlying photoreceptor protection: microarray study of dietary antioxidant saffron and photobiomodulation in rat retina
15. Crocus sativus L. in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial
16. Determination of Metal Content in Crocus sativus L. Corms in Dormancy and Waking Stages
17. Crocus sativus L. (saffron) in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial
18. Effects of the active constituents of Crocus Sativus L., crocins, in an animal model of obsessive-compulsive disorder
19. Effects of inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibition in bronchial vascular remodeling-induced by chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation
20. A prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study of the effect of saffron (Crocus sativus Linn.) on semen parameters and seminal plasma antioxidant capacity in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia
21. Saffron in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a 16-week, randomized and placebo-controlled trial
22. Effect of saffron on fluoxetine-induced sexual impairment in men: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
23. Retinal sensitivity to flicker modulation: reduced by early age-related maculopathy
24. DNA interaction with saffron's secondary metabolites safranal, crocetin, and dimethylcrocetin
25. Hypothetical LOC387715 is a second major susceptibility gene for age-related macular degeneration, contributing independently of complement factor H to disease risk
26. Saffron in phytotherapy: pharmacology and clinical uses
27. Influence of saffron supplementation on retinal flicker sensitivity in early age-related macular degeneration
28. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
29. The time course of action of two neuroprotectants, dietary saffron and photobiomodulation, assessed in the rat retina
30. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Crocus sativus L. versus fluoxetine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized pilot trial
31. Generation of saffron volatiles by thermal carotenoid degradation
32. Comparison of Crocus sativus L. and imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a pilot double-blind randomized trial [ISRCTN45683816]
33. Saffron supplement maintains morphology and function after exposure to damaging light in mammalian retina
34. Inhibitory activity on amyloid-beta aggregation and antioxidant properties of Crocus sativus stigmas extract and its crocin constituents
35. An open label, randomized, fixed-dose, crossover study comparing efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate and saffron (Crocus sativus Linn.) for treating erectile dysfunction in men naïve to treatment
36. Functional effect of Saffron supplementation and risk genotypes in early age-related macular degeneration: a preliminary report
37. Preventive effects of 10-day supplementation with saffron and indomethacin on the delayed-onset muscle soreness
38. Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Crocus sativus L. stigma and petal extracts in mice
39. Effects of the active constituents of Crocus sativus L., crocins, in an animal model of anxiety
40. Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Crocus sativus L. stigma and petal extracts in mice
41. Psychological and neuroendocrinological effects of odor of saffron (Crocus sativus)
42. Complement factor H polymorphism in age-related macular degeneration
43. Inhibitory effect of crocetin on intracellular nucleic acid and protein synthesis in malignant cells
44. Inflammatory mediators of asthma: an update
45. Evaluation of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on male erectile dysfunction: a pilot study
46. A 22-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind controlled trial of Crocus sativus in the treatment of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease
47. Immunomodulatory effects of saffron: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
48. Anxiolytic and hypnotic effect of Crocus sativus aqueous extract and its constituents, crocin and safranal, in mice
49. Crocus sativus L. (petal) in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial
50. Does saffron have antisolar and moisturizing effects?
51. The effect of an Iranian herbal drug on primary dysmenorrhea: a clinical controlled trial
52. The effect of the extract of Crocus sativus and its constituent safranal, on lung pathology and lung inflammation of ovalbumin sensitized guinea-pigs
53. Satiereal, a Crocus sativus L extract, reduces snacking and increases satiety in a randomized placebo-controlled study of mildly overweight, healthy women
54. Safranal of Crocus sativus L. inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase and attenuates asthma in a mouse model of asthma
55. Effect of saffron on semen parameters of infertile men

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