Discover the powerful role of saffron in fighting anxiety, stress and diseases

Saffron, known for its golden color and unique flavor, is more than just a prized spice in the kitchen. This delicate thread from the Crocus sativus flower has been an object of healthcare researchers for decades.¹ It contains a blend of phytochemicals, naturally occurring compounds that help plants defend against environmental stress and diseases. When consumed through food, however, these chemicals may also benefit humans.

Antioxidant benefits and anti-cancer potential of saffron

Saffron is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and potentially anti-cancer qualities.² It aids in defending cells from harmful molecules and oxidative stress which could damage brain neurons and lead to cognitive decline and mood disorders.

Specific chemicals in saffron, namely crocin and crocetin, also assist the body in neutralising free radicals, preventing cellular damage and promoting the repair of already damaged cells.³ This may even have implications in preventing or treating cancer. In lab studies, saffron compounds have demonstrated the ability to selectively kill colon cancer cells or suppress their growth, but sparing healthy cells.⁴ The same impact is also observed in skin, bone marrow, prostate, lung, breast, cervix and several other cancer cells.^{5, 6}

While these findings from test-tube studies are promising, it’s important to note that the potential anti-cancer effects of saffron are still poorly studied in humans.

Combatting mood disorders

Saffron has also been found to fight inflammation in the brain, offering a layer of defence against certain neurodegenerative diseases or mood disorders. This is especially relevant when it comes to conditions like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis, in which inflammation is one of key culprits.⁷

Furthermore, controlled clinical trials have demonstrated that saffron supplementation can significantly improve depression symptoms compared to placebo. The underlying mechanism likely involves saffron’s influence on the serotonin pathway, a neurotransmitter linked with mood regulation. Safranal, another compound found in the saffron, plays a critical role here, helping to boost mood, memory and possibly learning abilities.⁸

When comparing the efficacy of saffron with conventional antidepressant medications, results show that saffron can be as effective as certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), medication used to treat depression. Importantly, people who took saffron reported fewer side effects such as dry mouth, sedation and sexual dysfunction, which are more common for SSRI drugs.⁹

Remedy for PMS symptoms

Research also shows promising results of saffron’s potential in addressing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. For women+ aged between 20 and 45 years, consuming 30 milligrams of saffron daily appeared more effective than placebo in alleviating PMS-related symptoms, such as mood swings, headaches and overall discomfort.¹⁰ Even inhaling the aroma of saffron for just 20 minutes could reduce PMS symptoms, notably anxiety, and can lead to decreased cortisol levels.¹¹

How much should you take?

When considering saffron for depression and mood regulation, a typical effective dosage ranges from 20 to 30 milligrams per day.¹² Indeed, a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study revealed that 30 milligrams of saffron extract improved psychological stress response in participants exposed to a lab-based stressor, leading to lower cortisol levels. This dosage can be divided into two intakes and is commonly consumed as saffron extracts or capsules.¹³

Saffron is generally well-tolerated, whether used as a culinary spice or for therapeutic purposes. While side effects are rare, they might include dry mouth, anxiety, agitation, drowsiness, low mood and appetite changes. Consuming high doses may result in more pronounced side effects, such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.¹⁴

Because of saffron’s potential anticoagulant properties, interactions with blood-thinning medications are possible.¹⁵ Similar caution is needed when pairing saffron with herbs known for their antidepressant or blood-thinning properties.¹⁶ For instance, combining saffron with St. John’s wort, recognised for its anxiety-relieving effects, could amplify the effects.

What to keep in mind when shopping for saffron?

Saffron stands as one of the priciest spices because it takes a lot of work to produce it. This high cost, however, makes it a target for adulteration, with some adding safflower, a cheaper look-alike, turmeric or beet threads as fillers. To test for quality, you can soak a saffron thread in water. Genuine saffron will color the water but won’t dissolve.

You should also check the region of origin and labeling. High-quality saffron predominately comes from regions like Iran, Spain and Kashmir. It has a bright crimson color with a slight orange hue and a distinctive, robust aroma. Threads that seem excessively vibrant and lack a strong scent might indicate compromised quality.

Also, if the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic saffron is costly, so an unusually low price should raise suspicion.

Qubix relax: saffron’s natural boost for mood and mind

Those looking to uplift their mood or increase brain power naturally shouldn’t ignore saffron. This is precisely why Donna’s QUBIX RELAX supplemental gummies contain a special type of saffron that has undergone rigorous testing in nine clinical trials to verify its effectiveness in humans. Learn more about the product here.

The timeless appeal of saffron

REFERENCES

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9526642/
2. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/what-are-phytochemicals-and-why-should-you-eat-more-thems
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4375186/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8270282/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10309162/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7573418/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8762181/
8. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2020.606124/full
9. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265908030_Saffron_Crocus_sativus_for_depression_A_systematic_review_of_clinical_studies_and_examination_of_underlying_antidepressant_mechanisms_of_action
10. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/300379660_Crocus_sativus_L_saffron_in_the_treatment_of_premenstrual_syndrome_a_double_blind_randomized_and_placebo_controlled_trial
11. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711310004071?via%3Dihub
12. https://www.drugs.com/npp/saffron.html
13. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2023/07/04/one-dose-of-saffron-extract-tones-down-psychological-stress-response-researchers-report
14. https://www.rxlist.com/saffron/supplements.htm#SideEffects
15. https://www.verywellhealth.com/saffron-everything-you-need-to-know-7483964#toc-what-are-the-side-effects-of-saffron
16. https://www.verywellhealth.com/saffron-everything-you-need-to-know-7483964#toc-what-are-the-side-effects-of-saffron