PubMed: Effect of safranal on extracellular hippocampal levels of glutamate and aspartate during kainic Acid treatment in anesthetized rats.

A more recent study published in 2016 found that saffron has a positive effect on anxiety as well as depression. In this study, 60 patients were either given a placebo or treated with 50 milligrams of saffron each day for 3 months. By the end of the study, the saffron group showed significant improvements in both anxiety and depression compared to the placebo group. (6) Premenstrual Syndrome Whether you choose saffron in its oil or spice form, you will definitely want to consider adding this natural substance to your health or skincare routine. More than 5 grams is toxic, and more than 20 grams is fatal, as according to official drug research studies. Ingesting too much saffron oil can also cause other side effects such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and even spontaneous bleeding. The plants fare poorly in shady conditions; they grow best in full sunlight. Fields that slope towards the sunlight are optimal (i.e., south-sloping in the Northern Hemisphere). Planting is mostly done in June in the Northern Hemisphere, where corms are lodged 7–15cm (3–6in) deep; its roots, stems, and leaves can develop between October and February. [18] Planting depth and corm spacing, in concert with climate, are critical factors in determining yields. Mother corms planted deeper yield higher-quality saffron, though they form fewer flower buds and daughter corms. Italian growers optimise thread yield by planting 15cm (6in) deep and in rows 2–3cm ( 3⁄ 4– 1 + 1⁄ 4in) apart; depths of 8–10cm (3–4in) optimise flower and corm production. Greek, Moroccan, and Spanish growers employ distinct depths and spacings that suit their locales. PubMed: Modulatory effects of Crocus sativus and Nigella sativa extracts on cisplatin-induced toxicity in mice.

What are the Side Effects of Saffron?

PubMed: Catalytic properties of three L-lactate dehydrogenases from saffron corms (Crocus sativus L). PubMed: Nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity evaluation of Crocus sativus stigmas in neonates of nursing mice.

The saffron threads present within the crocus flower, and are difficult to harvest since each thread must be harvested by hand," she says. Once harvested, saffron is dried and sold in its original thread form or ground into a powder, which is then used in products like tea or health supplements. Of course, it’s a bit more complicated than that. There are other things besides just foods that could be considered “super” as well, and adding those to your daily diet or health routines could bring even more benefits that are sure to keep you healthy and energetic on a daily basis. What Is Saffron Oil? Both the saffron petals and thread-like stigma appear to be effective against mild-to-moderate depression ( 1, 10). PubMed: Evaluation of Crocus sativus L. stigma phenolic and flavonoid compounds and its antioxidant activity.

PubMed: Authentic identification of stigma Croci (stigma of Crocus sativus) from its adulterants by molecular genetic analysis. Many studies — most of them small — suggest that saffron could boost your health or help with specific health issues. That research shows saffron could hold promise as a: 1. Antioxidant boost PubMed: Relative expression of CsZCD gene and apocarotenoid biosynthesis during stigma development in Crocus sativus L.

PubMed: A new validated SPE-HPLC method for monitoring crocetin in human plasma--application after saffron tea consumption. PubMed: Inhibitory effect of Crocus sativus (saffron) on histamine (H1) receptors of guinea pig tracheal chains. PubMed: Protective effects of saffron extract and its active constituent crocin against oxidative stress and spatial learning and memory deficits induced by chronic stress in rats. PubMed: Characterization of a glucosyltransferase enzyme involved in the formation of kaempferol and quercetin sophorosides in Crocus sativus.PubMed: Saffron supplement maintains morphology and function after exposure to damaging light in mammalian retina. Some small studies found that saffron extract improved cognitive function in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s,” says Czerwony. “Saffron also has a low risk of side effects. People with Alzheimer’s disease should see their provider regularly and discuss any supplements they take.” 7. Depression treatment PubMed: Effect of ethanol extract of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on the inhibition of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57bl/6 mice. PubMed: Crocin from Crocus sativus possesses significant anti-proliferation effects on human colorectal cancer cells.