Saffron: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
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Scientific name(s)
Crocus sativus
Family or group:
Plants, Super Food
Active ingredients:
Crocin
Safranal
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Depression ✪✪✪✪✪
The action of saffron on mild to moderate depression has been the subject of several clinical studies. An initial double-blind trial was conducted on 35 subjects presenting with depression according to DSM-IV and with moderate to severe intensity (Hamilton score ≥ 18). The antidepressant effect of an ethanolic extract of saffron was compared to a placebo. After 6 weeks, subjects taking 30 mg/day of saffron extract had a Hamilton score significantly reduced by 12.20 points compared to 5.10 points for the placebo group. This reduction in the Hamilton score ≥ 18 indicates an improvement in the intensity of depressive symptoms, shifting from moderate-severe to mild. In two other double-blind clinical studies with identical patient selection and protocol (DSM-IV, Hamilton ≥ 18; taking saffron extract at a dose of 30 mg/day for 6 weeks), the efficacy of this same extract was compared to reference treatments: - Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used at a dose of 20 mg/day, - Imipramine, a norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitor used at a dose of 100 mg/day. Results showed that Hamilton score improvements were equivalent among the 68 subjects who received the saffron extract or the drug treatments for the fluoxetine group. These studies suggest that saffron is as effective as reference treatments in reducing the severity of depression symptoms.
Posologie
Oral: stigmas
30 - 30 mg
dry extract
Hydro-alcoholic extract of Crocus sativus L. versus fluoxetine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized pilot trial
Crocus sativus L. in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial
Comparison of Crocus sativus L. and imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a pilot double-blind randomized trial [ISRCTN45683816]
The efficacy of Crocus sativus (Saffron) versus placebo and Fluoxetine in treating depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), saffron (II)
A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the treatment of anxiety and depression
Sleep disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
A small clinical study conducted in patients reporting sleep problems shows that taking a specific saffron extract at 14 mg twice a day for 4 weeks reduces insomnia, improves sleep quality, and increases restorative sleep compared to placebo. Another small clinical study conducted in a similar population shows that taking this same product at 14 mg or 28 mg one hour before bed for 4 weeks reduces insomnia and improves sleep quality compared to placebo, with no observed difference between the dosage groups. However, a small clinical study conducted in adults with mild to moderate insomnia and anxiety shows that taking a saffron extract at 15.5 mg per day for 6 weeks improves most sleep quality parameters compared to baseline, but not compared to placebo. All studies were funded by the supplement manufacturer, which may limit the validity of these results. A meta-analysis of clinical research evaluating saffron for sleep in a variety of populations, including healthy patients, those with insomnia or type 2 diabetes, or individuals receiving methadone maintenance treatment, suggests that taking saffron or its constituent, crocin, improves sleep quality compared to placebo. Furthermore, a small clinical study conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes with overweight or obesity shows that taking 100 mg of saffron per day for 8 weeks improves overall Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral: stigmas
30 mg
dry extract
Effects of saffron on sleep quality in healthy adults with self-reported poor sleep: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
The effects of alcoholic extract of saffron (Crocus satious L.) on mild to moderate comorbid depression-anxiety, sleep quality, and life satisfaction in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial
Effects of Saffron Extract on Sleep Quality: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial
Saffron improves life and sleep quality, glycaemic status, lipid profile and liver function in diabetic patients: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial
Effects of saffron supplementation on improving sleep quality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Cognitive Decline ✪✪✪✪✪
The first double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted with 46 subjects showed that taking 30 mg/day of a saffron ethanolic extract for 4 months significantly improved ADAS-cog and CDR scores compared to the placebo group. The second clinical study compared the effects of saffron versus donepezil (a cholinesterase inhibitor, an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine), a medication indicated for managing mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease. Subjects taking 30 mg/day of saffron extract for 5.5 months achieved similar ADAS-cog and CDR test results to those taking donepezil. In this study, the efficacy of saffron extract proved equivalent to that of the medication.
Posologie
Oral route: stigmas
30 mg
dry extract
AMD ✪✪✪✪✪
Due to the high concentration of carotenoids in saffron and its traditional use for improving vision, saffron has been studied for AMD with encouraging results. A double-blind randomized study involving 25 people with early AMD revealed that saffron supplementation (20 mg/day) for 3 months significantly improved retinal flicker sensitivity compared to placebo. Similar results were obtained in a recent pilot study with 33 people with early AMD, also showing that oral saffron (20 mg/day) taken for 3 months significantly improved flicker sensitivity estimates compared to baseline, a change that remained stable throughout the 8-month follow-up period. Piccardi et al (2012) followed the previous study cohort by Falsini et al (2010) and found that saffron (20 mg/day) taken over an average treatment period of 14 months maintained the flicker sensitivity improvements observed at 3 months, suggesting long-term effectiveness.
Posologie
Oral route: stigmas
20 mg
dry extract
Influence of saffron supplementation on retinal flicker sensitivity in early age-related macular degeneration
Functional effect of Saffron supplementation and risk genotypes in early age-related macular degeneration: a preliminary report
Anxiety ✪✪✪✪✪
A preliminary clinical study conducted on adults with type 2 diabetes and comorbid depression-anxiety shows that taking a saffron extract 15 mg twice a day for 8 weeks improves anxiety symptoms by 34% compared to placebo. Other preliminary clinical research on adults with mild to moderate anxiety shows that taking a saffron extract 50 mg twice a day for 12 weeks improves anxiety symptoms by 81%, compared to a 53% improvement with placebo. a0
Posologie
Oral route: stigmas
50 mg
dry extract
Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), saffron (II)
A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the treatment of anxiety and depression
Alzheimer's Disease ✪✪✪✪✪
Two small clinical studies conducted with patients with probable Alzheimer's disease living in Iran show that taking a saffron extract at 15 mg orally twice a day for 16 to 22 weeks improves cognitive abilities and disease progression compared to placebo, and does not differ from taking donepezil (Aricept) at 10 mg per day. Another small clinical study conducted with adults also living in Iran and having moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease shows that taking a saffron extract at 30 mg per day for 48 weeks does not seem to improve cognition compared to taking memantine at 20 mg.
Posologie
Oral route: stigmas
30 mg
dry extract
Saffron for mild cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials
Saffron in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a 16-week, randomized and placebo-controlled trial
A 22-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind controlled trial of Crocus sativus in the treatment of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease
Eye Health ✪✪✪✪✪
In connection with its protective activities of various eye tissues: - Early retinitis pigmentosa - Night vision disorder - Prevention and stabilization of early cataract - Prevention and stabilization of AMD
Posologie
Oral route: stigmas
20 mg
dry extract
Erectile Dysfunction ✪✪✪✪✪
An open study highlighted the effect of saffron (aqueous extract, composed of safranal and crocin) in improving sexual functions in 20 men with erectile dysfunctions. After 10 days of taking 200 mg/day, a significant improvement in erectile function (tumescence and penile rigidity) was reported, along with an improvement in average scores for erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, and satisfaction during intercourse. In another double-blind clinical study conducted with 30 men stabilized by fluoxetine therapy and presenting sexual function disorders, the effect on sexual function of a standardized ethanol extract of saffron in crocin was compared to that of a placebo. After 4 weeks of intake, the group receiving 30 mg of saffron extract/day showed a significant improvement in erectile function and the level of satisfaction with sexual intercourse.
Posologie
Oral route: stigmas
30 mg
dry extract
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
Evaluation of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on male erectile dysfunction: a pilot study
Metabolic Syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
A small clinical study conducted with patients with prediabetes and obesity shows that taking a saffron extract at 15 mg per day for 2 months reduces fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) modestly compared to placebo. It is unclear if this slight improvement in glycemic control persists after 2 months. In relation to its activities on gluco-lipid metabolism, saffron is advised in cases of metabolic syndrome (hyperinsulinism, lipid disorders...) whether linked to medication intake (antidepressant, etc.).
Posologie
Oral route: stigmas
30 mg
dry extract
Effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on lipid profile, glycemic indices and antioxidant status among overweight/obese prediabetic individuals: A double-blinded, randomized controlled trial
Epub 2019 Apr 3. The effect of hydroalcoholic Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract on fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver, and renal function tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind clinical trial
Saffron aqueous extract prevents metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia on olanzapine treatment: a randomized triple blind placebo controlled study
Saffron improves life and sleep quality, glycaemic status, lipid profile and liver function in diabetic patients: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial
Effects of saffron supplementation on glycemia and inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial study
Clinical evidence on the effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review meta-analysis
Glaucoma ✪✪✪✪✪
A small clinical study conducted on patients with primary open-angle glaucoma shows that taking a saffron extract at a dose of 30 mg per day for 4 weeks, in combination with timolol and dorzolamide, reduces intraocular pressure by an additional 16.5% compared to placebo. After a 4-week washout period, intraocular pressure returned to baseline levels in the saffron group.
Posologie
Oral route: stigmas
30 mg
1 - month
dry extract
Cardiovascular Diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary evidence suggests that crocetin, the aglycone of crocin, could play a role in decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Furthermore, crocetin binds to albumin, which could increase oxygen diffusion and improve atherosclerosis. In humans, a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study conducted on 61 subjects showed that taking 30 mg/day of a saffron or crocin aqueous extract significantly reduced the risk of metabolic syndrome related to the intake of an antipsychotic drug (olanzapine).
Posologie
Oral route: stigmas
30 mg
dry extract
Effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on lipid profile, glycemic indices and antioxidant status among overweight/obese prediabetic individuals: A double-blinded, randomized controlled trial
Epub 2019 Apr 3. The effect of hydroalcoholic Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract on fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver, and renal function tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind clinical trial
Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), saffron (II)
Saffron aqueous extract prevents metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia on olanzapine treatment: a randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled study
Saffron improves life and sleep quality, glycaemic status, lipid profile, and liver function in diabetic patients: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial
Effects of saffron supplementation on glycemia and inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial study
Clinical evidence on the effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review meta-analysis
Premenstrual Syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
The follow-up of 50 women over four menstrual cycles allowed comparison of the impact of a saffron-based treatment on premenstrual syndrome with a placebo. The dose used is 15 mg/kg twice a day. All symptoms of premenstrual syndrome improved significantly with the administration of the saffron extract, especially in the last cycle; the evaluation of the Hamilton depression scale scores gives consistent results. As in the case of depression, the hypothesis is made that saffron acts on the serotonergic system to correct premenstrual syndrome. The side effects related to the administration of saffron were not greater than in the placebo group, but all results of this study need to be explored on a larger population and over a longer period.
Posologie
Oral route: stigmas
30 mg
dry extract
Properties
Antidepressant
Saffron has traditionally been used in the treatment of depression, showing benefits in clinical research. It has also been demonstrated that saffron extract improves negative mood, anxiety, and stress compared to placebo. There is also interest in the potential for saffron to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms from opioids. In animal research, saffron's antidepressant effects were thought to be due to crocin; however, other constituents cannot be excluded. It has been suggested that saffron may modulate brain serotonin levels, possibly by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, as well as altering dopamine and norepinephrine levels. However, evidence supporting this mechanism is lacking.
Usages associés
Cognitive Function
Saffron is traditionally used to enhance memory. Animal research suggests that saffron extract could improve memory retrieval. In aged mice, administration of methanolic saffron extract showed improvement in learning and memory, linked to an increase in the antioxidant effect of certain enzymes. In humans, the effect of saffron on cognitive decline was studied in subjects aged 55 and older suffering from a moderate form of Alzheimer's disease through psychometric tests: − The ADAS-cog test (Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive-subscale): scale assessing cognitive impairment in memory, orientation, language, and praxis domains. − The CDR test (Clinical Dementia Rating): a scale for stratifying the severity of dementia by evaluating cognitive functions such as memory. An initial double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study conducted on 46 subjects showed that taking 30 mg/day of an ethanolic saffron extract for 4 months significantly improved ADAS-cog and CDR scores compared to the placebo group. The second clinical study compared the effects of saffron versus donepezil (an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine), a medication indicated in managing mild to moderately severe forms of Alzheimer's disease. Subjects taking 30 mg/day of a saffron extract for 5.5 months achieved test results on ADAS-cog and CDR equivalent to those of subjects taking donepezil. In this study, the efficacy of saffron extract was shown to be equivalent to that of the medication.
Usages associés
Neurological
Crocin is traditionally used to enhance memory and has been studied for reducing Alzheimer's disease symptoms. In animal research, crocin improves learning and memory after ethanol consumption and protects N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor responses through a mechanism likely involving antioxidant effects. Saffron constituents have demonstrated protective antioxidant effects in animal models, likely involving inhibition of a G-protein-coupled receptor. Some clinical research shows that saffron extract improves Alzheimer's disease symptoms. In laboratory research, constituents trans-crocin-4 and dimethylcrocetin have been shown to inhibit beta-amyloid protein fibrillogenesis, a key pathological factor in Alzheimer's disease.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
The use of saffron supplementation to mitigate oxidative stress has garnered some interest. Clinical research conducted in adults with a wide range of chronic health issues shows that taking saffron decreases malondialdehyde levels and increases total antioxidant capacity compared to placebo or no supplementation.
Vision
Studies conducted in vitro and in animals show the potential of saffron or its constituents in protecting various eye tissues. Thus, crocetin can: - in vitro protect retinal ganglion cells from apoptosis induced by oxidative or reticulum stress. - in vivo protect the retina from apoptosis induced by a chemical agent. In rats with retinal degeneration, administration of safranal reduced damage to photoreceptor cells, limited retinal function loss, and maintained the vascular network. In a model of chemically induced cataract in rats, a methanolic saffron extract prevented the onset of this pathology. In humans, a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover clinical study with 25 subjects suffering from early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) showed that taking an extract of saffron or a placebo for 3 months improved the amplitude of the response to light stimulation while reducing the threshold of signal perception.
Usages associés
Saffron and retina: neuroprotection and pharmacokinetics
Crocetin prevents retinal degeneration induced by oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stresses via inhibition of caspase activity
Safranal, a saffron constituent, attenuates retinal degeneration in P23H rats
Oral administration of crocetin prevents inner retinal damage induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate in mice
Anxiolytic
Saffron is traditionally used in the treatment of anxiety. Preliminary clinical research shows that taking saffron improves symptoms in patients suffering from mild to moderate anxiety. In animal research, the anxiolytic effects of saffron have been probably associated with its constituents safranal and crocin.
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
Saffron and its components, such as safranal, crocin, and crocetin, have shown beneficial effects for the heart, particularly by offering protection against ischemia/reperfusion-induced damage or toxic substances like isoproterenol. These cardioprotective effects are explained by their ability to prevent cell death, combat lipid peroxidation, and act as antioxidants. In blood vessels, saffron helps reduce the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, thus contributing to the prevention of atherosclerosis. Crocetin, in particular, may help decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and its binding to albumin might facilitate oxygen diffusion, thereby improving the condition of blood vessels. Its antioxidant properties may also prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis, and protect against the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, saffron may affect calcium channels, suggesting a potential impact on heart contraction regulation. These findings indicate the potential of saffron and its compounds in cardiovascular protection and atherosclerosis management.
Usages associés
Fertility effect
There is contradictory evidence in humans concerning the use of saffron or its constituents in cases of erectile dysfunction. In animal research, the constituent crocin increases the mounting and frequency of erections and reduces the time to ejaculation, whereas safranal does not show these effects. The constituent crocetin is believed to increase the production of vascular nitric oxide, a key factor during an erection.
Usages associés
Anticancer
Saffron is gaining attention for its anticancer potential. It works by limiting the growth of tumor cells in laboratories through inhibiting the synthesis of their nucleic acids. Crocin, one of its components, shows destructive effects on various types of cancer cells, hindering their expansion. In animal experiments, applying saffron on the skin or ingesting it blocks skin cancer development. These anticancer properties are attributed to the carotenoids present in saffron, such as crocetin, which fights pancreatic cancer by acting as an antioxidant. Saffron also helps protect DNA from damage by activating important detoxifying enzymes. Furthermore, it encourages the programmed death of cancer cells, helping to eliminate tumors.
Immuno-modulator
Saffron is considered to have immunomodulatory properties, affecting the immune system in a complex manner. In laboratory studies, saffron has been observed to stimulate the growth of T cells, which play a crucial role in the immune response. However, other research shows that crocin, a component of saffron, may reduce the activation of these same cells. In animal studies, saffron has shown its ability to prevent autoimmune reactions, suggesting a protective potential against diseases where the immune system erroneously attacks the body (autoimmune diseases). It is also suggested that carotenoids, present in abundance in saffron, could protect immune cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. In humans, the use of saffron extract has been associated with an increase in IgG levels, a type of antibody, and a decrease in IgM levels, indicating a possible modulation of the immune response.
Lipid-lowering
Preclinical data show that saffron or its components (crocin, crocetin) can: - Counteract the development of hyperinsulinemia by normalizing lipid profile parameters and blood pressure in animals fed a fructose-supplemented diet - Have a lipid-lowering action in the context of a normal or high-fat diet. In humans, a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study conducted on 61 subjects showed that taking 30 mg/day of an aqueous extract of saffron or crocin significantly reduced the risk of metabolic syndrome related to the use of an antipsychotic medication (olanzapine).
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult: 30 mg
Most studies have used 15 mg twice a day. Saffron should contain about 30% crocins, 5 to 15% picrocrocin and up to 2.5% volatile compounds including safranal.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antidiabetic: weak interaction
Some clinical research shows that taking saffron extract reduces fasting glucose levels when used as an adjunct to hypoglycemic agents.
Central nervous system depressants: moderate interaction
Clinical research shows that taking a saffron extract at 60 mg per day orally for 26 weeks may cause drowsiness and sedation. Research on animals suggests that adding saffron to hexobarbital further increases sleep and slows motor activity.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Saffron: moderate interaction
A small clinical study suggests that taking 300 mg of saffron powder in 150 ml of water per day for 5 days, followed by 200 mg of caffeine, appears to reduce the levels of caffeine metabolites in saliva and urine. Theoretically, this could be due to the inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A2 by saffron.
Precautions
Breastfeeding woman: avoid
Insufficient data.
Contraindications
Pregnant woman: prohibited
Large quantities of saffron have uterine stimulating and abortifacient effects
Bipolarity: prohibited
Theoretically, saffron could induce mania or hypomania in patients with bipolar disorders. Saffron is said to have antidepressant effects and has triggered hypomania in depressed patients.
