Saffron: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Crocus sativus
Family or group:
Plants, Superfood
Active ingredients:
Crocins
Safranal
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Depression ✪✪✪✪✪
The effect of saffron on mild to moderate depression has been the subject of several clinical studies. A first double-blind trial was conducted on 35 subjects with depression according to DSM-IV whose severity was moderate to severe (Hamilton score ≥ 18). The antidepressant effect of an ethanolic extract of saffron was compared to a placebo. After 6 weeks, subjects who took 30 mg/day of saffron extract had a Hamilton score that decreased by 12.20 points, compared with 5.10 points for the placebo group. This decrease in the Hamilton score ≥ 18 reflects an improvement in the intensity of depressive symptoms, from moderate-severe to mild. In two other clinical studies, also conducted as double-blind trials, with identical patient selection and protocol (DSM-IV, Hamilton ≥ 18; administration of a saffron extract at 30 mg/day for 6 weeks), the efficacy of the same extract was compared to the 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. The results showed that improvements in the Hamilton score were equivalent among the 68 subjects who received either the saffron extract or the medication in the fluoxetine group. These studies suggest that saffron is as effective as the reference treatments in reducing the severity of depressive symptoms.
Posologie
Oral administration: 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]nnnn
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 trial conducted in patients who reported sleep problems found that taking a specific saffron extract at a dose of 14 mg twice daily for 4 weeks reduced insomnia, improved sleep quality, and increased restorative sleep compared with placebo. Another small clinical trial in a similar population found that taking the same product at doses of 14 mg or 28 mg one hour before bedtime for 4 weeks reduced insomnia and improved sleep quality compared with placebo, with no difference observed between the dose groups. However, a small clinical trial conducted in adults with mild to moderate insomnia and anxiety found that taking a saffron extract at 15.5 mg per day for 6 weeks improved most sleep quality parameters compared with baseline, but not compared with 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 across a variety of populations, including healthy participants, those with insomnia or type 2 diabetes, or people receiving methadone maintenance treatment, suggests that taking saffron or its constituent, crocin, improves sleep quality compared with placebo. In addition, a small clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes who were overweight or obese found that taking 100 mg of saffron per day for 8 weeks improved overall Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores compared with 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, glycemic status, lipid profile and liver function in diabetic patients: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial
Effects of saffron supplementation on improving sleep quality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Cognitive decline ✪✪✪✪✪
An initial double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study conducted in 46 subjects showed that taking 30 mg/day of an ethanolic saffron extract for 4 months significantly improved ADAS-cog and CDR scores compared with the placebo group. The second clinical study compared the effects of saffron versus donepezil (a cholinesterase inhibitor; cholinesterase is the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine), a drug indicated for the management of mild to moderately severe forms of Alzheimer's disease. Subjects who took 30 mg/day of a saffron extract for 5.5 months achieved ADAS-cog and CDR test results identical to those of subjects who took donepezil. Within this study, the effectiveness of the saffron extract was shown to be equivalent to that of the medication.
Posologie
Oral administration: stigmas
30 mg
dry extract
AMD ✪✪✪✪✪
Because of saffron's high concentration of carotenoids and its traditional use to improve vision, saffron has been studied for AMD with encouraging results. A randomized double-blind study of 25 people with early AMD found that supplementation with saffron (20 mg/day) for 3 months significantly improved retinal flicker sensitivity compared to placebo. Similar results were obtained in a recent pilot study of 33 people with early AMD, which also showed that oral saffron (20 mg/day) taken for 3 months significantly improved measured flicker sensitivity compared to baseline, a change that remained stable throughout an 8-month follow-up period. Piccardi et al. (2012) followed the cohort from Falsini et al. (2010) and found that saffron (20 mg/day) taken over an average treatment period of 14 months maintained the improvements in flicker sensitivity observed at 3 months, suggesting long-term efficacy.
Posologie
Oral administration: 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 in 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 with placebo. nnOther preliminary clinical research in 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 with an improvement of 53% with placebo. nn
Posologie
Oral: 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 trials conducted in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease living in Iran show that taking a saffron extract at 15 mg orally twice daily for 16 to 22 weeks improves cognitive function and the progression of the disease compared with placebo, and does not differ from donepezil (Aricept) at 10 mg per day. Another small clinical trial conducted in adults also living in Iran and with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease shows that taking a saffron extract at 30 mg per day for 48 weeks does not appear to improve cognition compared with taking memantine at 20 mg.
Posologie
Oral: stigmas
30 mg
dry extract
Saffron for mild cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized 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 ✪✪✪✪✪
Related to its protective effects on the different tissues of the eye: - Early retinitis pigmentosa - Night vision disorder - Prevention and stabilization of early cataract - Prevention and stabilization of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Posologie
Oral: stigmas
20 mg
dry extract
Erectile dysfunction ✪✪✪✪✪
An open-label study demonstrated the effect of saffron (aqueous extract, composed of safranal and crocin) in improving sexual functions in 20 men with erectile dysfunction. After 10 days of taking 200 mg/day, a significant improvement in erectile function (penile tumescence and rigidity) was reported, as well as an improvement in mean scores of erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, and satisfaction during sexual intercourse. In another double-blind clinical study conducted in 30 men with depression stabilized on fluoxetine and experiencing sexual dysfunction, the effect on sexual function of an ethanolic saffron extract standardized for crocin was compared to placebo. After 4 weeks of treatment, the group receiving 30 mg of saffron extract per day showed a significant improvement in erectile function and in the level of sexual satisfaction.
Posologie
Oral: 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 in patients with prediabetes and obesity shows that taking a saffron extract at 15 mg per day for 2 months modestly reduces fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) compared with placebo. It is unclear whether this slight improvement in glycemic control persists after 2 months. Related to its effects on gluco-lipid metabolism, saffron is recommended for metabolic syndrome (hyperinsulinism, lipid disorders...) whether or not related to medication use (antidepressant...).
Posologie
Oral use: 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 quality of life and sleep, glycemic 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 and meta-analysis
Glaucoma ✪✪✪✪✪
A small clinical study conducted in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma shows that taking a saffron extract at 30 mg per day for 4 weeks, in combination with timolol and dorzolamide, reduces intraocular pressure by an additional 16.5% compared with placebo. After a 4-week washout period, intraocular pressure returned to baseline in the saffron group.
Posologie
Oral: stigmas
30 mg
1 - month
dry extract
Cardiovascular diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary evidence suggests that crocetin, the aglycone of crocin, may play a role in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In addition, crocetin binds to albumin, which could increase oxygen diffusion and improve atherosclerosis. In humans, a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study in 61 subjects showed that taking 30 mg/day of an aqueous saffron extract or crocin significantly reduced the risk of metabolic syndrome associated with taking an antipsychotic medication (olanzapine).
Posologie
Oral: 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, 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
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 versus a placebo. The dose used was 15 mg/kg twice daily. All premenstrual syndrome symptoms improved significantly with administration of the saffron extract, especially in the last cycle; assessment of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores yielded concordant results. As in the case of depression, it is hypothesized that saffron acts on the serotonergic system to correct premenstrual syndrome. Adverse effects related to saffron administration were not greater than in the placebo group, but the overall results of this study should be explored in a larger population and over a longer period of time.
Posologie
Oral route: stigmas
30 mg
dry extract
Properties
Antidepressant
Saffron has traditionally been used in the treatment of depression, and has shown benefits in clinical research. Saffron extract has also been shown to improve negative mood, anxiety, and stress compared with placebo. There is also interest in the possibility that saffron may help reduce cravings and symptoms of opioid withdrawal. In animal research, the antidepressant effects of saffron were thought to be due to crocin; however, other constituents cannot be excluded. It has been suggested that saffron could modulate brain serotonin levels, possibly by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, as well as by altering dopamine and norepinephrine levels. However, evidence supporting this mechanism is lacking.
Usages associés
Cognitive function
Saffron has traditionally been used to improve memory. Animal research suggests that saffron extract may improve memory retrieval. In aged mice, administration of a methanolic saffron extract showed improvements in learning and memory, associated with an increased antioxidant effect of certain enzymes. In humans, the effect of saffron on cognitive decline has been studied in subjects aged 55 and over with a moderate form of Alzheimer's disease, using psychometric tests: • The ADAS-cog test (Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive-subscale) : a scale for tracking changes in cognitive disorders in the areas of memory, orientation, language, and praxis) • The CDR test (Clinical Dementia Rating) : a scale for stratifying the severity of dementia by evaluating cognitive functions such as memory. A first double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study conducted in 46 subjects showed that taking 30 mg/day of an ethanolic saffron extract for 4 months significantly improved ADAS-cog and CDR scores compared with the placebo group. The second clinical study compared the effects of saffron versus donepezil (a cholinesterase inhibitor — cholinesterase being the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine), a medication indicated for the management of mild to moderately severe forms of Alzheimer's disease. Subjects who took 30 mg/day of a saffron extract for 5.5 months achieved ADAS-cog and CDR test results identical to those of subjects who took donepezil. In this study, the efficacy of the saffron extract proved to be equivalent to that of the drug.
Usages associés
Neurological
Crocin has been traditionally used to improve memory and has been studied for reducing the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. In animal research, crocin improves learning and memory after ethanol consumption and protects N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor responses by a mechanism likely involving antioxidant effects. Saffron constituents have been shown to have protective antioxidant effects in animal models, likely involving inhibition of a G protein-coupled receptor. Some clinical research shows that saffron extract improves the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. In laboratory studies, the 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 attracted some interest. Clinical research conducted in adults with a wide range of chronic health problems shows that taking saffron decreases malondialdehyde levels and increases total antioxidant capacity compared with placebo or no supplementation.
Vision
Studies performed in vitro and in animals show the potential of saffron or its constituents for protecting various tissues of the eye. Thus, crocetin is capable of: - in vitro protecting retinal ganglion cells from apoptosis induced by oxidative or endoplasmic reticulum stress. - in vivo protecting the retina from apoptosis induced by a chemical agent. In rats with retinal degeneration, administration of safranal reduced damage to photoreceptor cells, limited loss of retinal function and preserved the vascular network. In a rat model of induced cataract, a methanolic extract of saffron was able to prevent the development of this pathology. In humans, in a crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 25 subjects with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) received a saffron extract or a placebo for 3 months. Retinal function was assessed by focal electroretinography. This test evaluates central retinal function by the amplitude and threshold of the response to a light stimulus. The results showed that taking 20 mg/day of saffron significantly improves the amplitude of the response to light stimulation while lowering the threshold for perception of the signal.
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 has traditionally been 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 likely been associated with the constituents safranal and crocin.
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
Saffron and its components, such as safranal, crocin and crocetin, have demonstrated beneficial effects for the heart, notably by providing protection against damage caused by ischemia/reperfusion or by toxic substances like isoproterenol. These cardioprotective effects are explained by their ability to prevent cell death, combat lipid peroxidation and act as antioxidants. At the level of blood vessels, saffron helps reduce the formation of atheromatous plaques, thereby contributing to the prevention of atherosclerosis. Crocetin, in particular, may help decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and its binding to albumin could facilitate oxygen diffusion, thus improving the condition of blood vessels. Its antioxidant properties may also prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis, and protect against vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Furthermore, saffron may have an impact on calcium channels, which suggests a potential effect on the regulation of cardiac contraction. These findings indicate the potential of saffron and its compounds in cardiovascular protection and the management of atherosclerosis.
Usages associés
Fertility effect
There is conflicting evidence in humans regarding the use of saffron or its constituents for erectile dysfunction. In animal research, the constituent crocin increases mounting and the frequency of erections and reduces the time to ejaculation, whereas safranal does not show these effects. The constituent crocetin is thought to increase the production of vascular nitric oxide, a key factor during erection.
Usages associés
Anticancer
Saffron has attracted attention for its anticancer potential. It works by limiting the growth of tumor cells in the laboratory through inhibition of their nucleic acid synthesis. Crocin, one of its components, shows cytotoxic effects on various types of cancer cells, slowing their growth. In animal experiments, topical application of saffron or oral administration blocks the development of skin cancer. 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. In addition, it promotes programmed cell death of cancer cells, which helps eliminate tumors.
Immunomodulator
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 those same cells. In animal studies, saffron has shown the ability to prevent autoimmune reactions, suggesting a potential protective effect against diseases in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body (autoimmune diseases). It has also been suggested that carotenoids, which are abundant in saffron, could protect immune cells against 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) are capable of: - counteracting the development of hyperinsulinemia by normalizing lipid profile parameters and hypertension in animals fed a fructose-supplemented diet - exerting a lipid-lowering effect in the context of a normal diet or a high-fat diet. In humans, a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 61 subjects showed that taking 30 mg/day of an aqueous saffron extract or of crocin significantly reduced the risk of metabolic syndrome associated with the use of an antipsychotic medication (olanzapine).
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adult: 30 mg
Most studies 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: low interaction
Some clinical research shows that taking saffron extract reduces fasting glucose levels when used in addition 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 can cause drowsiness and sedation. Animal studies suggest 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 levels of caffeine metabolites in saliva and urine. Theoretically, this could be due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A2 by saffron.
Precautions
Breastfeeding: avoid
Insufficient data.
Contraindications
Pregnancy: contraindicated
Large amounts of saffron have uterine stimulant and abortifacient effects
Bipolar disorder: contraindicated
Theoretically, saffron could induce mania or hypomania in patients with bipolar disorder. Saffron has antidepressant effects and has caused hypomania in depressed patients.
