The influenceof saffronon your health

Research has shown that saffron is good for your mood, memory and PMS. In addition, saffron serves as an antioxidant.

Mood-booster

Do you suffer from a burnout, depression or stress? Traditional Persian medicine has already proven the use of saffron as a natural treatment for stress and depression. Several studies have shown that a minimum intake of 30 mg of saffron per day for at least 6 weeks can provide an even healthier alternative to antidepressants.

Various studies have shown that the substances crocin (color) and safranal (odor) of the saffron are important elements in this process. Safranal is known for its calming and anti-epileptic properties, thereby strengthening resistance to stress.

In order to achieve optimal effect, it is important that the saffron is of high quality. Païz Saffron offers Super Negin Saffron. Our saffron falls under category 1 / Grade 1 and is therefore saffron of the highest quality class.

More about this? Check out our page about quality.

[1] Freedom of health

[2] Fernández-Sánchez L, Lax P, Esquiva G, Martín-Nieto J, Pinilla I, Cuenca N., PLoS One. 2012;7(8):e43074. Epub 2012 Aug 10., University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain te raadplegen via Freedom of health

Studies:

Study 1 – Depression

40 adult outpatients were diagnosed during a study as having major depression according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. After 6 weeks, the saffron subjects showed significantly better results than the placebo subjects. No significant side effects were observed. The scientists then started looking at the effectiveness of saffron compared to antidepressant medications. That study found that 30 mg of saffron 3 times a day for 6 weeks had the same effect as Tofranil in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Only the group taking the Tofranil drugs was found to have side effects. That study concluded that saffron has a therapeutic benefit in the treatment of mild to moderate depression over Tofranil. [1]

Study 2 – Depression

40 adult outpatients diagnosed with depression were randomly assigned to either a group that received 30 mg saffron twice a day or the group that had to take a 20 mg Prozac capsule twice a day. After 6 weeks, the saffron was found to be as effective as Prozac for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. [2]

[1] Samarghandian S, Tavakkol Afshari J, Davoodi S. Suppression of pulmonary tumor promotion and induction of apoptosis by Crocus sativus L. extraction.  Appl Biochem Biotechnol. 2011 May;164(2):238-47.

[2] Samarghandian S, Boskabady MH, Davoodi S. Use of in vitro assays to assess the potential antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in human lung cancer cell line. Pharmacogn Mag. 2010 Oct;6(24):309-14.

PMS

 

Studies:

Study 1 – PMS and menstrual problems

47 female students took part in a study where they were exposed to saffron for 20 minutes. Of these 47, 36 were randomly assigned to a saffron group and 11 assigned to a control group. The saffron solutions were diluted so that the odor of saffron could not be detected. Saliva samples submitted were tested for cortisol, testosterone and estrogen levels. It was shown that the cortisol level had gone down and the estrogen level was up. [2]

Study 2 – PMS and menstrual problems

50 women received 30 mg of saffron or placebo for 2 months. A daily symptom score was used to gain insight into the severity of the PMS symptoms. The use of 30 mg saffron showed significant improvements after 3 to 4 months. [3]

[1] Fernández-Sánchez L, Lax P, Esquiva G, Martín-Nieto J, Pinilla I, Cuenca N., PLoS One. 2012;7(8):e43074. Epub 2012 Aug 10., University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain te raadplegen via Freedom of health

[2] Freedom of health

[3] Agha-Hosseini M et al. Crocus sativus L. (saffron) in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial. BJOG. 2008;115(4):515-9