🎧 Medicinal Chant of Crocus Sativus - Saffron - 417.60 Hz - [H3O2]- / 30 minutes

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What are the benefits of saffron?

Saffron has been recognized for its therapeutic virtues for centuries.
While being a highly sought-after spice for its culinary qualities, it has always been used for its medicinal properties. It is reputed to soothe many ailments and various pains: (mood disorders, cramps, asthma, menstrual disorders, liver diseases, toothaches), it was also used as an aphrodisiac.

Numerous studies have since been carried out on the benefits of saffron. Its main application remains its beneficial role in
mood disorders
. Like St. John's Wort or lemon balm, many publications attest to its beneficial effect on issues such as depression, low morale, insomnia, anxiety and stress. Certain specific molecules, crocin and safranal, seem able to modulate serotonin levels, the happiness hormone, in the brain.

Other works tend to show that the use of this plant could be interesting in the fight against cancer. In vitro and animal results show antiproliferative effects on certain cancer cell lines. Crocin appears to be the active molecule involved in these effects. Saffron can also be an asset for genome protection, due to its antitoxic effects. Thus, it can be used as an adjuvant treatment for chemotherapies, by limiting their side effects.

Crocin and crocetin are two carotenoids that play an important role in health by acting as natural antioxidants. They protect cells and tissues from the harmful effects of free radicals. Crocin is the most studied active ingredient regarding the antioxidant properties of saffron. However, it does not act alone but through a synergy with other components such as safranal and flavonoids. Saffron is therefore very interesting in problems related to oxidative stress, particularly with the development of neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease, or cardiovascular protection.

Saffron is also known for its benefits in the gastrointestinal and genital spheres, particularly its ability to stimulate the stomach, decrease appetite, limit hemorrhoids, limit intestinal fermentations, aid in the treatment of amenorrhea, and stimulate menstruation. It is therefore a very good asset in problems of digestion, inflammation and menstrual disorders. Furthermore, saffron stigmas appear to have a beneficial effect on triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels. Unlike crocetin, crocin does not cross the digestive barrier when absorbed orally and exerts its antilipidemic activity by limiting the absorption of fats and cholesterol via inhibition of pancreatic lipase.

Saffron also has many benefits for the skin. It has been used for centuries in cosmetics to improve skin quality. Crocus sativus acts on all manifestations of skin aging such as firmness, vitality or regaining radiance. Its antioxidant action gives it interesting properties for topical or internal use for anti-aging benefits. It is often used in cosmetology, in ranges of facial creams for example.

Saffron: are there any side effects?1,6
It has been reported that high doses (greater than 5g) can be toxic. At a dose of 10 g, saffron can cause vomiting or gastrointestinal disturbances. It is considered that a dose of up to 1.5 g/day is not dangerous. Concomitant use of antidepressants is not recommended given the similarity of their mode of action. In women, it is not advisable to consume large quantities during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Prior medical advice is recommended for these populations.

SOURCES

Palomares C. Le safran, precieuse epice ou precieux médicament. 2015;Pharmacie. Accessed February 24, 2021.
Chappellier MP. Noté Sur L’Origine Du Crocus Sativus L. (Safran Officinal). Bull la Soc Bot Fr. 1873;20(6):191-194. doi:10.1080/00378941.1873.10826287
Chevalier A. La culture du Safran. Rev Bot appliquée d’agriculture Colon. 1926;6(59):407-419. doi:10.3406/jatba.1926.4426
Monographie du Safran - Pierre Bastiou - Google Livres. Accessed February 26, 2021.
Srivastava R, Ahmed H, Dixit R, Dharamveer, Saraf S. Crocus sativus L.: A comprehensive review. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010;4(8):200-208. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.70919
Crozet A. Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), le safran (II). Phytotherapie. 2012;10(3):186-193. doi:10.1007/s10298-012-0706-1
Sarris J. Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: 10-year updated review. Phyther Res. 2018;32(7):1147-1162. doi:10.1002/ptr.6055
Hausenblas HA n., Saha D, Dubyak PJ ea., Anton SD ougla. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Integr Med. 2013;11(6):377-383. doi:10.3736/jintegrmed2013056
Milajerdi A, Jazayeri S, Shirzadi E, et al. 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. Complement Ther Med. 2018;41:196-202. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2018.09.023
Akhondzadeh S, Tahmacebi-Pour N, Noorbala AA, et al. Crocus sativus L. in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. Phyther Res. 2005;19(2):148-151. doi:10.1002/ptr.1647
Lopresti AL, Drummond PD. Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: A systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014;29(6):517-527. doi:10.1002/hup.2434
Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Hood SD, Drummond PD. Efficacy of a standardised saffron extract (affron®) as an add-on to antidepressant medication for the treatment of persistent depressive symptoms in adults: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Psychopharmacol. 2019;33(11):1415-1427. doi:10.1177/0269881119867703
Abdullaev FI. Cancer chemopreventive and tumoricidal properties of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Exp Biol Med. 2002;227(1):20-25. doi:10.1177/153537020222700104
Abdullaev FI, Espinosa-Aguirre JJ. Biomedical properties of saffron and its potential use in cancer therapy and chemoprevention trials. Cancer Detect Prev. 2004;28(6):426-432. doi:10.1016/j.cdp.2004.09.002

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