Saffron, a spice native to the Mediterranean region, is derived from the stigma of the saffron crocus flower. With only three stigmas per flower and 240,000 stigmas per pound, saffron can cost up to $125 per ounce. Ancient Assyrians used saffron for medicinal purposes. Scientific research has supported the use of saffron for a variety of health conditions.
PMS
Saffron aromatherapy may provide effective relief for menstrual irregularities, according to a study published in the January 2011 "Phytomedicine" journal. In the study, researchers exposed participants to saffron odor for 20 minutes. Saliva samples showed decreased levels of cortisol and anxiety and increased levels of estrogen after the short-term saffron exposure. The researchers concluded that the results of their study indicate good potential for saffron as a treatment for menstrual disorders.
Memory
Saffron enhances memory and slow brain aging, say authors of a study published in the January 2011 "Behavioral Brain Research" journal. In the study, researchers gave adult and elderly laboratory mice daily injections of saffron for seven days. Saffron-treated mice showed significantly improved learning and memory compared to a control group of mice that did not receive saffron. Saffron also decreased oxidation of fats, increased antioxidant activity in the brains and reduced levels of an enzyme that is associated with nerve cell degeneration. The study also tested the saffron carotenoid crocetin in tissue culture of human nerve cells and found it capable of inhibiting oxidation and protecting nerve cells.
Kidney Protection
A study published in the 2010 "Biological Research" journal found saffron to have kidney protective properties. In the study, scientists gave laboratory rats with kidney damage either 40 or 80 mg per kg body weight of saffron per day for 10 days. Saffron significantly reduced markers of kidney stress, with higher doses producing greater benefits. The researchers concluded that their results support traditional uses for saffron in the treatment of some inflammatory and degenerative conditions.
Heart Health
Saffron prevented heart damage in a study on laboratory rats published in the December 2010 "Experimental and Toxicological Pathology" journal. Scientists gave 200 mg per kg, 400 mg per kg or 800 mg per kg of body weight doses of saffron daily for four weeks to rats with heart damage. All doses of saffron exerted significant protective effects at preserving heart strength and healthy blood flow. Maximum protective effects were observed with the 400 mg dose. The researchers concluded that saffron boosted antioxidant status and prevented structural damage to the heart.
References
- "Phytomedicine"; Psychological and neuroendocrinological effects of odor of saffron (Crocus sativus). Fukui H, et al.; 2011
- "Behavioural Brain Research"; Memory enhancing effects of saffron in aged mice are correlated with antioxidant protection. Papandreou MA, et al.; 2011
- "Biological Research"; Effect of crocus sativus on gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity. Ajami M, et al.; 2010
- "Experimental and Toxicological Pathology"; Crocus sativus L. (saffron) attenuates isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury via preserving cardiac functions and strengthening antioxidant defense system. Sachdeva J, et al.; 2010
- FoodReference.com; Saffron
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