Rather than raising blood pressure, saffron -- one of the world's most expensive spices -- appears to lower it. Around 70 percent of the world's saffron, which is obtained from the stigma of certain crocus flowers, comes from Spain, according to Dr. Thomas Ombrello of the Union County College biology department. Do not take large amounts of saffron to treat hypertension without talking to your medical provider first.
Ingredients
The active ingredient thought to lower blood pressure in saffron is crocin, the pigment found in saffron and safranal, one of the carotenoid derivatives found in the spice. Other carotenoids in this plant include crocetin and picrocrocin. Carotenoids, which the body can convert to vitamin A, have antioxidant properties, meaning that they may reduce cellular damage by eliminating free radicals, which are potentially harmful substances formed from normal body processes as well as environmental toxins.
Studies
Researchers from the Iranian Mashhad University of Medical Sciences published a study in the July 2010 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" on the effects of safranal, crocin and an aqueous extract on rats. Researchers concluded that of the two substances, safranal had a slightly greater effect on reducing mean arterial pressure compared to crocin. In a human Iranian study reported in the December 2008 issue of "Phytomedicine," subjects who took 400 mg per day of saffron tablets experienced significant drops in standing systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressures.
Risks
In high doses, saffron can cause headache, nausea and vomiting. Death can occur when at doses of 10 g or greater. When taken in supplemental doses greater than 5 g -- which is more than would be found in food -- saffron can cause uterine contractions and could lead to miscarriage or preterm labor, Drugs.com warns. Severe bleeding due to low platelet count can also occur at high doses.
Considerations
The low rates of heart disease in Spain may have some relation to their high intake of saffron in food dishes. The Japanese, who also have low incidence of heart disease, consume crocetin in algae. Hypertension is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Do not substitute dietary saffron for traditional medical treatment unless your doctor approves.
References
- Drugs.com: Saffron
- Union County College; Saffron; Thomas Ombrello
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Hypotensive Effect of Aqueous Saffron Extract (Crocus Sativus L.) and Its Constituents, Safranal and Crocin, in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats; M. Imenshahidi, et al.; July 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute; Carotenoids;Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; December 2005
- "Phytomedicine"; Safety Evaluation of Saffron (Crocus Sativus) Tablets in Healthy Volunteers; M. Modaghegh, et al.; December 2008
