PubMed: Protective Effect of Safranal, a Constituent of Crocus sativus, on Quinolinic Acid-induced Oxidative Damage in Rat Hippocampus. PubMed: Saffron supplement maintains morphology and function after exposure to damaging light in mammalian retina.

Safranal gives saffron its distinct taste and aroma. Research shows that it may help improve your mood, memory, and learning ability, as well as protect your brain cells against oxidative stress ( 4).Sharma K, Joshi N, Goyal C. Critical review of Ayurvedic Varnya herbs and their tyrosinase inhibition effect. Anc Sci Life. 2015;35(1):18-25. doi:10.4103/0257-7941.165627 PubMed: A new validated SPE-HPLC method for monitoring crocetin in human plasma--application after saffron tea consumption.

Saffron could be as effective as a prescription medication for treating mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. There isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s, but studies suggest saffron could help slow its progression and relieve symptoms. PubMed: Alleviation of viper venom induced platelet apoptosis by crocin (Crocus sativus): implications for thrombocytopenia in viper bites. PubMed: Saffron Aqueous Extract Inhibits the Chemically-induced Gastric Cancer Progression in the Wistar Albino Rat. As a dietary supplement, people can safely take up to 1.5 grams of saffron per day. However, only 30 mg of saffron per day have been shown to be enough to reap its health benefits ( 7, 17, 30). PubMed: Effect of Saffron (Crocus sativus) on neurobehavioral and neurochemical changes in cerebral ischemia in rats.

Lastly, kaempferol is found in saffron flower petals. This compound has been linked to health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, anticancer properties, and antidepressant activity ( 2, 5). Summary PubMed: Potential of Crocus sativus (saffron) and its constituent, crocin, as hypolipidemic and antioxidant in rats.

PubMed: Genomic analysis and gene structure of the plant carotenoid dioxygenase 4 family: a deeper study in Crocus sativus and its allies. Add a touch of luxury to a weekend meal with red mullet and saffron-tinted orzo pasta. Peel the broad beans, too, if you really want to wow dinner guests PubMed: Crocins, the active constituents of Crocus Sativus L., counteracted ketamine-induced behavioural deficits in rats. Additionally, an analysis of six studies showed that taking saffron significantly improved erectile function, libido, and overall satisfaction but not semen characteristics ( 18).

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Making saffron oil at home is certainly economical and helpful considering its wide uses. You may be wondering it must be a hectic process requiring a lot of stuff. But to your relief, its major ingredients are dry white wine, almond oil, and saffron threads.

PubMed: Crocus sativus L. (saffron) stigma aqueous extract induces apoptosis in alveolar human lung cancer cells through caspase-dependent pathways activation.PubMed: Antidepressant effects of crocin and its effects on transcript and protein levels of CREB, BDNF, and VGF in rat hippocampus. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. The reason for its high price is its labor-intensive harvesting method, which makes its production costly. Many studies — most of them small — suggest that saffron could boost your health or help with specific health issues. That research shows saffron could hold promise as a: 1. Antioxidant boost PubMed: Characterization of a glucosyltransferase enzyme involved in the formation of kaempferol and quercetin sophorosides in Crocus sativus.