It increases the level of Nor Epinephrine, Serotonin and Dopamine according to the some studies and we know that depression is due to low level of NE and Serotonin .Some Studies also shows that Saffron might be as effective as taking antidepresent like fluoxetine or imipramine in low doses.
Research shows that taking SAFFRON for 6-12 weeks improves symptoms of depression.Saffron contains a chemical called crocin studies suggested that taking it for 4 weeks decreses the depression symptoms more than taking antidepressent alone.
SAFFRON is very expensive and it is used mainly for Labour intensive crop by women as well as for insomnia, depression,cancer,pain and heart burn.
It is very lethal(7_8 grams).
Hence it is better not to use.
Sami Ullah
Therapeutic properties of saffron and its chemical constituents
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/3288/74dca1077690384e2504662150f437d046b0.pdf
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a light purple flower with reddish colored stigma. It is one of the most expensive spices with a range of quality in its color and aroma. A few key countries involved in saffron commercialization are Spain, Iran, Greece, Morocco, India and China. The main chemical constituents found in saffron are safranal, picrocrocin, crocetin and its glycoside, crocins. These constituents have been reported with pharmacological activities largely responsible for abundant of health benefits. In this review, current findings on pharmacological activities of saffron and its main constituents were reviewed to support for the therapeutic role of saffron. Although adultery issues are commonly compounded problem in obtaining pure saffron, its health benefits as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent, effectiveness in the control of depression and anxiety, improvement in memory and endocrinological related issues have been supported by several clinical trials. Based on these research studies, saffron could be one of the significant natural products which needed much attention for its potential therapeutic roles.
Antidepressant activity: At the same time, the antidepressant activity of saffron extract was shown to be equivalent to that of imipramine based on the double blind and randomized trial conducted by (Akhondzadeh, et al., 2004) over a period of six weeks. Furthermore, the efficacy of dried saffron extract (15mg) was noted to be comparable with the efficacy of fluoxetine (Akhondzadeh, et al., 2005; Noorbala, et al., 2005). In addition to the extract of saffron stigma, the extract of dried petal of saffron plant had shown to be effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depression based on the observation of six weeks randomized double blind clinical trial with 36 adult participants (Basti, et al., 2007; Moshiri, et al., 2006). These findings supported its traditional Persian medicine use in depression (Sarris, 2007).
Anxiety and anticonvulsant activities: Traditional use of saffron for anxiety and anticonvulsant activities was scientifically proven by using crocin in comparison with diazepam to control anxiety (Pitsikas, et al., 2008) and safranal as an anticonvulsant agent in animal studies (Hosseinzadeh, et al., 2005; 2007).
Saffron and its active constituents have shown significant potential therapeutic benefits in the management of cancer, learning and memory loss, depression, anxiety control, erectile dysfunction (ED), sexual behavior, cardioprotective activities and hypoglycemic activities. As proposed by many studies, benefits possess by saffron is believed to be largely due to its anti-oxidant activities.
@ Sami Ullah
Yes, saffron (Crocus sativus) is helpful in reducing anxiety and depression. Please have a look at the following RG links and a PDF attachment.
Article Constituents of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) as Potential Can...
Article Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): As an Antidepressant
Article Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a...
Article Comparative efficacy and safety of Crocus sativus L. For tre...
Article Saffron in the treatment of depression, anxiety and other me...
Thanks!
Though expensive, saffron is effective in reducing symptoms associated with mental health related issues...it's labour intensive harvesting method is the reason for it's hefty price....its beneficial effects are here in these links:
https://nypost.com/2018/11/19/this-spice-could-help-treat-anxiety-and-depression/
https://www.sbs.com.au/food/health/article/2018/03/14/if-you-suffer-mild-depression-saffron-may-be-able-help
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/saffron
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