Overview

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a plant. The dried filamentous parts (stigmas) of the flowers are used to make saffron spice, food colouring, and medicine.

Saffron contains chemicals that can change your mood, kill cancer cells, reduce swelling, and act as an antioxidant. It takes 75,000 Saffron Flowers to make 1 Pound of Saffron Spice. Saffron is mainly grown in Iran and harvested by hand. It is one of the most expensive spices in the world.

Although it is common for people to use saffron for depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, menstrual pain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and many other conditions, there is not enough scientific evidence for many of these uses. is not. 

Other name(s) of saffron:

Autumn Crocus, Azafrán, Azafron, Croci Stigma, Crocin, Crocus Cultivé, Crocus sativus, Indian Saffron, Kashmira, Kesar, Kumkuma, Saffron Crocus, Safran, Safran Cultivé, Safran Espagnol,

Safran des Indes, Safran Véritable, Spanish Saffron, True Saffron, Zafran

Saffron Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Alzheimer’s disease.

Taking saffron orally may slightly improve some symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

depression.

Taking saffron by mouth, with or without antidepressants, appears to improve symptoms of depression.

There is interest in using saffron for many other purposes, but there is not enough reliable information to say whether it helps. 

Saffron Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken orally:
Saffron is commonly consumed as a food spice and coloring agent. Saffron may be safe when taken medicinally at doses up to 100 mg daily for up to 26 weeks. Some common side effects include drowsiness, an upset stomach, and feeling sick or unwell.

There is also the possibility of an allergic reaction.

Taking large amounts of saffron orally may not be safe. High doses of 5 grams or more can cause poisoning, while doses of 12-20 grams can cause death.

On skin:
There is not enough reliable information to know if saffron is safe or what side effects may occur.

Pregnancy:
Saffron is commonly consumed as a food spice and coloring agent. Taking saffron by mouth in amounts greater than those found in normal foods is probably not safe. Large amounts of saffron can cause uterine contractions and cause miscarriage.

Breastfeeding:
There is not enough reliable information to know if saffron can be used in breastfeeding in amounts higher than it is found in food. Stay on the safe side and stick to feeding amounts. 

Bipolar disorder:
Saffron appears to be able to affect mood. It can induce irritability and impulsivity in people with bipolar disorder. Do not use saffron if you have this symptom.

Allergies to Lorium, Olea (including Olive), and Sarthora Plant Species:
People who are allergic to these plants may also be allergic to saffron.

Surgery:
Saffron slows down the central nervous system. Anesthetics and other drugs used during surgery also affect the central nervous system. Stop taking saffron at least two weeks before your planned surgery. 

Interactions

moderate interaction

Be careful with this combination
Interactions between High Blood Pressure Medications (Antihypertensives) and Saffron

Saffron may lower blood pressure. Taking saffron with antihypertensive medications may lower blood pressure too much. Monitor your blood pressure carefully.

Caffeine interacts with saffron

Saffron may slow down the rate at which your body breaks down caffeine. Taking saffron with caffeine may increase the effects and side effects of caffeine in some people.

Interaction between antidiabetic drugs (diabetic drugs) and saffron

Saffron may lower blood sugar levels. Taking saffron with diabetes medication may cause your blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar carefully.

Sedatives (central nervous system depressants) interact with saffron

Saffron can cause drowsiness and decreased breathing. Some drugs, called tranquilizers, can cause drowsiness and slow breathing. Taking saffron with sedatives can cause breathing problems and severe drowsiness. 

Dosing of saffron

Saffron is commonly used as a food spice and coloring agent. As a medicine, saffron extract is most commonly used by adults, taking 20-100 mg orally daily for up to 3 months. Talk to your doctor about the best dosage for your particular condition. 

Saffron Wikipedia