Saffron

Saffron from La Mancha is known around the world as a spice. In recent years, its extracts have also become one of the most researched botanical ingredients.

What is saffron?

It is the three red stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, which are picked by hand. About 150 flowers are needed to obtain one gram, hence its price. Its characteristic compounds are:

• Crocins: responsible for its colour.
• Safranal: responsible for its aroma.
• Picrocrocin: responsible for its bitter taste.

What does the science say?

Several clinical trials, mostly carried out in Iran and Australia, have studied saffron extracts in relation to mood and emotional wellbeing, with favourable results according to published reviews (Lopresti and Drummond 2014). Its relationship with satiety has also been researched. The studies are generally short and have few participants.

Health claims for plants are still pending assessment in the European Union, so saffron has no authorised claims.

Dose and how to take it

• Studies usually use about 30 mg a day of standardised extract, far above the amounts used in cooking.
• Standardised extracts guarantee a fixed amount of crocins and safranal.
• At IVB we use Safrasol®, a standardised saffron extract, in MenoMaster (30 mg) and Satisens (60 mg).

Safety

• At extract doses it is well tolerated; it may cause digestive discomfort, dry mouth or changes in appetite.
• Very high doses of saffron (several grams) are toxic: do not replace the extract with large amounts of the spice.
• It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• If you take antidepressants, anticoagulants or blood pressure medication, or have bipolar disorder, check with your doctor first.

Frequently asked questions

What is saffron used for?

Besides its use as a spice, its extracts have been researched in relation to mood, emotional wellbeing and satiety. It has no authorised health claims in the EU.

Can cooking saffron be used as a supplement?

It is not the same. Studies use standardised extracts with a known amount of crocins and safranal, which the spice does not guarantee.

When should I take saffron extract?

With a meal, at whatever time fits your routine. Follow the product directions.

How long should it be taken?

Most studies last between 6 and 12 weeks.

References

1. Lopresti AL, Drummond PD. Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014;29(6):517-527.
2. Hausenblas HA, Saha D, Dubyak PJ, Anton SD. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Integr Med. 2013;11(6):377-383.