Saffron Benefits, Uses and Side effects

The immune system comprises several cells and natural compounds, which protect our body from the invasion of harmful microorganisms and infections. So, a healthy immune system is essential to maintain optimal body functions. Research shows that saffron has a positive effect on immunity due to the presence of carotenoids in it. Carotenoids are suggested to be helpful in stimulating white blood cells and improve the ability of immune cells to kill pathogens.

Other compounds present in saffron including safranal, crocin, and crocetin are also shown to have potent immunomodulatory properties. 

A clinical study done on men who consumed 100 mg of saffron every day, for a period of 6 weeks, showed an increase in the number of white blood cells  (WBCs), which are responsible for eliminating pathogens from the body.

(Read more: Immunity boosting foods)

Research indicates that saffron can help enhance performance in athletes.

A study done on mice indicated an overall improvement in endurance, increased number of mitochondria (pointing to more energy generation), better metabolic markers and reduced oxidative stress.

In a clinical study, 28 non-active but otherwise healthy male students from a university who consumed saffron every day reported a significant increase in physical force and reaction times.

(Read more: The right age and time to go to gym)

Saffron also helped improve muscle strength in these athletes. Additionally, saffron was found to increase the flow of oxygen through the body, which in turn enhanced performance.

In another study, pre-supplementation with saffron before intensive exercise was found to reduce inflammatory markers in a group of women. The study suggested that saffron may be used as a supplement by athletes before intensive resistance exercise.

(Read more: How to begin your fitness journey)

Cholesterol is needed for the production of new living cells but too much cholesterol in the body could increase the risk of heart diseases and stroke.

According to research, the antioxidants and polyphenols present in saffron can help reduce the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body.

(Read more: High cholesterol treatment)

A preclinical study, done for a period of six weeks, showed that the crocetin and crocin present in saffron can reduce the level of triglycerides and total cholesterol level (TC). Crocin also helped reduce the level of LDL cholesterol in the body by inhibiting the absorption of fat and cholesterol.

Animal studies also show that saffron may be able to reduce cholesterol levels by as much as 50%. Reduced cholesterol further reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterised by the formation of plaques and narrowing of blood vessels.

(Read more: Foods to reduce and control high cholesterol)

Depression is a mental disorder that is characterized by a feeling of sadness, loneliness and a lack of interest in simple day-day activities. Sometimes, these thoughts can even lead to suicidal tendencies.

Several preclinical studies reveal that saffron extract contains compounds such as crocin and safranal that can act as effective antidepressants. An extract made from the petal of the saffron flowers is suggested to be helpful in the management of mild to moderate depression.

Clinical studies also indicate that saffron has the potential to act as an antidepressant. The mood-enhancing properties of saffron have been compared to popular antidepressants such as fluoxetine and imipramine.

(Read more: 7 Foods to improve your mood)

Cancer is characterized by an abnormal growth of the body cells. In an extensive research on chemoprevention, scientists are now searching for natural sources such as plants, vegetables, and fruits with anti-cancer properties. Research indicates that saffron has a preventive action against various types of cancer such as stomach cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer and breast cancer. The anticancer properties of saffron are attributed to the presence of carotenoids such as crocin and crocetin. These carotenoids can inhibit the abnormal growth of cells and regulate normal cell growth.

According to a study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, saffron kills cancer cells without hurting normal body cells. It is also suggested to be helpful in the prevention of tumour formation and reducing the harmful effects of anticancer drugs.

(Read more: Difference between cancer and tumour)

Toxins are substances that are either produced and collected naturally in the body or are procured from the outside. External toxins might result from different pesticides and insecticides. Processed foods, pollution, and chemical ingredients in the soaps and shampoos may also contribute to elevated toxin levels in the body. Research indicates that the ingredients present in saffron can help remove these toxins from the body.

Several preclinical studies have reported that crocin, crocetin and safranal can act against toxins. This is primarily attributed to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties (that can prevent cell death) of saffron plant. Safranal in saffron is suggested to be the most effective antidote against several pesticides, chemical and industrial toxins.

(Read more: Detox diet)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a serious eye disease that usually occurs in people after 50 years. This disease causes progressive vision loss by affecting the macula, a small portion near the centre of the retina. Saffron is rich in crocin and crocetin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help in protecting the eyes from AMD.

(Read more: How to improve eyesight)

A clinical study done on patients with AMD showed that consuming tablets with saffron as one of the main ingredients showed a significant improvement in vision. 

A double-blind placebo-controlled trial done on a group of AMD patients found improvement in symptoms by regular use of about 30mg/day of saffron for six months.

Another study indicated gradual improvement in macular functions in AMD patients with long term use of saffron.

(Read more: Macular degeneration treatment)

Neurodegeneration refers to a condition wherein the neurons (brain cells) start to lose their function slowly. This condition can lead to many diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson's disease and memory loss. Studies indicate that saffron can be used to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

A clinical study done on 54 patients who suffered from mild to moderate AD showed improvement after consuming a small amount of saffron every day for a period of 22 weeks.

A preclinical study done to access the effect of crocin in saffron showed that crocin has the potential to treat AD and can help prevent cognitive disorders.

However, more studies are needed to better understand the benefits and effects of saffron in neurodegenerative conditions.

(Read more: How to increase brain power)

Gastric ulcer is a sore that occurs in the lining of the stomach. It is often associated with a burning sensation the stomach, heartburn and nausea. Animal-based studies suggest that safranal and crocin, components of saffron, have antioxidant properties and are effective against the formation of gastric ulcers. A higher dose of crocin even completely prevented the occurrence of gastric ulcer in a study. These results indicate that regular consumption of saffron could be helpful in the prevention and mitigation of the symptoms of gastric ulcers.

(Read more: Foods to eat and avoid in gastric ulcers)