How Saffron Bridges the Gaps in Mental Health
Saffron has been used for centuries in Asian medicine to treat a wide range of health problems - including inflammation, depressive symptoms, and menstrual disorders. In ancient Persia, saffron threads were scattered on beds, infused in bath water, and mixed into hot tea to cure melancholy.
For those interested, the 2021 study was published in multiple clinical trials, highlighting the significant potential for saffron as a natural treatment for mood disorders.
Saffron stigmas are naturally rich in four major bioactive compounds that have an antioxidant effect on the body, including:
- Crocin
- Crocetin
- Picrocrocin
- Safranal
Research has revealed that saffron impacts both mood and memory, having a synergistic effect on the mind. Here’s how saffron can give your brain a helping hand.
How does saffron help the brain?
1. Mood
Saffron can boost your mood. And it’s not just the sunny yellow color that will make you feel happier. A wide range of studies have found saffron can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.
Clinical trials revealed saffron has similar antidepressant effects to two major antidepressant medications - fluoxetine and imipramine - when taken at a dose of 30 mg/day for at least 6 weeks in participants with major depressive disorder.
In a study of healthy adults who were given 28mg/day of saffron extract for 4 weeks, participants reported increased mood, reduced anxiety, and less stress.
A 2021 study also found saffron had a positive impact on mood with participants showing:
- Reduced depressive symptoms
- Increased resilience against stress-related disorders
- Improved social relationships
The antidepressant effects of saffron can help to boost your mood and help you feel more positive, while decreasing feelings of stress and anxiety.
2. Memory
Saffron appears to help memory too. Research has found saffron may have a positive impact on memory, working to inhibit neuro-inflammation and reverse neurotoxicity.
Research shows saffron may be beneficial in treating neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as improving memory impairment. Saffron appears to have neuroprotective effects against cognitive decline. The best part? Saffron shows fewer side effects than synthetic drugs.
3. Sleep
Your mood, memory and mind can be seriously impacted by sleep. Problems with sleep can cause fatigue, poor cognitive performance, low mood, anxiety, and more.
Saffron has been shown to improve sleep quality. Research found that patients who took saffron supplements for 8 weeks reported improvements in insomnia, restorative sleep, and sleep quality, as well as improvements in alertness after waking up.
Another study found saffron increases evening melatonin concentrations. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and your circadian rhythm, helping you fall asleep at night.
Saffron for well-rounded well-being
Saffron supports brain health holistically, enhancing mental well-being through its multifaceted effects on mood, memory, and sleep. The spice’s synergistic effect on mood, memory, and sleep helps contribute to a healthier mind year-round.
Enjoy brighter and more productive days with mood and memory, both formulated with Affron®, a standardized saffron extract backed by several clinical studies. Our mood formula also includes added turmeric, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Together this formula offers an effective and natural way to balance your moods. In our memory formula, you’ll find added sage and Ginkgo biloba which work together with saffron to support cognitive function and memory. These powerful combinations will support overall mental wellness—so you can thrive every day.
