Saffron is derived from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. Each flower has three stigmas containing four major bioactive compounds: crocins, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal. Crocins and crocetin are responsible for the colour, picrocrocin for the taste, and safranal for the aroma. These compounds, along with the more than 150 volatile and non-volatile components, are responsible for the health-enhancing properties of saffron.1
Saffron for mood support
Saffron has traditionally been used to treat eye, skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tract complaints. However, its mood-enhancing benefits have attracted the most interest over the last decade. Increasing research confirms that mood disorders are associated with several physiological disturbances, including disturbances in:
- Neurotransmitter activity
- Chronic, low-grade inflammation
- Excess oxidative stress
- Imbalances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
- Neurodegeneration2
Preclinical and clinical trials have shown that saffron can influence all these physiological pathways. For example, saffron seems to affect the activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine and has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Saffron can also modulate HPA axis activity by reducing cortisol concentrations and has neuroprotective effects.3
Saffron’s antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects
A significant body of research has now accumulated demonstrating saffron’s positive antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects. Findings from over 20 randomised controlled studies have regularly shown saffron can be an effective and safe treatment for mild-to-moderate depression.4 In randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, it regularly outperforms the placebo, typically working in 4 to 8 weeks.
In head-to-head studies with pharmaceutical antidepressants such as fluoxetine, imipramine, and citalopram, saffron has comparable efficacy with fewer side effects.5-7
In clinical trials my have team conducted, saffron reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms in teenagers8 and improved mood in women experiencing perimenopause.9 In another study that we conducted, saffron reduced depressive symptoms in adults taking a pharmaceutical antidepressant and tended to reduce adverse reactions associated with antidepressant use.10 In another study we conducted in 2021, saffron increased exercise enjoyment in recreationally-active males and increased their heart rate variability (a proxy measure of the stress response).11 In all these studies, saffron was administered at 14mg twice daily.
Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have now been published on the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of saffron. These have all concluded that saffron is a promising natural agent to improve mood in people with depression and anxiety.3,4 In 2022, clinical guidelines for treating psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals were published by a taskforce of international expert.14 It was concluded that after St John’s Wort, saffron had the largest body of evidence supporting its efficacy in treating unipolar depression. The taskforce provisionally recommended saffron as a stand-alone treatment for unipolar depression.
Saffron for sleep support
Throughout our studies, we received regular feedback of improved sleep, so we decided to examine the effects of saffron on sleep quality. We have conducted two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials examining the effects of saffron on sleep in people with unsatisfactory sleep. Again, positive results were identified.
Saffron improved sleep quality, mood after awakening, and restorative sleep.12, 13
We also found in one study that saffron increased evening melatonin concentrations.12 This may be via its anti-inflammatory effects or its impact on neurotransmitter activity. In our first sleep study, saffron was administered at 14 mg twice daily. However, in the second study, it was administered at 14 mg or 28 mg one hour before bed. Results were comparable for all the doses, although mood upon awakening tended to be slightly higher with 28 mg dose.
The association between sleep, mood and pain and the role of saffron
The positive effects of saffron on mood and sleep have important implications for all health conditions, as insomnia and depression are highly prevalent in most, if not all, disorders. For example, approximately one-third of people experiencing chronic pain suffer from depression, and about 50% suffer from insomnia.15,16 This has major treatment implications as suffering from comorbid chronic pain, depression, and/or insomnia can render pain and mood-related treatments less effective.
Research confirms that there is a bidirectional relationship between pain and sleep. In fact, some research has shown that sleep has a greater impact on pain than pain has on sleep.17
Therefore, treating sleep disturbances is imperative if someone presents with co-morbid chronic pain and poor sleep. Saffron certainly presents as a good option. Although more research is required, there is some preclinical and animal research to suggest saffron can have analgesic and pain-relieving effects.18,19
When it comes to saffron, quality is essential, as research confirms that because of its high cost, and the labour intensiveness associated with its cultivation, it is subject to adulteration. In fact, 1st-grade saffron in the market is rare.20 Therefore, it is extremely important to choose high-quality extracts that have undergone clinical trials. So far, all my trials have been conducted on the patented saffron extract, affron®.
If you are looking to support clients with their mood and/ or sleep, saffron certainly presents as an evidence-based option. Obviously, it is not a magic pill and should be used as part of an integrative approach that targets a person’s unique drivers of their mental or physical disturbances.
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References
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