Saffron

Mechanism of action

Crocin (carotenoid responsible for the red colour) and safranal (volatile compound responsible for the aroma) both inhibit serotonin and dopamine reuptake at neurochemically meaningful concentrations. Direct antioxidant activity through hydroxyl radical scavenging. The dual monoamine reuptake inhibition mechanism is unusual for a natural compound and explains the antidepressant efficacy comparable to fluoxetine.

History

Saffron, the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus, is the most expensive spice by weight (over 80,000 flowers produce 1 kg of saffron). Used in Persian, Mediterranean, and Indian cuisine and medicine for over 3,500 years. Modern depression evidence came from Iranian institutions starting in the 2000s, with multiple head-to-head trials against fluoxetine and imipramine showing non-inferiority. Lopresti 2014 meta-analysis consolidated the evidence. Unscheduled globally.

Benefits

• Mild-to-moderate depression

  EVIDENCEA

  Multiple meta-analyses non-inferior to fluoxetine.

• ADHD symptoms

  EVIDENCEB

  Baziar 2019; Khaksarian 2021.

• Premenstrual syndrome

  EVIDENCEB

  Multiple RCTs.

Side effects

• Mild dry mouthuncommonmild
• Reduced appetiteuncommonmild

Cited research

• Saffron in major depressive disorder: meta-analysis (Lopresti)2014
  PMID 24299602 ↗
• Saffron vs methylphenidate in pediatric ADHD (Baziar)2019
  PMID 30844349 ↗
• Saffron vs fluoxetine for major depressive disorder2008
  PMID 18307988 ↗
• Saffron for premenstrual syndrome (Agha-Hosseini)2008
  PMID 18271716 ↗

Ad Affiliate links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

No approved reviews yet. Be the first.