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Saffron is widely recognized as a culinary spice, but like many herbs, when prepared medicially, offers therapeutic benefits that extend beyond the kitchen. Rich in health promoting molecules, most notably crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal - saffron extract has been shown to support mood, reduce symptoms of depression, irritability, and anxiety, promote restful sleep, enhance cognitive function, boost libido, increase eye health and improve overall quality of life. The benefits of saffron generally create a sense of calm and tranquility in those who take it. Let's explore what saffron is good for emotionally and physically so you can determine if a saffron supplement is right for you.
Saffron for Mood
Saffron, often called the "sunshine vitamin," is renowned for its ability to uplift mood, regulate emotions and promote a positive outlook on life. Its mood-enhancing effects have been validated in several clinical studies, with multiple mechanisms contributing to these benefits (1).
One key mechanism through which saffron works is to balance the feel-good chemicals in the brain such as serotonin, dopamine and GABA. This positive impact on the neurotransmitter landscape can help to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety(2,)
In fact, recent research shows that saffron has been shown to significantly alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression compared to a placebo. Saffron extract may induce feelings of calm, relieve anxiety(3), and ease stress, contributing to a more positive outlook on life, while building emotional resilience.
Saffron also helps manage everyday mental challenges like anger, confusion, and irritability. The best part? It’s side-effect-free and has been studied across diverse groups, from teenagers to the elderly, making it a safe and effective option for mental wellness at any age.
Saffron’s mental health benefits are impressive on their own, but research is now showing it also supports brain function, sexual health, better sleep, and even eye health.
Saffron and Brain Health
Mood and brain health are deeply intertwined, so it’s no surprise that saffron’s medicinal compounds also have a positive impact on the brain.
Research shows that saffron supports a wide range of cognitive functions, from enhancing learning and mental acuity to helping manage serious neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease (4). While studies on its role in neurological disorders are still emerging, there is promising evidence suggesting that saffron may help manage complex symptoms like tremors, loss of balance, and behavioral changes seen in neurodegenerative diseases.
Saffron’s brain benefits are largely due to its ability to protect neurons from oxidative stress and inflammation. It also boosts levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key compound that enhances learning, neuroplasticity, and overall cognition, while also playing a role in preventing depression.
Overall, saffron offers exciting potential for cognitive health (5), and ongoing research is likely to further validate and expand upon these findings.
Saffron and Libido
Saffron is especially valuable for individuals with a low sex drive (6). It has long been known as an aphrodisiac, enhancing sexual desire and improving sexual health for both men and women- making it one of the best supplements for libido
For men, saffron supports erectile function, helping with both achieving and maintaining erections.
In women, it boosts sexual arousal and improves lubrication, leading to increased satisfaction.
Saffron appears to support libido independent of the cause for low libido.
Saffron and Sleep
Saffron serves as a gentle sleep aid, helping to improve non-REM sleep, a crucial stage of the sleep cycle essential for the body’s restorative processes. By enhancing this phase of sleep, saffron promotes rejuvenation, leaving users feeling more energized and alert upon waking.
Clinical studies have shown that saffron can significantly improve scores on the Sleep Severity Index, a widely respected measure of sleep quality.
Since poor sleep is linked to negative mood, weakened immune function, and increased calorie consumption, improving sleep with saffron creates positive ripple effects across all aspects of life, beyond just feeling rested.
Check out this saffron sleep study here (7)
Saffron and Eye Health
Saffron offers unique benefits for eye health, with data showing it can protect the retina from oxidative stress, reduce free radical damage, and decrease inflammation directly in the eye.
Studies indicate that saffron may slow the progression of eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic-related eye damage (8).
For macular degeneration, saffron has been shown to improve eyesight and retinal function, while in glaucoma, it helps reduce eye pressure. Overall, saffron extracts support general eye health and enhance visual acuity.
With its eye-enhancing properties, saffron is an excellent addition to a wellness routine that supports health across the lifespan.
The Best Saffron Supplement in Canada
Our favorite saffron product is by AOR. AOR's Saffron 2.0 contains Affron®, a patented and unique saffron extract that delivers a concentrated dose of the three most researched compounds responsible for saffron's medicinal properties. Saffron has been extensively studied, and Affron® specifically has been tested for its efficacy in nine clinical trials! Shop it here.
Saffron is far more than a culinary spice, it’s a therapeutic agent that helps people feel better and thrive in their daily lives. From boosting mood and brain health to enhancing libido, improving sleep, and supporting eye health, saffron’s effects go beyond physical wellness, fostering a sense of emotional balance and well-being. By naturally uplifting mood, calming stress, and revitalizing the body, saffron empowers you to live with more energy, joy, and clarity. As research continues to unlock its full potential, saffron stands out as a powerful tool for those seeking to thrive, both mentally and physically, in today’s fast-paced world. Who wouldn’t want that?
Author: Lisa Kowalyk, CNP, B.Kin
