Insights & Discussion
Saffron possesses major bioactive compounds such as safranal, crocin, and picrocrocin that are hypothesized to be integral to its antidepressant effects.
In this research, a chemical analysis was undertaken on the saffron plant, a perennial herb native to various mountainous regions, ranging from Asia Minor to India. During this in-depth analysis, the researchers identified and elucidated almost 150 volatile and nonvolatile compounds from the plant. A key focus of the analysis was the three major bioactive compounds - safranal, crocin, and picrocrocin, believed to be the primary factors behind saffron's aroma and bitter taste.
On the subject of the findings, it was concluded that these major bioactive compounds are likely playing a pivotal role in the medicinal potential of the saffron plant. Specifically, the plant's well-documented antidepressant properties could largely be attributed to these compounds. The study also focused on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the plant, indicating that saffron could have efficacious and safe potential for use. It was inferred that this potential mainly pertains to its antidepressant effects, spurring increased interest in further exploration of its assorted bioactive compounds.
Discover Related Insights
Crocin, a compound derived from saffron, has shown considerable potential in hindering tumor growth and improving immune status, across various malignant tumors.
2023 PeerJ Advances on the anti-tumor mechanisms of the carotenoid Crocin Bao X, Hu J, Zhao Y, Jia R, Zhang H, Xia L
Review Article Anti-Tumour Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer
The methodology for the study involved an in-depth review of modern pharmacological studies that have analyzed the therapeutic effects of crocin, a natural compound that can be extracted from saffron. Various anti-tumor effects were assessed including the induction of tumor cell death (apoptosis), restrictions on tumor cell proliferation, and potential barriers to invasion and metastasis of these cells. The potential for enhancement of sensitivity to chemotherapy and improvement of immune status were also examined.
Following the review, the study revealed that crocin has significant anti-tumor properties. It showed that this natural compound can induce apoptosis in tumor cells, inhibit their expansion and progression, and even prevent their invasiveness and metastasis. Furthermore, crocin demonstrated the potential to enhance the body’s responsiveness to chemotherapy and help boost the immune system. These effects were observed across a range of different malignant tumors, including stomach, liver, cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers.
Saffron and its bioactive molecules, notably crocins, have been found to be as effective as common antidepressants in treating depression disorders.
2022 Molecules Anti-Depressant Properties of Crocin Molecules in Saffron Siddiqui SA, Ali Redha A, Snoeck ER, Singh S, Simal-Gandara J, Ibrahim SA, et al.
Experimental Study Depression Saffron
The methodology of the research centered on the incredible therapeutic properties of saffron, more specifically its bioactive molecules known as crocins. These molecules were singled out as they have shown a capacity to inhibit monoamine oxidase type A and B. The researchers also conducted experiments with saffron petal extracts, observing their impact on contractile response in electrical field stimulation. There were further investigations into saffron's ability to inhibit the reuptake of monoamines, display -methyl-d-aspartate antagonism, and enhance brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling.
The discussion of the results highlighted the effectiveness of saffron and its crocins in treating depressive disorders. From several experimental studies, it became apparent that saffron and crocins might perform similarly to fluoxetine and imipramine, both widely accepted antidepressant drugs. As such, the paper suggests that these natural elements found in saffron could offer an alternative treatment method for depression. The limitations, however, as highlighted in the study, were issues surrounding stability and delivery of the herbal treatment.
Saffron intake might aid in reducing depressive symptoms but it should not be regarded as an exclusive solution for treating depression.
2022 Pharmacological Research Saffron, as an adjunct therapy, contributes to relieve depression symptoms: An umbrella meta-analysis Musazadeh V, Zarezadeh M, Faghfouri AH, Keramati M, Ghoreishi Z, Farnam A
Meta-Analysis Depression Saffron
This study conducted a comprehensive umbrella meta-analysis of previously published research studies to evaluate the effect of saffron on depression. The researchers collected the relevant studies from various acclaimed international databases like PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Library, up until June 2021. All gathered research was based on the effects of saffron on depression. A random-effects model was employed to conduct the meta-analysis and additional analyses, which included subgroup and sensitivity examination.
The meta-analysis consisted of seven individual studies altogether. The evaluations displayed that the consumption of saffron led to an observable decrease in Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) scores, indicating a reduction in depressive feelings. However, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores didn't exhibit any significant change post saffron consumption. Some other mixed scores also remained unchanged. Thus overall, it was deduced that while saffron intake might help alleviate depression, it can't solely be relied upon for effectively treating this mental disorder.
Combining resistance training with saffron supplementation enhances happiness levels and increases dopamine and serotonin concentrations more than resistance training alone.
2021 Physiology & Behavior Impact of saffron (Crocus Sativus Linn) supplementation and resistance training on markers implicated in depression and happiness levels in untrained young males Moghadam BH, Bagheri R, Roozbeh B, Ashtary-Larky D, Gaeini AA, Dutheil F, et al.
Randomised Controlled Trial Depression Dopamine Saffron
In this research, untrained young males were divided into two groups, one receiving resistance training coupled with saffron supplementation (150 mg pill of pure saffron post-workout and at a similar time on rest days), while the other received resistance training with a placebo (dextrose pill). For a period of six weeks, whole-body supervised resistance training was performed four times per week with three sets using 60-70% of their single repetition maximum. Various markers implicated in depression and happiness levels were assessed before and after this period.
In terms of results, substantial increases in various markers including Anandamide, Arachidonoylglycerol, dopamine, and beta-endorphin were noticed within the group combining resistance training with saffron supplementation, yet no such changes were evident within the group who took the placebo. Compared to the placebo, the saffron group also experienced more significant improvements in happiness levels. Moreover, serotonin levels increased in both groups but were greater in the saffron-supplemented group, while tryptophan concentrations remained unchanged. Notably, both groups noted significant boosts in muscular endurance; these changes were greater with saffron supplementation.
Saffron shows promising effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety and augmenting the effects of antidepressants.
2019 Nutrition Reviews Effect of saffron supplementation on symptoms of depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis Marx W, Lane M, Rocks T, Ruusunen A, Loughman A, Lopresti A, et al.
Systematic Review Anxiety Depression Saffron
The research was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines and performed a comprehensive literature review of randomized controlled trials to study the impact of saffron supplementation on symptoms of depression and anxiety. This included both cases where saffron was used alone as a therapy and cases where it was used in conjunction with other treatments. The quality and risk of bias in these studies were evaluated using the Jadad scale.
In this analysis, the result of saffron supplementation was compared against placebo and regular pharmacotherapy. It was concluded that using saffron had a notable positive effect in relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety when compared with a placebo. Additionally, it was found that saffron also demonstrated a sizeable positive effect when used alongside antidepressants in treating depressive symptoms. Nonetheless, the Egger's regression test pointed out evidence of publication bias in this area of study.
Sign In
Users not signed in are limited to viewing the 5 most recent items of content.