Phytotherapy and Saffron

   
 

Posted: July 2024

Author: Katie Donnelly, Adv Dip HSc Naturopathy

Saffron

Crocus sativus (Saffron) or red-gold has long been revered as a mystical herb, with medicinal use dating back over 3000 years. The name ‘red gold’ refers to the red stigma of the saffron flower, which is carefully removed by hand and gently dried.

This part of the plant is a highly valued spice, providing colour, flavour, and aromatics to meals in addition to the health benefits. It was also used as a fabric dye for royalty, creating a bright yellow/orange colour.¹

As a medicinal herb, Saffron was favoured for easing inflammation and respiratory conditions, along with being an aphrodisiac.¹ In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Saffron was used to enhance circulation, calm nervous tension, and cool the blood.²

In more recent years, such actions have been attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal. The quality of Saffron is reflected in the constituent levels these, which are influenced by the growing conditions for this vibrant purple flower.³

Central Nervous System

One of the more well-known uses of Saffron is in nourishing the central nervous system (CNS).

Clinical studies indicate the benefits of the use of Saffron in cases of depression, anxiety, and neurogenerative diseases. This is supported by noted activity within the CNS, and the ability of crocetin to cross the blood brain barrier.

Crocin and safranal also showed dopaminergic and serotonergic system interaction, producing decreased depression scores. In patients with depression, Saffron supplementation enhanced selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors activity. In separate studies, Saffron was noted to be as effective as fluoxetine in depressed patients.⁴

Reduced anxiety was more specifically attributed to benzodiazepine GABA-A receptor interaction, with actions comparative to diazepam. Efficacy of Saffron as an anxiolytic was also noted in cases of Alzheimer’s Disease, where anxiety and depression are known to increase disease progression. Saffron was identified as improving quality of life.^3,5

Further activity of crocin’s in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex has been aligned with improvements in memory and cognitive function. This was noted in association with ongoing stress. Efficacy was particularly evident in cases of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia, linked to reduction of reactive oxygen species. This highlights the importance of this herb as a potent antioxidant.^3,6

Pain

Similar modes of action are suggested for the role of Saffron in reducing pain perception. Saffron showed increased dopamine availability, thus reducing pain signalling, and influenced dopamine regulation and receptor activation. Additional activity in cholinergic and androgenic pathways may also contribute to pain modulation by saffron.⁷

Further modes of analgesia are influenced via anti-inflammatory actions, with inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase 1 and 2, and prostaglandin-E2 by crocins. Safranal then reduced interleukin (Il)-1β. Il-6, Il-8, and tumour necrosis factor-α. This is an important consideration not only for pain, but also role of pro-inflammatory markers in pathogenesis.⁷

Confirmed benefits on osteoarthritic pain are based on a combination of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Pain and restricted movement were reduced on supplementation of saffron, with lowered oxidative stress and cytokines protecting cellular integrity. Muscle strength was also improved.³

Cardiovascular Disease

Contributing factors to the development of CVD can be mitigated by Saffron, including dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis and hypertension.

The influence of carotenoids on lipid regulation is a contributing factor. Reduced triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol levels were observed in animal model studies, with improved high-density lipoproteins. Alterations to lipid absorption via lipase inhibition is suggested to support this action. As such, oxidative stress is subsequently reduced.

This significantly reduces the development of vascular endothelial changes, a causative factor in atherosclerosis development. Integrity of the endothelium was seen to be upheld by reduced LDL, nuclear factor ĸ-β, Il-6, and adhesion proteins.³

Saffron’s actions in regulating blood pressure can be attributed to a combination of CNS nourishment and renin-angiotensin- adrenal system inhibition.

Reduced sympathetic nervous stimulation is known to support lowered blood pressure. This was demonstrated with human studies, with Saffron reducing the heart rate of participants in response to psychological stressors. Acute and chronic doses were given compared to placebo, displaying benefits of short- and longer-term Saffron supplementation.⁸

In animal model studies of hypertension induced via salt regulation, Saffron showed reduced endothelial spasm and restriction. Crocetin was used in separate animal studies to show reduced systolic blood pressure after three weeks of supplementation.³

Cancer

Although the exacts mechanisms are largely unknown, Saffron is becoming more prevalent as a cancer preventative and treatment option. Efficacy has been noted to vary depending on the form of cancer.

Apoptosis of cancerous cells, reduced growth and progression patterns, and inhibited cellular invasion were among the beneficial actions. More recent research has identified this as being particularly effective in some breast cancers, and in prostate cancer.⁹

Protective actions on maintaining healthy endothelial cells, and potent antioxidant constituents contribute to this. As such, no negative impacts were noted on healthy cells. Furthermore, Saffron showed to help in counteracting the side effects of cancer treatment medication.¹⁰

Saffron

Centuries of Saffron use, combined with clinical research, confirm safe and efficacious actions, and highlight this as an important phytomedicine for many disease states, from adjunctive cancer care, to neuroprotection, pain and anxiety or depression. Saffron is a phytomedicine great in terms of helping treat and manage chronic disease and restore homeostasis.

 

References

1. Kazemi-Shahandashti SS, Mann L, El-Nagish A, Harpke D, Nemati Z, Usadel B, Heitkam T. Ancient Artworks and Crocus Genetics Both Support Saffron's Origin in Early Greece. Front Plant Sci. 2022 Feb 25;13:834416. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.834416.
2. Li X, Xie J, Fan H, Tan J, Zhang D, Bao Y, Geng F, Pei J, Ma H. Stigma and petals of Crocus sativus L.: Review and comparison of phytochemistry and pharmacology. Arabian Journal of Chemistry. August 2023;16(8):104918.
3. El Midaoui A, Ghzaiel I, Vervandier-Fasseur D, Ksila M, Zarrouk A, Nury T, Khallouki F, El Hessni A, Ibrahimi SO, Latruffe N. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): A Source of Nutrients for Health and for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric and Age-Related Diseases. Nutrients 2022;14: 597. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030597
4. Siddiqui MJ, Saleh MSM, Basharuddin SNBB, Zamri SHB, Mohd Najib MHB, Che Ibrahim MZB, Binti Mohd Noor NA, Binti Mazha HN, Mohd Hassan N, Khatib A. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): As an Antidepressant. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2018 Oct-Dec;10(4):173-180. https://doi.org/10.4103/JPBS.JPBS_83_18.
5. Hamedani SG, Pourmasoumi M, Zarifi SH, Askari G, Jamialahmadi T, Bagherniya M, Sahebkar A. Therapeutic effects of saffron and its components on neurodegenerative diseases. Heliyon. 2024 Jan 10;10(2): e24334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24334.
6. Cerdá-Bernad D, Costa L, Serra AT, Bronze MR, Valero-Cases E, Pérez-Llamas F, Candela ME, Arnao MB, Barberán FT, Villalba RG. Saffron against Neuro-Cognitive Disorders: An Overview of Its Main Bioactive Compounds, Their Metabolic Fate and Potential Mechanisms of Neurological Protection. Nutrients 2022;14: 5368. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14245368
7. Ait Tastift M, Makbal R, Bourhim T, Omari Z, Isoda H, Gadhi C. Safety Assessment and Pain Relief Properties of Saffron from Taliouine Region (Morocco). Molecules 2022; 27: 3339. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27103339
8. Jackson PA, Forster J, Khan J, Pouchieu C, Dubreuil S, Gaudout D, Moras B, Pourtau L, Joffre F, Vaysse C, Bertrand K, Abrous H, Vauzour D, Brossaud J, Corcuff JB, Capuron L, Kennedy DO. Effects of Saffron Extract Supplementation on Mood, Well-Being, and Response to a Psychosocial Stressor in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group, Clinical Trial. Front Nutr. 2021 Feb 1;7: 606124. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.606124
9. Khan M, Hearn K, Parry C, Rasid M, Brim, H, Ashktorab H, Kwabi-Addo B. Mechanism of Antitumor Effects of Saffron in Human Prostate Cancer Cells. Nutrients 2024, 16: 114. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010114
10. Shakeri M, Hashemi Tayer A, Shakeri H, Sotoodeh Jahromi A, Moradzadeh M, Hojjat-Farsangi M. Toxicity of Saffron Extracts on Cancer and Normal Cells: A Review Article. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2020 Jul 1;21(7):1867-1875. https://doi.org/31557/APJCP.2020.21.7.1867.