The majority of the health claims surrounding saffron relate to its high levels of specific antioxidants. Study: The Effects of a Saffron Extract on Menopausal Symptoms in Women during Perimenopause: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study12-week, parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial86 female participants I am asthmatic. I avoid anti-inflammatory medicines because they affect my breathing - is this the same for turmeric? The iodine is sourced from marine algae. It helps with efficient energy utilisation and metabolism and also supports optimum cognitive, thyroid and nervous system function. Saffron may also lower cortisol levels and increase estrogen levels, which may account for its positive effects on bone health [ 8].

Saffron can be used as a spice, made as a tea, or formulated into tablets and creams. Nutritional ValueStudy: An investigation into an evening intake of a saffron extract on sleep quality, cortisol, and melatonin concentrations in adults with poor sleep: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-dose study. Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Drummond PD (published 14 Jan 2022) People with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s who took saffron for 22 weeks had cognitive improvements that were comparable with those of people who took the drug donepezil, and they also experienced fewer side effects.

If you suffer from headaches and migraines you may be reaching for painkillers such as Ibuprofen which, although an effective anti-inflammatory, has long term side effects including increasing cardiovascular risks and damaging the protective lining of the gut. Ibuprofen is only effective for up to 6 hours, so you may need to take repeated doses! Other research suggests that taking 30 milligrams (mg) of saffron each day could cause similar effects as drugs that treat mild-to-moderate depression, such as imipramine and fluoxetine. In studies on rats, scientists noticed that saffron reduced blood pressure and prevented random spikes in blood pressure [ 25, 26, 7]. In a rat model of diabetes, saffron supplementation was able to increase glucose uptake into cells when taken during exercise [ 63]. Limitations and Caveats

We recommend this supplement is taken for at least 3-4 months at a dose of one capsule twice a day with or after food. Certain medications, like antidepressants, can diminish sexual drive and cause pain during sex. In a study of 38 women, saffron supplemented for 4 weeks improved sexual drive and reduced pain associated with sex. Saffron also increased lubrication, which helped minimize pain during sex [ 30]. Saffron’s potential anti-cancer effects are mediated by the main chemical crocin, which is converted to crocetin in the body. Crocetin can selectively target cancer cells and kill them. It does this by inhibiting the production of cancerous proteins and increasing cell death (apoptosis) [ 45, 47].