1. Treat depression. A systematic review of clinical studies showed that research supports the use of saffron for treating mild to moderate depression. Studies have found that saffron extract had similar efficacy to antidepressant medication and outperformed placebo. Most studies have found a dosage of 15 mg twice a day to be effective.
2. Protect against toxins. There have been several reports of saffron extract protecting many tissues in the body from both natural and chemical toxins, including the brain, heart, liver, kidney, and lung. Clinical trials are still needed to verify these results, but it is likely that saffron has many protective effects in the body.
3. Appetite control. Some research suggests that saffron may be used in weight management because it can help to lower appetite. One study found that mildly overweight women who consumed saffron extract (176.5 mg per day) snacked less frequently than those consuming placebo. The authors believe that saffron may help with weight loss by creating a satiating effect.
4. Improve memory. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may benefit from taking saffron as well. Clinical studies have found saffron and its active component crocin to have positive effects on cognition in Alzheimer’s patients, similar to medications like donepezil. Therefore, it could be a safe drug alternative to try.
5. Help PMS. Research is still in its infancy, but researchers have found that 30 mg of saffron per day can help to reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.Read more about saffron and two other natural remedies for PMS here.
6. Soothe skin. Saffron has long been used to treat a variety of skin conditions. It is used in anti-itch creams, may protect against sun damage, and is known to have moisturizing effects on the skin as well.
Some of the other potential saffron benefits for your health include treating infertility, erectile dysfunction, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and more.
