Saffron
Scientific Name(s): Crocus sativus L.
Common Name(s): Saffron, Stigma Croci, Za'faran
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 19, 2022.
Clinical Overview
Use
Saffron has widespread traditional uses. It has demonstrated efficacy as an alternative treatment for mild to moderate depression. Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity has been suggested. Saffron may also have a potential role in the treatment of cancer, in the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors, and in age-related macular degeneration.
Dosing
Clinical studies have evaluated doses ranging from 20 to 400 mg/day of pure saffron. Dosages of up to 1.5 g/day of saffron are thought to be safe; toxic effects have been reported for 5 g doses. Depression: 20 to 30 mg/day of saffron extract (stigma or petal) for mild to moderate depression. Hypertension: 400 mg/day of saffron tablets for 7 days.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in bleeding disorders.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Avoid use. Amounts higher than those used in food (eg, 5 g or more) have uterine stimulant and abortifacient effects. Information regarding safety and efficacy in lactation is lacking.
Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
Reported adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and headache. Allergic reactions are uncommon; however, occupational allergies, including rhinoconjunctivitis, bronchial asthma, and cutaneous pruritus, have been reported. Case reports of anaphylaxis also exist.
Toxicology
Information is limited. Doses of 5 g are associated with toxic effects; doses of 10 to 20 g may be fatal.
Scientific Family
- Iridaceae
Botany
True saffron is native to Asia Minor (Anatolia) and southern Europe, with the majority of the world's saffron production based in Iran. Its blue-violet, lily-shaped flowers contain the orange stigmas (part of the pistil) and red style branches used to produce saffron spice. The plant is a bulbous perennial that grows 15 to 20 cm in height. Mature stigmas are collected by hand during a short autumn blooming season.1, 2
True saffron should not be confused with Carthamus tinctorius L. (family Asteraceae), also called American saffron (safflower, Indian safflower); the spice of American saffron is produced from its tubular florets and is characterized by a lighter red than true saffron. The two are often used for the same purposes, and the less expensive American saffron is sometimes used as a substitute for or to adulterate true saffron.
History
Saffron use has been traced to ancient Egyptian and Roman times, when it was used medicinally, only later becoming valued as a spice and dye. The word "saffron" is thought to originate from the Arabic "za'faran," meaning yellow. Other sources suggest the name "Crocus" has origins in Greek mythology, according to which drops of blood from "Krokos," friend of Hermes, fall on the flower of a plant and create the characteristic stigmata of saffron flowers.2, 3, 4, 5
Saffron has traditionally been used for its sedative, emmenagogue, stimulant (appetite), aphrodisiac, diaphoretic, and antidepressant properties, and for a wide variety of conditions, including cramps, asthma, menstrual disorders, liver disease, and pain.1, 3, 6 From the 17th to 19th centuries, saffron was included in various opioid preparations, including laudanum and "black-drop," for pain relief.
