New research from the Boston University School of Public Health reveals that the rate of depression has climbed to 32.8 percent in 2021 and affects about 1 in every 3 American adults.Traditional antidepressants, if effective at all in treating depression, often come with unwanted side effects. For this reason, there is a growing interest in natural alternatives, and saffron is emerging as a potential candidate. Saffron, a spice derived from the Crocus sativus plant, has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and recent research has shown promising results in its ability to treat depression.
Saffron and Depression:
Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder that can be caused by various factors, including genetic and psychological factors, environmental toxicities, brain inflammation, and gut issues. Saffron has been shown to have antidepressant properties in both preclinical and clinical studies. A review of several clinical trials found that saffron was significantly more effective than a placebo in reducing depressive symptoms in people with mild to moderate depression. Another study found that saffron was as effective as fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, in treating mild to moderate depression.
Saffron and Serotonin:
One of the ways that saffron may help treat depression is by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Several studies have shown that saffron can increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. One study found that saffron extract increased the levels of serotonin in the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in mood regulation, in rats. Another study found that saffron extract increased the levels of serotonin in the brains of mice.
Anti-inflammatory Properties of Saffron:
Research suggests that inflammation in the brain plays a significant role in the development and progression of depression. There are several factors that increase inflammation in the brain including our modern lifestyle, stress, lack of proper diet, and exposure to high levels of toxins.Chronic inflammation disrupts neurotransmitter function and affects mood regulation. Saffron contains bioactive compounds such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal, which exhibit potent anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing inflammation in the brain. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine demonstrated that saffron supplementation significantly reduced depressive symptoms, supporting its potential as an antidepressant.
Gut Health and Saffron:
The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain, plays a crucial role in mental health. Imbalances in gut microbiota are observed in individuals with depression, suggesting a connection between gut health and mood disorders. Saffron exhibits prebiotic effects, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders revealed that saffron supplementation positively influenced gut microbiota composition in individuals with depression, correlating with improved depressive symptoms.
Protective Effects against Toxicities:
Toxic exposures from environmental sources can contribute to the development and exacerbation of depression. Saffron possesses potent antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. Animal studies have demonstrated saffron's ability to mitigate the detrimental effects of toxic exposures on brain function.
In addition to its potential in treating depression, saffron also shows promise in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Anxiety disorders often coexist with depression and can significantly impact a person's daily life. Research suggests that saffron offers benefits in managing anxiety-related symptoms.
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Anxiety Reduction: Studies have demonstrated that saffron extract may help reduce anxiety levels. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine found that saffron supplementation significantly decreased anxiety scores in individuals with mild-to-moderate generalized anxiety disorder.
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Panic Attack Relief: Saffron has been explored for its potential in managing panic attacks. A pilot study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology investigated the effects of saffron extract on panic disorder and found that saffron supplementation led to a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of panic attacks.
Saffron's mechanisms of action in managing anxiety and panic attacks are not fully understood, but its effects on serotonin levels, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidant activity may contribute to these benefits.
Conclusion:
Saffron, a natural spice, exhibits promising potential as an antidepressant due to its anti-inflammatory and gut health properties, as well as its protective effects against toxicities. Its bioactive compounds help reduce inflammation in the brain, contributing to the alleviation of depressive symptoms. Moreover, saffron influences gut microbiota composition positively, promoting gut health and potential mood regulation.
Our blend The Elevated Mind is a potent natural anti-depressant with adaptogens not just Saffron but also Gingko extract, another amazing neuroprotective and anti-depressant plant medicine that protects the body against toxins + turmeric offering more anti-inflammation goodness, and Fulvic Acid for trace-minerals gut health & better absorption! and we already know gut health and brain health are connected.
#Reminder: Plant medicine works best when you focus on healing root causes of your illness and take care of all the other aspects of your health including health foundations … it’ll help you not ONLY to manage symptoms and to help you heal but also to THRIVE.
It is important to note that saffron should not replace professional medical advice.
References:
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Akhondzadeh, S., et al. (2005). Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): As an Antidepressant. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 30(5), 337-341.
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Hausenblas, H. A., et al. (2013). Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 11(6), 377-383.
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Hosseinzadeh, H., et al. (2015). Anti-inflammatory properties of drugs from saffron crocus. Natural Product Communications, 10(9), 1667-1672.
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Hosseinzadeh, H., et al. (2018). The psychopharmacology of saffron, a plant with putative antidepressant and neuroprotective properties. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 32(6), 601-620.
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Lopresti, A. L., et al. (2019). The Role of Inflammation in Depression and Fatigue. Mediators of Inflammation, 2019, 1-9.
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Poma, A., et al. (2012). Immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of Crocus sativus (Saffron) and its main active constituents. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 1-8.
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Poma, A., et al. (2016). Saffron as an antidote or a protective agent against natural or chemical toxicities. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 96, 56-63.
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Rucklidge, J. J., et al. (2014). Could yeast infections impair recovery from mental illness? A case study using micronutrients and olive leaf extract for the treatment of ADHD and depression. Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, 28(2), 10-14.
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Singh, D., et al. (2015). Effect of saffron (Crocus sativus Linn.) on neurobehavioral and neurochemical changes in cerebral ischemia in rats. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 136, 7-12.
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Tabeshpour, J., et al. (2014). Evaluation of the effects of crocin on the gene expression of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 17(7), 515-519.
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Boston University School of Public Health. (2021). Rate of Depression Increased to 32.8% in 2021, Affects 1 in 3 Americans. Retrieved from https://www.bu.edu/sph/news/articles/2021/depression-increased-2021/
- Akhondzadeh, S., & Tahmacebi-Pour, N. (2015). Crocus sativus L. (saffron) for the treatment of anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 12(5), 449-457.