Research & clinical trials has shown that daily saffron supplementation can help improve vision & eye health.
Crocin a natural ingredient of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) flower is responsible for the unique orange-red color of saffron, and it also has a wide range of health benefits, particularly for the eyes. Crocin has been examined for its potential to treat various eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular dystrophies, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.
Here, we will explore the ways in which crocin can be used as a vision supplement and provide research-backed evidence to support its use.
- Protection against age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that can lead to vision loss. It occurs when the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, deteriorates over time. Crocin has been shown to protect against AMD by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the retina. In one study, researchers found that crocin supplementation improved visual function in people with early-stage AMD.
- Improvement in visual acuity
Visual acuity refers to the sharpness of your vision. Several studies have shown that crocin can help improve visual acuity in people with certain eye conditions, including AMD and cataracts. In one study, participants with early-stage AMD who took crocin supplements for three months experienced a significant improvement in visual acuity compared to those who took a placebo.
- Protection against oxidative stress
Crocin has antioxidant properties that can help protect the eyes from oxidative stress and prevent damage to the cells in the retina. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of various diseases, including eye diseases.
- Treatment for certain eye diseases
Crocin has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of eye diseases, including cataracts and glaucoma. Recent studies have supported the use of crocin for these conditions, with one study showing that crocin supplementation can improve visual function in people with early-stage glaucoma. Another study found that crocin can help prevent the formation of cataracts by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme that causes lens proteins to clump together.
In conclusion, crocin is a powerful carotenoid pigment found in saffron that has some amazing benefits for eye health. Whether you're looking to protect your eyes from age-related macular degeneration, treat certain eye diseases, improve visual acuity, or simply maintain healthy eyesight, there is promising evidence to suggest that Saffron may be a useful tool in promoting eye health.
The Elevated Mind has more than 88 mg of saffron extract per capsule that means you'd need only one capsule daily to get it's vision and eye health enhancing benefits among other benefits this ancient plant medicine offers.
to read more about the purest and most potent Saffron supplement out there click here.
As always, it's important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or making changes to your diet.
References:
1. Zhang X, Wu J, Ye B, et al. Crocin prevents retinal ischaemia/reperfusion injury-induced apoptosis in retinal ganglion cells through the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Exp Ther Med. 2018;16(2):1122-1128.
2. Falsini B, Piccardi M, Minnella AM, et al. Influence of saffron supplementation on retinal flicker sensitivity in early age-related macular degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010;51(12):6118-6124.
3. Hadizadeh F, Mohajeri SA, Seifi M. Extraction and purification of crocin from saffron stigmas employing a simple and efficient crystallization method. Pak J Biol Sci. 2008;11(23):3180-3185.
4. Modaghegh MH, Shahabian M, Esmaeili HA, et al. Safety evaluation of saffron (Crocus sativus) tablets in healthy volunteers. Phytomedicine. 2008;15(12):1032-1037.
5. Piccardi M, Marangoni D, Minnella AM, et al. A Longitudinal Follow-up Study of Saffron Supplementation in Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Sustained Benefits to Central Retinal Function. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:8516274.
6. Lashkarizadeh H, Pouralibaba F, Mohammadi S, et al. Saffron Supplementation Improves Visual Acuity and Foveal Thickness in Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmology. 2019;126(8):1141-1149.
7. Gao X, Li Y, Xu H, et al. Saffron Supplementation Improves Visual Acuity and Macular Thickness in Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2021;67(1):28-36.