Saffron, the prized spice derived from the Crocus sativus flower, has garnered attention in recent years for its potential as a natural remedy for alleviating symptoms of depression.
One of the most well-known benefits of Saffron is its ability to boost mood and mental health.
Studies have shown that Saffron can help protect and alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety and other neurological/psychological disorders, with similar efficacy to conventional medications, and fewer side effects.
In this article we delve into the mechanisms through which saffron exerts its effect on mood disorders, exploring its chemical composition, impact on neurotransmitters, clinical evidence supporting its efficacy, comparisons to conventional medications and potential side effects.
Saffron – Anti-Depressant Mechanisms Of Action
Saffron owes its diverse therapeutic properties to key bioactive compounds, which include crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin and safranal.
Research has found that Saffron has the ability to modulate various neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are all known to play a role in regulating mood and emotions.
By affecting these neurotransmitters, Saffron is able to alleviate symptoms of depression and improve overall mental well-being.
Saffron affects neurotransmitters level such as norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin by decreasing the activity of acetylcholine esterase and inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase in the brain (Khazdair et al., 2015 ▶). – [1]
Furthermore, Saffron has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress in the brain – a common factor in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD).
In addition, Saffron is believed to have neuroprotective effects, meaning it can help protect brain cells from damage and improve overall brain function.
Saffron’s antidepressant effects potentially are due to its serotonergic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuro-endocrine and neuroprotective effects. – [2]
Saffron and Depression Meta-Analysis
A meta-analysis published in 2018 investigated the efficacy and safety of Saffron in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in comparison to placebo and synthetic antidepressants.
Saffron was effective in the treatment of MDD and had comparable efficacy to synthetic antidepressants. Saffron was also a safe drug without serious adverse events reported. – [3]
A systematic review and meta-analysis published June 2024 evaluated the comparative effectiveness of Saffron versus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating depression and anxiety.
The systematic review and meta-analysis concluded:
Saffron could be a potential SSRI alternative to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms with fewer adverse events. – [4]
Another literature review/meta-analysis published 2019 evaluated currently available published randomized, controlled clinical trials to give an up-to-date evaluation of the efficacy of saffron in mild to moderate depression, compared to placebo or routinely used antidepressants.
According to the present meta-analysis, saffron has a significant effect on the severity of depression. Available data from randomized, controlled clinical trials support that saffron is significantly more effective than placebo, and non-inferior to tested antidepressant drugs. – [5]
Saffron – Comparable Efficacy To Pharmaceutical Anti-Depressants (Imipramine, Fluoxetine & Citalopram)
So, how does Saffron stack up against SSRI’s and other conventional pharmaceutical anti-depressant medications?
Numerous studies have now found that Saffron has at least equivalent anti-depressant efficacy compared to medications such as Imipramine, Citalopram and Fluoxetine.
The studies reported that saffron was more effective than placebo and at least equivalent to the therapeutic doses of imipramine and fluoxetine. – [5]
In particular, a number of clinical trials demonstrated that saffron and its active constituents possess antidepressant properties similar to those of current antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine, imipramine and citalopram, but with fewer reported side effects.
Saffron may exert antidepressant effects and represents an efficacious and safe treatment. – [6]
Another benefit of Saffron over conventional anti-depressant medications is the better tolerability and fewer side effects such as sexual dysfunction.
Whilst traditional anti-depressants such as SSRIs are well known to cause persistent sexual dysfunction in a high percentage of consumers, Saffron has actually been shown to have a pro-erectile and aphrodisiac effect.
Saffron May Protect Against Other Neurological & Psychological Disorders
One of the most fascinating aspects of Saffron lies in its potential neuroprotective properties, which have been the subject of numerous studies in recent years.
A summary of the latest scientific evidence on Saffron and it’s neuroprotective benefits has found:
Saffron was non-inferior to conventional drugs for treating cognitive disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, and it exhibited good tolerance with few side effects.
Saffron may exert protective roles for neurological and psychiatric disorders and represents a relatively favorable and safe treatment. – [7]
Research has found Saffron to possess a myriad of therapeutic properties, which may be helpful protecting against neurodegenerative diseases including:
Saffron and its compounds can play an important role in inhibiting neuroinflammation and excitotoxic pathways, modulating autophagy and apoptosis, attenuating oxidative damage, and activating defensive antioxidant enzymes, resulting in neuroprotection against neurodegenerative diseases. – [8]
References
[5] Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): As an Antidepressant
[8] Therapeutic effects of saffron and its components on neurodegenerative diseases
The information in this article has not been evaluated by the FDA and should not be used to diagnose, cure or treat any disease, implied or otherwise.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any significant dietary or lifestyle changes including supplements and herbs.
