How does saffron extract work

There is also growing evidence that saffron may help improve mood and be a useful addition to treatment for depression. A study in the Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science found that a saffron extract increased dopamine levels in the brain without changing the levels of other brain hormones, such as serotonin. Other research suggests that taking 30 milligrams mg of saffron each day could cause similar effects as drugs that treat mild-to-moderate depression , such as imipramine and fluoxetine.

Although some people recommend using saffron as a complementary therapy for improving mood, it is too early to recommend it for treating depression symptoms. Researchers reviewed the effects of saffron on male infertility problems and noted that while it had a positive effect on erectile dysfunction and overall sex drive, it did not change the viability of the semen. An older study from looked at the effects in women who had reported experiencing sexual dysfunction due to taking the antidepressant fluoxetine.

Women who took 30 mg of saffron each day for 4 weeks had increased sexual desire and vaginal lubrication compared with those who took a placebo instead. Saffron may also act to reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome PMS. The authors of a review looked at the research on saffron and symptoms of PMS. Women between the ages of 20 and 45 years who took 30 mg of saffron each day had fewer symptoms than those who took a placebo. Additionally, women who simply smelled saffron for 20 minutes had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their system, which may also contribute to a reduction in PMS symptoms.

There is also some evidence to suggest that saffron may help promote weight loss and curb the appetite. A study in the Journal of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Research found that taking a saffron extract helped people with coronary artery disease reduce their body mass index BMI , total fat mass, and waist circumference. People who took the supplement also had a reduced appetite compared with those in the placebo group. In general, the consumption of saffron carries little risk.

Cooking with saffron is a great way to add it to the diet without the risk of consuming too much of this spice. Taking up to 1.

Researchers consider 5 g to be a toxic dose. Very high dosages may be more dangerous for certain groups of people. For instance, the authors of one study note that pregnant women should avoid having more than 5 g per day of saffron as it has a stimulating effect on the uterus.

Allergic reactions are a possibility. Anyone who experiences symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking saffron should see a doctor. One simple way to supplement a meal with saffron is to add a few strands to a cup of hot water. Doing this pulls most of the flavor from the saffron. A person can then add both the water and saffron to a savory dish at the end of cooking. Researchers found that saffron is just as effective in reducing symptoms of mild to moderate depression as imipramine Tofranil without the dry mouth and sedation that comes with the prescription.

While you probably reach for chocolate and salt when you have your period, research shows saffron might be the better food for PMS relief. In one study, women either took 15 mg twice a day of saffron or a placebo, and filled out a daily symptom report as well as the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, a diagnostic tool for depression. The women on saffron showed reduced or eliminated both physical and emotional PMS symptoms and reduced depressive symptoms as compared to the women on placebo.

Researchers suspect the reason is that a lot of PMS symptoms result from disrupted serotonin at certain points in the monthly cycle, and saffron stimulates the production of serotonin. Head on over to this article for more natural ways to reduce symptoms of PMS. Researchers have shown that crocin, the active component of saffron, keeps your brain cells young and sharp.

It protects them [] possibly because of its antioxidant action. Snapping up free radicals keeps the immune response in working order, which protects healthy cells from attack. If you want the mood, brain, and weight loss benefits, look for saffron in a liquid extract or in capsules. The best way to get the result you want is to start with eating nourishing, satisfying foods, getting good sleep, and keeping your stress to a minimum.

Receive the latest biohacking tips and tech by becoming a Dave Asprey insider. The benefits of saffron extract go beyond the kitchen. How to Quit Smoking Without Medication.

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