Every year it happens again: Winter is here and with it the short days, the wet and cold weather and the bad mood. Unfortunately many people have to struggle with depressive moods or even severe depressions due to the lack of light.
A strong nervous system is the basis for a better quality of life and well-being – not only in the dark season but also in everyday stressful situations. Plant extracts – including saffron – can help and make a significant contribution to mental health.
Small threads with a big effect
In the Arab world, saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has been considered a traditional medicinal plant for centuries. Its colour-intensive threads surprise not only our palate, but also in naturopathy. Health and well-being in particular benefit immensely from its valuable and bioactive ingredients. Above all Crocin, Picrocrocin, Safranal and Crocetin, have a strong antioxidative activity.
The antioxidant protection system of depressed people is often weakened and exposed to an increased burden of oxidative stress. Therefore, antioxidant micronutrients – such as saffron extracts – or classic antioxidants such as vitamin C, zinc or curcumin could restore oxidative balance and counteract depressive moods.
With its high content of B vitamins, secondary plant substances and bitter substances, saffron is a true miracle cure in times of increased stress.
Strong for nerves and psyche
Current figures from the World Health Organization (WHO) are attracting attention. More than 300 million people suffer from depression – and the trend is rising! Typically, antidepressants are considered the therapy of choice, but the benefit/adverse effect ratio is regularly questioned, especially for mild to moderate depressions.
Scientists from the Medical University of Tehran – Iran is one of the traditional cultivation areas – have now been able to prove that the ingredients of saffron have antidepressant effects. In their study, the use of 30 mg saffron extract daily over a period of 6 weeks showed that the severity of mild to moderate depression could be significantly reduced (compared to placebo).
In addition, the noble spice is said to have nerve-protecting properties. In several studies it was observed that the use of saffron extract successfully prevented the stress induced increase in cortisol levels – both in acute stress situations and in chronic stress. Important neurotransmitters such as mood-lightening dopamine (responsible for attention and concentration) and glutamate (important for memory and learning) can be regulated by the intake of saffron.
Already after 2 months, 30 mg saffron per day reduced depressive moods and complaints in PMS.
Saffron and PMS?
Many women know the monthly recurring feeling of numerous physical as well as mental stress – better known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). It is estimated that three quarters of women of childbearing age are affected. Psychological complaints such as fatigue, irritability and depressive moods cause women a lot of trouble.
Serotonin levels and the amount of endorphins in the body also decrease. Studies suggest that an interplay between the vegetative nervous system, brain metabolism and the function of the ovaries triggers the complaints.
The “red gold” also shows its positive properties in women’s complaints. The results of a study carried out on women aged 20 to 45 show the effectiveness of saffron in the treatment of PMS. The participants were divided into two groups. The saffron group received 15 mg saffron extract morning and evening, the placebo group took one drug-free capsule twice daily. Already after two cycles a clear improvement of the PMS symptoms could be observed in the saffron group.
Quality that decides
Saffron is one of the most expensive spices and was therefore already coveted by the Romans and traded as the most valuable spice. The colour palette ranges from yellowish-orange to deep red tones. The following applies: the darker the colour, the higher the quality of the saffron. Another quality feature of saffron is its aromatic hot smell and smoky aroma. Special attention should be paid to additional characteristics such as purity and origin of the extract in order to rule out counterfeiting on the market. Most of these criteria are currently defined in defined standards and certified by appropriate quality seals. Nevertheless, it is helpful to know some of these characteristics in order to find saffron of high quality.
Conclusion: In today’s fast-moving world, our body is exposed to enormous stress, whether at work or at home. Constant time and success pressure, as well as the restlessness of everyday life strain both our nerves and sensations and emotions and lead in the long term to chronic stress and increase the risk of depression.
Natural substances such as saffron extract show great potential for improving mood and are currently the focus of scientific research. According to the motto: Concentrated plant power for a strong nervous costume – not only against the winter blues!
