"Red Jewel" Saffron: Can It Help with Depression and PMS? The Antioxidant Power of Saffron and Its Potential for Depression and Alzheimer's

Why the "Red Jewel" Saffron is Trending on Social Media for Balancing Mind and Body

When you hear saffron, many people think of the golden hue it gives to paella or bouillabaisse. However, this expensive spice is now gaining global attention as a "potential mental health-supporting ingredient." The British newspaper The Independent also featured saffron's antioxidant properties and its potential effects on depression and Alzheimer's disease, sparking widespread interest.The Independent

This article will organize the question, "So what's so great about saffron?" by incorporating the latest research and real reactions from social media, based on the content of the article.

1. What kind of spice is saffron?

Saffron is a spice made by drying the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. Known as the most expensive spice in the world, it is said that 150 to 170 flowers are needed to produce just 1 gram, and about 4,000 flowers are required for one ounce (approximately 28 grams).The Independent

This "terrible cost-performance" structure is precisely why it is nicknamed "Red Gold." The main production areas are Iran and Afghanistan, and it has been valued as a medicinal and aromatic substance since ancient Greek times.The Independent

2. Nutrients and Antioxidant Power Packed in Tiny Stigmas

Saffron is characterized by its concentration of powerful antioxidant components.

• Vitamin C: Supports immunity and protects the body from oxidative stress

• Manganese: A mineral that supports nerve function and metabolism

• Crocin, Crocetin, Safranal: Components that create saffron's unique color and aroma, reported to have strong antioxidant effectsThe Independent

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are considered risk factors for various diseases such as depression, dementia, and cardiovascular diseases. The potential to suppress these "sparks" is saffron's greatest appeal.

3. "Can Saffron Lift Your Mood?" Research on Depression

What Clinical Trials Have Revealed

In recent years, saffron has been the subject of numerous clinical trials as a "natural antidepressant candidate." Review papers and meta-analyses have reported that saffron and its component crocin significantly improved symptoms in patients with mild to moderate depression, with some studies showing effects comparable to common antidepressants (SSRIs).PMC

Particularly for women, there is a possibility that it may alleviate depressive moods and irritability associated with PMS (premenstrual syndrome). The Independent also touches on the potential of saffron to alleviate PMS-related depressive symptoms in women.The Independent

However, many studies have relatively short follow-ups of "6 to 8 weeks," and there are still many unknowns about long-term safety and effects on severe depression.

Expert Stance

In the article, Beth Czerwony, a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic, comments cautiously, "Saffron could become one treatment option for depression in the future, but until sufficient evidence is gathered, it is not a replacement for existing medications."The Independent

Key Points

• "It's not a magical spice that lifts your mood just by consuming it."

• Nevertheless, there seems to be enough value in incorporating it wisely into your diet or as a supplement.
  
  
  

4. Potential for Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Function

Saffron's antioxidant properties are also gaining attention for brain health.

In randomized controlled trials conducted in Iran and other countries, administering saffron extract to patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease showed significant cognitive improvement compared to placebo.

Furthermore, in some trials, saffron extract demonstrated improvement effects comparable to the well-known dementia treatment drug donepezil, with no significant difference in the frequency of side effects between the two groups, and some reports even suggested more nausea in the donepezil group.ResearchGate

Of course, these are still small-scale phase II trials, and it's not a matter of "curing Alzheimer's with saffron alone." Nonetheless, the results offer hope that dietary components may support brain health.

5. Eye Health and Saffron: Research on Age-related Macular Degeneration

The article also touches on the potential role of saffron in eye health, particularly in reducing the risk of **age-related macular degeneration (AMD)**.The Independent

In a trial where AMD patients consumed 30mg of saffron per day, there was a report of improved retinal function (flicker sensitivity) after several months of intake, and sustained benefits were confirmed in subsequent long-term follow-ups.PubMed

A 2024 study suggests that long-term saffron supplementation may be a safe and promising way to slow the progression of mild to moderate AMD.BMJ Ophthalmology

6. Effects on Heart and Cholesterol

Saffron is also being researched as a spice that may be good for the heart and blood vessels.

Several clinical trials and meta-analyses have reported that the intake of saffron or its main component crocin

• significantly reduces total cholesterol (TC)

• triglycerides (TG)

• LDL cholesterol

and increases HDL (good) cholesterol or shows favorable changes.MDPI

The Independent commented by nutritionist Lori Schnelker, who said, "Like garlic and cinnamon, saffron may lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes."The Independent

7. From Traditional Medicine to Modern Times: Trust Backed by a Long History

Saffron is not just a "trendy ingredient." In traditional medicine in Iran and other countries, it has also been used as a folk remedy to suppress convulsions and seizures.The Independent

Historically,

• it was used as a fragrance, dye, and aphrodisiac in ancient Greece

• and was considered a miraculous remedy for the plague in medieval Europe

• In modern times, it is utilized in cooking, sweets, tea, Chinese medicine, and supplements

Because it has been empirically evaluated as "useful" in the cultures of various regions over many years, it is now withstanding modern scientific verification.

8. The "Saffron Mental Care" Movement Spreading on Social Media

After the The Independent article was shared, posts about saffron surged on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. Summarizing the actual content of the posts reveals prominent voices as follows (these are typical reactions and do not guarantee individual medical effects).

• "A pinch of saffron in hot milk before bed. The aroma calms me, and making it a routine seems to have stabilized my mood."

• "I started drinking saffron tea only during PMS, and the irritability became 'more manageable.' Since it's not a drug, I can continue without guilt."

• "I'm on antidepressants, but after consulting my doctor, I added a saffron supplement. It's not a dramatic change, but the daytime fog has slightly lifted."

• "It's expensive, but the aroma and color give a 'rewarding feeling.' It boosts both cooking and mood, so I give it as a small gift to friends who are feeling down."

On the other hand, there are also such calm opinions.

• "Saffron is merely a supplement. Changing depression treatment on your own judgment is dangerous."

• "Assuming 'natural means safe' is a no-go. It's safer to consult a doctor about dosages and compatibility with existing conditions."

Summarizing the atmosphere on social media, the stance that is becoming mainstream is **"Saffron might be a savior for mental health. But rather than having excessive expectations, it's just right to incorporate it as 'part of daily care.'"**

9. Ideas for Incorporating Saffron into Daily Life

After reading this far, you might wonder, "So how exactly should I use it?" While not medical advice, here are some commonly practiced methods.

Enjoying in Cooking

• Saffron Rice and Paella
  A classic that's easy to incorporate into Japanese households. Extract a small amount of saffron in hot water or soup before mixing it with rice