Post: Saffron

Saffron is used for depression, PMS symptoms, post-partum depression, memory, appetite suppression, energy & stamina in athletes, and preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

Saffron is the dried stigma of the Crocus sativus plant native to the Middle East. And is the world’s most expensive culinary spice largely due to the way it must be grown and harvested (by hand).

As a nootropic , Saffron has been used for thousands of years as an anxiolytic , sedative, and antidepressant . [i]

Today, Saffron is used to help manage appetite, for energy and stamina, anxiety, and is a very effective antidepressant.

Recent studies show Saffron as effective as some popular prescription antidepressants. And can even help alleviate the sexual dysfunction caused by these drugs.

I first became aware of Saffron when researching this ingredient included in Performance Lab Vision .

And then noticed in the last year that it was appearing on shelves as a standalone supplement in the ‘brain health’ section of local vitamin and health food shops.

Here we’ll explore how Saffron benefits your brain.

Saffron helps: Anxiety & depression : Saffron extracts ( crocin & safranal ) inhibit the uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain which helps improve mood. Alzheimer’s & dementia: Saffron inhibits the deposit of amyloid-β which is associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Saffron also inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine (acetylcholinesterase) just like the current medication ( donepezil ) approved to treat Alzheimer’s. Neuroprotectant : Crocin and safranal which are unique carotenoids in Saffron make it a potent antioxidant . Scavenging free radicals which reduces inflammation, preventing apoptosis , and protecting brain cells and mitochondria . [ii] Overview Saffron (Crocus sativus) as a nootropic is the dried crimson stigma of the C. sativus flower cultivated primarily in Iran. Saffron (crocus sativus) The earliest reference to Saffron goes back to around 2,300 BC from Sargon, founder of the Akkadian empire. Sargon was born in a village on the shores of the Euphrates called Azupiranu (city of Saffron). [iii] Since then, documentation of Saffron use over the last 4,000 years for at least 90 illnesses […]

Saffron