Would you like help with:
Description
- Improved Mood
- Weight Management through Appetite Control
- Increased Serotonin
- Antioxidant Support
- Increased Libido
If so, you may want to give Saffron Extract a try!
It has also been shown to potentially:
- Protect against free radical damage in the eyes
- Reduce menstrual cramps
- Improve cognitive function
What is Saffron and where does it come from?
Saffron (Kesar or Za’faran), is a spice obtained from the Crocus sativus plant and is often referred to as the Golden Spice, due to its high cost and yellow color. Saffron is used for its medicinal properties, as well as a seasoning in food and as a coloring agent for over 4 millennia. Over 90% of the world’s saffron supply comes from Iran [1].
The Crocus sativus flower consists of thread-like, crimson-colored structures known as stigmas. It is these stigmas that are collected and dried to create the spice Saffron [2].
Saffron is made up of a variety of chemical compounds that give rise to its taste, color and health benefits.
Traditional Use
Saffron tinctures and extracts have been used for centuries in traditional medicine [3].
Some of these uses have been, eupeptic, emmenagogue, carminative, expectorant, antispasmodic, stomachic, sedative, stimulant, diaphoretic, and aphrodisiac.
In ancient Egypt, saffron was believed to be used as treatment for various ailments.
How does it work?
The impressive chemical components of saffron are responsible for its medicinal properties.
Saffron helps increase levels of proteins required for blood flow, healthy brain activity such as BDNF, VEGF, and phosphorylated CREB [4] and development.
It also acts as an antioxidant by picking up free radicals that can cause damage to proteins and DNA in cells. Saffron inhibits the buildup of the amyloid-beta protein, which is the main cause of Alzheimer’s disease [5].
Saffron also inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which raises the levels of acetylcholine in blood [6].
Saffron mediates a lot of its therapeutic effects through crocin, which is converted to crocetin in the body, so it is more easily absorbed [7].
Crocetin is thought to increase serotonin levels in the brain, which might explain Saffron's mood enhancing effects [8].
Safranal is another of the main chemicals in saffron which [9]:
Saffron (Kesar or Za’faran), is a spice obtained from the Crocus sativus plant and is often referred to as the Golden Spice, due to its high cost and yellow color. Saffron is used for its medicinal properties, as well as a seasoning in food and as a coloring agent for over 4 millennia. Over 90% of the world’s saffron supply comes from Iran [1].
The Crocus sativus flower consists of thread-like, crimson-colored structures known as stigmas. It is these stigmas that are collected and dried to create the spice Saffron [2].
Saffron is made up of a variety of chemical compounds that give rise to its taste, color and health benefits.
Traditional Use
Saffron tinctures and extracts have been used for centuries in traditional medicine [3].
Some of these uses have been, eupeptic, emmenagogue, carminative, expectorant, antispasmodic, stomachic, sedative, stimulant, diaphoretic, and aphrodisiac.
In ancient Egypt, saffron was believed to be used as treatment for various ailments.
How does it work?
The impressive chemical components of saffron are responsible for its medicinal properties.
Saffron helps increase levels of proteins required for blood flow, healthy brain activity such as BDNF, VEGF, and phosphorylated CREB [4] and development.
It also acts as an antioxidant by picking up free radicals that can cause damage to proteins and DNA in cells. Saffron inhibits the buildup of the amyloid-beta protein, which is the main cause of Alzheimer’s disease [5].
Saffron also inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which raises the levels of acetylcholine in blood [6].
Saffron mediates a lot of its therapeutic effects through crocin, which is converted to crocetin in the body, so it is more easily absorbed [7].
Crocetin is thought to increase serotonin levels in the brain, which might explain Saffron's mood enhancing effects [8].
Safranal is another of the main chemicals in saffron which [9]:
- Helps stimulate beta 2 receptors: Adrenergic receptors that increase blood flow and heart rate. Stimulation mimics the effects of noradrenaline and adrenaline.
- Inhibits histamine 1 receptors: Blocks the activity of histamine.
- Stimulates GABAa receptors: Mimics GABA, further increasing the brain-protective effects.
Saffron also seems to have antiviral effects, which work by preventing the virus entry into cells and helps stop duplication [10].
Additionally, Saffron can help with:
- Weight management by slowing down fat absorption and digestion, reducing calorie intake by lowering appetite [11], and improving glucose and fat utilization for energy
- Improving libido by acting as an aphrodisiac [12]
People mainly use Saffron to: Lower Appetite & Manage Weight
Research has shown that saffron may help curb your appetite by preventing snacking.
Women taking saffron supplements in an 8-week study snacked less frequently, lost significantly more weight than women in the placebo group and felt more full [13].
In another 8-week study, saffron extract supplementation seemed to remarkably help reduce BMI, waist circumference, appetite and waist circumference [14].
Elevate Mood
Saffron extract may support elevated mood and mental health by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine [15].
Saffron contains crocin, which the body converts to crocetin. Crocetin is thought to increase serotonin levels in the brain [16] . A study that was conducted on 73 18-60 year olds who self-reported feelings of anxiety and/or stress and daily low mood showed that Saffron had a positive effect on their moods [17].
Why Try Feel Younger® Saffron Pure Extract 88.5mg?
Our Saffron Pure Extract capsules are high quality, high purity, all natural, vegan and vegetarian friendly, lactose free and do not contain any nasty binders.
How do you take it?
For best results, take one capsule twice a day 20-30 minutes before a meal.
Any cautions?
Should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Although side effects are seldom seen with saffron supplementation, minor discomfort such as dry mouth, dizziness, nausea and headaches may occur.
Some people may also show allergic reactions to the carotenoids found in saffron.
ALWAYS consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.
Scientific References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4599112/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4599112/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5943931/
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/f487/b3e6323ce88fbb88820416ab1aca5cd9d2c9.pdf
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/f487/b3e6323ce88fbb88820416ab1aca5cd9d2c9.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4599118/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4599112/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4599112/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4599118/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29189153
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20579522
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29881706
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20579522
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29391933
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4599112/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4599112/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2020.606124/full