Saffron and Its Effects on Human Health

Abstract

Saffron is the name of the special spice that is derived from the Crocus sativus Linnaeus. This kinds of species of crocus are belong to the Iridaceae family, and it is also known as the saffron Crocus and it is usually called as saffron bulbs or saffron corms. There are several usages of saffron that include depression, menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea, anxiety, Alzheimer disease and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is also used in many other conditions; but good scientific evidence is not existed to support these uses. Methodology of research was a literature search As the results it is shown, that in the food and manufacturing also saffron can be effective. In foods it can used as a spice and change the food’s color to yellow and as a flavoring agent as well. In manufacturing, the saffron extracts are useful as fragrance in perfumes and as a dye for the clothes. Sense of happiness decreases during some special periods like menopause because of mental disorders, decreased social activities, physical diseases, and marital status. Because of the presence of some ingredients such as crocin and safranal; saffron has joyful effect. There is also some evidence that prove the saffron usage may help promote weight loss and curb the appetite as well. Due to some research in the journal of cardiovascular and thoracic research it is proved that taking a saffron extract helped people with coronary artery disease to reduce their body mass index or BMI, total fat mass and waist circumference. And people who took the supplement in this research in comparison with the people who located in the placebo group, had a reduced appetite. Another common use of saffron specially in past, is in ending unwanted pregnancy but it can impress side effects on embryo also. There are also some benefits in using saffron during pregnancy. Using saffron during 9th month of pregnancy period has a muscle relaxant effect like the oxytocin hormone which prepares the mother’s body delivery and help in easier childbirth. Saffron aids in controlling cough and cold and it can help to reduce the stuffy nose that is common during pregnancy. And another benefit of using it is its antidepressant action that helps in calming down mood swings that are frequently visible during this special period. It can also be useful in digestion and improves blood circulation. It is concluded, that it should be consumed that there are several usages of saffron in many medical conditions.