benefits of saffron

It reduces the gastrointestinal acidity and colic problem as saffron makes the coat above the membrane of stomach. So relieving you from acidity and gas is one of the numerous saffron benefits .

Saffron is a golden yellow colored spice that has many health benefits. Saffron is an extraordinary and popular herb that is used in exquisite food to enhance its appeal and taste. With this, extra aroma and spice is added to the food. Because it is quiet a rare and expensive herb so used during special occasions only. But you must know that this is an invaluable natural herb with which many saffron benefits are associated.

Contraindications have not yet been identified. High doses should be avoided in pregnancy.

Clinical trials are lacking to guide dosage of saffron. A dosage of 30 mg daily in 2 divided doses has been investigated for the treatment of mild to moderate depression and in premenstrual syndrome. Doses of up to 1.5 g/day of saffron are thought to be safe; toxic effects have been reported at 5 g.

The following effects were reported after ingestion of saffron 5 g: severe purpura, thrombocytopenia, and severe bleeding.

Clinical trials evaluating dosages of saffron 30 mg daily in depression reported no statistically significant adverse events versus either placebo or comparator drugs. Reported adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and headache.

In vitro experiments demonstrated a concentration-dependent protective effect of the carotenoid crocin and its analogs on animal retina.

Epidemiologic evidence suggests that the low incidence of cardiovascular disease in parts of Spain may be related to the liberal, almost daily consumption of saffron. Algae in Japanese diets that also contain crocetin may have a similar protective effect.

The potential role of saffron extracts in cancer therapy have been published.

Saffron use has been traced to ancient Egyptian and Roman times when it was first used for medicinal value, and only later becoming valued as a spice and dye. The word?saffron?is thought to originate from the Arabic?zafaran?, meaning yellow. Folkloric uses of saffron have included its use as a sedative, expectorant, aphrodisiac, emmenagogue, and diaphoretic. During the 16th through 19th centuries, saffron was used in various opioid preparations, including laudanum and black drop for pain relief.