Maybe you think saffron for depression is an advertising statement, but this isn’t. Research and laboratory data have proven saffron benefits for the treatment of depression. Clinical trials, laboratory data, and experience say to us: Yes, saffron is good for preventing and treating depression.
What is depression, and what can saffron do to prevent or improve depression?
The answer to the first question is clear and let’s talk about the second one. Saffron is a good choice for prevention, treating, and reducing depression’s effects on our body and soul. It isn’t mean saffron can replace drugs or other treatment methods, It means saffron can be the best supplement for this disorder.
Saffron and depression
We have some clinical trials that refer to the efficiency of saffron for improving and healing depression. All of this research mentions that saffron isn’t a complete drug for treating depression, and saffron can be an ancillary medicine for this target.
So, first, read the conclusion of this research and then notice the practical tips that come in the last of this article. Sometimes we know the cause of the problem and try to find a solution, and sometimes we don’t see the reason and trust our experience.
In this case and about saffron, we have both solutions: Scientific findings and human experiences.
1. Clinical Trials
In six weeks of a clinical trial, 40 persons that evaluated as depressed were examined. They have at least a rate of 18 based on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. In this research, a group of them take (30 mg/day) saffron twice a day, and the second group takes a placebo.
The result of these clinical trials shows that saffron threads (stigma) positively affect the depression rating scale and help accelerate recovery and control the side effects of antidepressant drugs.
Other clinical trials were conducted based on comparing the efficiency of saffron versus imipramine in the treatment of depression. In this trial, patients received saffron (30mg/day), and the second group received imipramine (100 mg/day) for six weeks.
This case showed that the saffron in this dose has equal or even higher efficiency than imipramine. But the main point comparing is the side effect of chemical and herbal drugs.
2. Pharmacological Action of Saffron
Laboratory research shows that saffron has two critical antidepressant factors: crocin and safranal. It isn’t exactly clear the mechanism of action of these factors. They guess maybe the crocin and safranal can be regulating the amount of Serotonin reuptake and NEP, Dopamine rate in our nervous system.
As you know, serotonin is our happiness hormone, and if we can regulate its rate, we can control depression. This mechanism is the basis of antidepressant drugs, and most of them do this action.
Scientists are working and can do something for depression treatment. Some of the new methods are in the developing process, and the future of depression treatment will be bright. But this isn’t enough, and we must join these efforts and at least do something to prevent depression.
These two factors are a small part of saffron’s active ingredients. In other words, maybe other factors are efficient for treating depression. The research is going…
3. Side Effects of Antidepressants
We know antidepressant drugs such as Fluoxetine and other tricyclic drugs can be helpful in depression, but this isn’t the whole story. Maybe this is a rule; nothing can be perfect.
When we use drugs to treat our disorders, an irrelevant factor enters our body and does something all over our body, not in a specific section but all over of body. If Fluoxetine takes to your brain only, you will be good, but this doesn’t occur commonly, and it can also affect some other organs.
Sexual disorders are one of these side effects that we will suffer. Researches show that sexual dysfunction is one of the most common symptoms or side effects of depression. Scientists are trying to find some solution to this problem, and one of the practical and safe ways is herbal medicine.
Role of Saffron in Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction
Let’s look at some research that has been done in this case. The conclusion of this research is as below:
It seems saffron may safely and effectively improve some of the fluoxetine-induced sexual problems, including arousal, lubrication, and pain.
Some neurologists combine treatment methods involving herbal drugs such as saffron and common antidepressant drugs. This method can help us to survive depression and also stay away from depression’s side effects
Some research shows that saffron can accelerate the treatment process and help us back to our everyday life. Also, scientists have proven that saffron can help control disease progression and avoid major depression.
4. Experimental Observations
There are many documents from traditional medicine that refer to saffron benefits for depression. Formerly there weren’t any drugs or other methods for treating depression, and the only way was herbal drugs.
We don’t know if it is precisely effective, but we know saffron can control disease progression, which is excellent.
But saffron isn’t enough only. Saffron can be efficient as adjuvant therapy and can reduce the side effects of the disease. Also, some saffron-based drugs are produced that are useful for depression treatment.
Saffron for Depression Dosage
There isn’t any exact amount of saffron for depression dosage but what is clear is that using (30 mg/daily) for six weeks can be helpful.
So you can use saffron based on this dosage for six weeks, and after this period, you can use it with your food or drinks such as saffron tea or saffron milk. This way can help us to avoid depression.
The Best Saffron for Depression
We think the best saffron for depression is Negin saffron family. Negin saffron is full of crocin and other critical ingredients for treating depression and improving the side effects of antidepressants.
How long Does Saffron Take to Work for Depression?
The duration of saffron’s effect on depression depends on many factors, and one of them is the degree of depression. But it seems we can see starting the healing process after six weeks.
