10 saffron benefits for your health

One benefit of saffron that has been explored in multiple scientific studies is its ability to support cognitive function.

For example, one review from 2015 supported the theory that it can be effective for memory and learning.¹

Another review from 2016 highlighted that the reason saffron may be helpful in this area is due to its antioxidant abilities, but more on that later.

It’s also worth noting that both of these reviews did state the need for more in-depth clinical studies on using saffron for this reason.²

Saffron is lovingly referred to as the ‘sunshine spice’ for more than just its golden hue. It has also been found to support your mood, as one particular review of five clinical studies concluded that saffron was much more effective than the placebo.³ Interestingly, although saffron stigma was most effective, saffron petals were also highlighted as being more effective than the placebo.

It is also speculated that saffron was used for mood as far back as the Ancient Greek period!

While most studies on the benefits of saffron have taken place on rats, a recent 2021 review looks into this, but on adult humans.

However, it noted that these effects were small and that it may not reach clinical significance to be used in mainstream medicine alone.⁴

As well as having internal benefits for your health, saffron may also be able to support your skin health too.⁵

Equally, a more recent study from 2020 found that the combination of saffron extract and avocado oil in a face cream assisted with facial skin rejuvenation.⁶

Wondering why saffron offers so many benefits? It is likely down to it’s impressive profile of plant compounds which act as antioxidants. These include things like crocin, crocetin, kaempferol and safranal, the first two of which are what gives saffron its vivid colour!⁷

Premenstrual syndrome is something a lot of people experience in the run up to their period. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Mood swings
• Feeling upset, anxious or irritable
• Tiredness or trouble sleeping
• Bloating or tummy pain
• Breast tenderness
• Headaches
• Spotty skin
• Greasy hair
• Changes in appetite and sex drive⁸

Find it hard to get in the mood? Well, one of the benefits of saffron is that it may act as an aphrodisiac. One study on women found that those who had saffron, as opposed to the placebo, had higher levels of arousal and lubrication.⁹

It has also been found to support men’s sexual health too, but we’ve got a whole section on that later in the article.  

If you’re trying to lose weight safely and sustainably, saffron may be able to help. Various studies have shown that saffron supplements can help you feel more full and snack less frequently.^10,11

One study from 2014 concluded that saffron increased levels of testosterone in the blood of rats.¹³ However, further studies are needed to clarify if this is also the case with humans.

In a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials on saffron found that saffron led to positive effects on erectile dysfunction.

Saffron had a significantly positive effect on all dimensions of the erectile function questionnaire, including erectile dysfunction, orgasmic function, overall satisfaction, satisfaction with intercourse, and sexual desire.¹³