A recent study, published in the scientific journal Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, shows that saffron has a beneficial effect on the health of your intestines. The herb is also said to have a calming effect on feelings of anxiety.
Scientists from Yazd University in Iran studied thirty people with ulcerative colitis, a chronic, inflammatory condition of the colon that can cause ulcers. No cure has yet been found, but various studies have already led to solutions to keep the symptoms under control. The new study now adds saffron – known for centuries for its anti-inflammatory effect – to those options.
The participants were divided into groups of ten. One group of patients received a low dose of saffron (25 milligrams) in supplement form twice a day, while the second group was allowed to take a higher dose (50 milligrams). A third group was given a placebo. What seems? After the eight-week observation period, the scientists noticed a significant reduction in complaints in the group that received the highest dose. “It is important to remember that the condition is very complex and that saffron is not sufficient as a sole treatment method,” it said.
The researchers also draw a cautiously positive conclusion. In addition to benefits for gut health, patients who took the most supplements achieved a better score on the Hamilton rating scale for depression. This indicates that saffron may have a positive effect on mental health, and more specifically anxiety disorders. How is that possible? According to science, anxiety disorders may be linked to inflammation in the brain. In this regard, the anti-inflammatory effect of crocin, the active ingredient in saffron that is also responsible for its orange-red color, can provide relief.
Previous research has shown that saffron is useful for curbing various PMS symptoms. The herb has even been shown to optimize the function of the retina. That is why you sometimes encounter the ingredient in eye care products.
