Saffron
Most expensive spice in the world; three double-blind trials show promise for Alzheimer's; benefits depression at 30mg/day
Also known as: Crocus sativus
Active Compounds
Bioactive compounds found in Saffron, based on research from longevity science.
- Crocin
Source: How Not to Age
Health Benefits
Health conditions and aging processes that Saffron may influence, based on the source research.
Improves
- Alzheimer's diseaseas little as 0.125g daily (4 small pinches of 15 threads)
Three double-blind trials show promise for improving cognition in Alzheimer's patients
Source: How Not to Age
- Depressionas little as 30mg (1 pinch) daily
11 RCTs: saffron benefits mild to moderate depression significantly better than placebo | Half dozen studies found saffron beat placebo or rivaled medications like Prozac for depression
Source: How Not to Age
- Erectile dysfunction
Suggestive benefit found for both oral and topical (rubbed on penis) saffron, with caveats
Source: How Not to Age
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration20 mg/day
A tiny daily pinch (20 mg) caused significant yet modest improvement in visual acuity in older adults with mild or moderate age-related macular degeneration
Source: How Not to Age
- Sexual Dysfunction
Saffron improved SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in both men and women in RCTs
Source: How Not to Age
Reduces Risk Of
- Depression
In a head-to-head trial against Prozac for clinical depression, both the spice and the drug worked equally well in reducing depression symptoms
Source: How Not to Die
Biological Mechanisms
How Saffron works at a cellular level.
- PromotesActivates heat shock proteins that repair damaged proteins
Various phytochemicals have been shown to induce HSR including extracts of tea, dark chocolate, saffron and spinach.
- PromotesAMPK activation
Dosage Recommendations
Specific amounts mentioned in the research literature.
- as little as 0.125g daily (4 small pinches of 15 threads)for Alzheimer's disease
Three double-blind trials show promise for improving cognition in Alzheimer's patients
Source: How Not to Age
- as little as 30mg (1 pinch) dailyfor Depression
11 RCTs: saffron benefits mild to moderate depression significantly better than placebo | Half dozen studies found saffron beat placebo or rivaled medications like Prozac for depression
Source: How Not to Age
- 20 mg/dayfor Age-Related Macular Degeneration
A tiny daily pinch (20 mg) caused significant yet modest improvement in visual acuity in older adults with mild or moderate age-related macular degeneration
Source: How Not to Age
Sources
- How Not to Age
- How Not to Die
- Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity
- Young Forever