What is saffron ("red gold")?

Veröffentlicht am: October 09, 2024
Sarah Allen
Sarah Allen

Nutritionist and dietician

Due to its intense color, unmistakable taste and medicinal properties, saffron is one of the most valuable and expensive spices in the world and is also known as "red gold" for good reason.

You're probably wondering what these medicinal properties are? Well, the list is very extensive and is getting longer and longer.

Saffron is one of the most important herbs and spices in the world and is known for its intense aroma. This was already the case in biblical times. Today, scientists are researching the medicinal potential of this versatile spice, which has been used for centuries to strengthen the heart and mind.

Saffron is normally used in very small quantities because it is so expensive. But why is the price of saffron so high? Find out in this article!

What is saffron? 

Saffron (Crocus sativus) belongs to the Iridaceae flower family, which also includes the iris, and is a type of crocus. The saffron crocus is a perennial plant that grows from a bulb and flowers in the fall. 

But where does this culinary spice that we all know and love come from? 

The spice is obtained from the stigma of the saffron flower, which is separated and dried. The dried stigmas are not only valued in the kitchen, but are also of great importance for the production of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and textile dyes. 

The saffron flower itself is purple, while the spice is red. If the "red gold" is used to refine dishes, the food takes on a yellow color and an intense aroma. 

Saffron was originally native to southern Europe, but can now be found in many countries. The largest producer is Iran.

What makes this spice so special and how much does real saffron cost?

Between 75,000 and 125,000 flowers are needed for 500 g of spice. The cultivation and harvesting of saffron is very labor-intensive as the "red gold" is often picked by hand. This is naturally reflected in the price and makes saffron a very valuable spice. 

➤ With a very high price of EUR 7,000 per kilo (EUR 7 per gram), saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. 

The spice has been used in a variety of ways for centuries. Egyptian healers used it to treat gastrointestinal complaints; the Romans used it to promote wound healing and alleviate complaints of the upper respiratory tract. 

In traditional medicine, it was also used as an abortifacient and for cramps, fever, colds, bronchitis and insomnia. In folk medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, saffron was used from the 16th to the 19th century as an expectorant, sedative, anti-asthma herb, adaptogen and in various preparations for pain relief.

In the Song of Songs in the Old Testament, saffron is sung about as one of the most valuable spices, along with myrrh, aloe, calamus and cinnamon. So saffron has a long history, but what are the benefits of saffron today? Let's take a closer look.

Health benefits

1. promotes heart health

Current studies show that substances contained in saffron promote a healthy cardiovascular system. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) contribute significantly to the development of metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis. Researchers investigated the effect of saffron on specific antibody titers against HSPs in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome.

In the Journal of Complementary & Integrative Medicine, scientists published the values for heat shock proteins as part of their study with 105 test subjects with metabolic syndrome. The participants were randomly divided into two groups and received either 100 milligrams of saffron or a placebo daily. After three months, there was a sharp drop in antibodies against heat shock proteins in the saffron group.

2. effective in the fight against cancer

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in the world today. Saffron is known as a medicinal plant for its cancer-fighting properties and is therefore suitable for use as a natural cancer treatment. 

In a randomized, double-blind clinical study published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, scientists investigated the effects of saffron in cancer patients with liver metastases. The 13 test subjects were divided into two different groups. Both groups were treated with chemotherapy. 

The participants in the first group also received a saffron preparation (50 mg capsule, twice daily), the second group a placebo. All lesions were calculated according to their diameter using a CT scan with contrast medium. The values were recorded at the beginning and end of treatment and compared with each other. Of the 13 participants, six ended the treatment prematurely and the remaining seven continued it until the end. 

In the saffron group, two participants responded partially or completely (50%) to the preparation. Scientists were unable to observe this in the placebo group. Two participants in the placebo group and one in the treatment group died of their cancer during the course of the study. The researchers came to the conclusion that saffron could be useful for cancer patients with liver metastases.

3. alleviates PMS symptoms

➤ Around 20 to 40 percent of all women of reproductive age suffer from PMS (premenstrual syndrome). This makes PMS one of the most common health complaints among women. 

Saffron is also known as a remedy to relieve cramps. Therefore, researchers at the Vali Asr Reproductive Health Research Center of the University of Tehran for Medical Sciences investigated whether the spice can alleviate symptoms of PMS. 

Women aged 20-45 were selected as test subjects. All women had a regular menstrual cycle and PMS symptoms over a period of at least six months. The women were randomly divided into two groups. Group A received 15 milligrams of saffron in capsule form twice a day (morning and evening), group B received a placebo. The study ran over a period of two menstrual cycles.

The women were assessed according to a questionnaire on daily PMS symptoms (PDS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). The women in the saffron group showed significant improvements in their symptoms at the end of the study, both compared to their values at the start of the study and compared to the placebo group.

4. promotes satiety and helps with weight loss

Malaysian researchers investigated the satiety properties of saffron. All study participants were female and received either a capsule containing saffron or an inactive placebo twice a day. Food intake was not restricted. After two months, the women who had received saffron reported that they snacked less between meals. They also lost more weight than the control group. 

The researchers concluded that saffron supports the metabolism and can combat obesity. The spice curbs the appetite and helps you lose weight.

5. relieves anxiety and depression

➤ Depression is a serious illness in today's world. It is estimated that up to 21 percent of the general population in industrialized countries suffer from depression in the course of their lives. 

In Persia, saffron has long been used as a medicinal plant to treat depression. Researchers took this as an opportunity to investigate the effectiveness of saffron in the treatment of mild to moderate depression in a six-week clinical trial:

A total of 30 adult patients with clinically diagnosed depression took part in the study. All of them were undergoing outpatient treatment. They had at least 18 points on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. 

The double-blind study was conducted across all centers. The test subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 received a daily capsule of saffron (30 mg per day), group 2 a capsule containing the antidepressant imipramine (100 mg per day). At the dose administered, saffron proved to be similarly effective to imipramine and contributed to the improvement of mild to moderate depression.

6. helps with erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction affects more than 150 million men worldwide. In traditional medicine, saffron is known as an aphrodisiac. The chemical compound crocin it contains has an aphrodisiac effect. 

Twenty men with erectile dysfunction took part in a ten-day pilot study to evaluate this traditional use. Each morning, the subjects received a supplement containing 200 milligrams of saffron. At the beginning and end of the study, all men underwent a penile tumescence measurement. They were also asked to complete a questionnaire on erectile function (IIEF-15).

After ten days, a statistically relevant improvement in the tumescence and stiffness of the limb was observed. The participants' self-assessment after ILEF-15 was also significantly better at the end of the test period. As a result, there was a positive effect on the sexual function of the study participants (more erections and longer erection duration). The saffron spice can therefore be used as a natural remedy for impotence.

Risks and side effects

Most people can safely take saffron orally for up to six weeks. 

The following side effects are possible: 

  • States of anxiety
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea 
  • Headache
  • allergic reactions

If you are allergic to plant species such as lolium, olea (including olive) and salsola, an allergy to saffron is also possible. If you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, please consult a doctor immediately.

Saffron must not be taken in excessive doses. This can lead to poisoning and cause serious side effects. These include a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes, dizziness, vomiting, bloody diarrhea or bleeding from the nose, lips and eyelids. Doses of 12 to 20 grams can lead to death.

Pregnant women should not consume more saffron than is typically contained in their diet. Excessive amounts can cause contractions of the uterus and cause a miscarriage. If you are breastfeeding or have a history of bipolar disorder, low blood pressure or heart disease, please consult your doctor before taking saffron for medicinal purposes.

The combination with other medicinal plants or food supplements with antihypertensive properties can increase the risk of hypotension (low blood pressure).

These plants and food supplements include 

  • Andrographis
  • Casein peptides
  • Cat's claw
  • Fish oil
  • CoQ10
  • L-arginine
  • Stinging nettle
  • Lycium 
  • Theanine

Ask your doctor before taking saffron together with other medicines or food supplements. 

Concluding remarks

  • Saffron has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is still valued today for its medicinal properties.
  • Scientific research has shown that saffron can alleviate PMS symptoms and reduce depression and anxiety. The spice also promotes satiety and thus contributes to weight loss.
  • Saffron is available in specialist stores and online as powder or saffron threads. 
  • Saffron not only promotes your health, but is also an aromatic addition to soups, main courses and desserts.

 

Sources (in English): 

Agha-Hosseini M., Kashani L., Aleyaseen A., et al. (2008). Crocus sativus L. (saffron) in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial. BJOG, (4):515-519. doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.2007.01652.x

Hosseini A., Mousavi S.H., Ghanbari A., et al.(2015). Effect of saffron on liver metastases in patients suffering from cancers with liver metastases: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2015;5(5):434-440.

Khera M., Goldstein I. (2011, June). Erectile dysfunction. BMJ Clin Evid.

Mashmoul M., Azlan A., Khaza'ai H., Yusof B.N., Noor S.M. (2013, October). Saffron: A Natural Potent Antioxidant as a Promising Anti-Obesity Drug. Antioxidants (Basel). 2(4):293-308. doi:10.3390/antiox2040293

Mazidi M., Shemshian M., Mousavi S.H., et al.(2016). A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the treatment of anxiety and depression . J Complement Integr Med. 13(2):195-199. doi:10.1515/jcim-2015-0043

Shemshian M., Mousavi S.H., Norouzy A., et al.  (2014, February). Saffron in metabolic syndrome: its effects on antibody titers to heat-shock proteins 27, 60, 65 and 70. J Complement Integr Med. 43-49. doi:10.1515/jcim-2013-0047

Shamsa A., Hosseinzadeh H., Molaei M., Shakeri M.T., Rajabi O. (2009). Evaluation of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on male erectile dysfunction: a pilot study. Phytomedicine.16(8):690-693. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2009.03.008

“Signs of a Severe Allergic Reaction.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/allergies/ss/slideshow-allergies-severe-symptoms.

“Saffron: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-844/saffron.