Major depressive disorder • Dysthymia • Premenstrual depression • Postpartum depression • Post-menopausal depression • Post-traumatic stress disorder • Fibromyalgia • Cognitive impairment • Alzheimer’s disease
Saffron (Crocus sativus) is an indigenous plant of southern Europe and south-western Asia. The main active constituents in saffron stigmas are crocin, safranal, crocetin and picrocrocin. It has antidepressant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Clinical study suggests that Saffron acts as a mood enhancer and antidepressant by up-regulating dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin levels in the brain. Saffron has a high affinity for hippocampus of the brain and it switches off chronic inflammation in the hippocampus. It also increases neural-plasticity to form new neural connections. Saffron relieves different symptoms of major depressive disorders such as weight loss or excessive weight gain, sleep disturbance, anhedonia, impaired cognition, sadness and loss of productivity at work. Saffron also helps to prevent recurrence of depression.
Clinical studies have evaluated doses ranging from 20 to 400 mg/day of pure saffron. Dosages of up to 1.5 g/day of saffron are thought to be safe; toxic effects have been reported for 5 g doses. Depression: 20 to 30 mg/day of saffron extract (stigma or petal) for mild to moderate depression. Hypertension: 400 mg/day of saffron tablets for 7 days.
Saffron may inhibit platelet aggregation and should therefore, be use with caution in patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin
Reported adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and headache. Allergic reactions are uncommon; however, occupational allergies, including rhinoconjunctivitis, bronchial asthma, and cutaneous pruritus, have been reported. Case reports of anaphylaxis also exist.
Avoid use. Amounts higher than those used in food (eg, 5 g or more) have uterine stimulant and abortifacient effects. Information regarding safety and efficacy in lactation is lacking.
Do not store above 30°C, protect from light and moisture.
Each capsule contains Saffron 30 mg standardized extract.
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