Saffron: Analytical and Therapeutic aspects

Abstract

This study followed 450 adults (20-65 years old) to evaluate the effects of saffron. More specifically, 200 individuals were evaluated for saffron's antidiabetic and antispasmodic activity in colon disorders, while 250 individuals were investigated for antidepressant and anti-inflammatory activity.
For the study, saffron was to be taken orally as a water preparation.
Method of preparation and use of saffron:
Threads of saffron are ground by pestle and mortar, about 30mg twice daily after meal or 20mg three times daily
Ground saffron is infused in a cup of hot water (70- 100ml) for 5-10 min until cool and taken orally
The daily intake is continued for about 3 weeks; the total dose is 1.200g.
For the investigation of saffron's antidepressant activity, clinical trials identified and screened 250 individuals selected randomly. Excluded: no depression symptoms (healthy or depression due to colon disorders or irregular menstrual cycle): n=170; with depression symptoms (evaluation in meta-analysis): n=80. Excluded: antidepression control n=10.
Antidepressant drugs n=15, without drugs n=55. The total of people evaluated in the meta-analysis was n=70.
The results of the study showed that the use of saffron is a successful approach for treating MDD (major depressive disorder) in short–term use. It has also shown benefits in colon disorders and in patients with irregular menstrual cycles.
Absorption of Infrared spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques were employed to identify compounds.