Saffron is usually thought of as a spice, not something you’d expect to find in a nootropic blend. That’s part of what makes it interesting.
The same compounds that give saffron its color and aroma, including crocin, crocetin, and safranal, are also the ones researchers have been studying for their effects on mood, cognition, oxidative stress, and brain health. It’s a good example of how one plant can bring together several different kinds of support in a single extract.
In this article, we’ll look at what those compounds do, what the research says, and why saffron earned a place in MTE’s formula.
Phytology & Physiology: What Makes Saffron a Nootropic?
Saffron is a small flowering plant native to Asia with the scientific name Crocus sativus. It’s been a part of culinary and medicinal culture for thousands of years, and today it’s still grown in many countries, though its purpose has largely been reduced to a very expensive herb.
The main compounds that make the saffron plant so bioactive are crocin, crocetin, and safranal, all of which have shown potential to support different biological processes in the body.
Crocin
First isolated in 1935, crocin is a carotenoid with a deep red color. It’s the main contributor to the color of the stigmas of the saffron plant at 80% pigment dry weight.
Crocin makes up anywhere from 6-16% of the dry weight of saffron, depending on quality. Your body doesn’t actually use the crocin. Once it’s absorbed orally, it’s hydrolyzed into crocetin, which is then metabolized.
Crocetin
Crocetin is the other contributor to the red hue of saffron, and makes up about 0.3% of the dry weight of a saffron stigma. Crocetin is absorbed intestinally and directly metabolized. This carotenoid is largely responsible for the aroma and flavor of saffron.
Safranal
Safranal is a volatile aldehyde that plays a major role in the unique and complex scent of saffron. Along with croc(et)ins, safranal is thought to be a main reason for saffron’s touted health benefits. Higher quality saffron smells stronger – that’s the safranal. Typically, safranal accounts for 2-7% of saffron dry weight, depending on quality.
What’s the Evidence Behind Saffron’s Benefits?
So, besides smelling unique and being a pretty red color, is there any science to say the biology of saffron interacts positively with ours? Yes, of course – that’s why we put it in MTE’s daily feel-good wellness powder.
A 2015 review of the literature on saffron’s claimed health benefits found:
Saffron May Be Neuroprotective
In Iran, saffron has been used to treat seizures for centuries. In fact, recent studies in mice suggest that saffron is an effective anticonvulsant; it delayed the onset of seizures and protected mice from seizure-induced death. Interestingly, they observed this anticonvulsant effect to be a result of safranal’s activity but not crocin’s.
In other mouse studies on neurodegenerative disorders, a daily saffron drink showed the ability to reduce the effects of and damage caused by neurodegeneration. This time, the effects were attributed to crocetin.
Saffron Has the Potential to Protect Cognitive Health
In a clinical study on saffron’s potential to improve cognitive health, patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s were given saffron supplements using the same dosage and schedule as a commonly prescribed pharmaceutical. In one study, saffron showed the same efficacy as this medication, and in another study, patients taking saffron scored significantly higher on cognitive functions than placebo.
Saffron May Benefit Mood & Mental Health
It’s well-established that saffron can improve low mood and motivation in mice, and clinical studies seem to support that concept. One study observed that 6 weeks of saffron supplements improved mood on a statistically significant level compared to placebo.
Another study saw saffron benefit people with chronic low mood and MDD at the same level as a common medication. That’s why many mood-supporting drinks today often include this nootropic.
Saffron Studies Suggest a Strong Antioxidant Effect
Several rat and mouse studies have looked at key biological markers that indicate oxidative damage and neurotoxicity. Unfortunately, at the time of this review, there weren’t any clinical studies to be found on this specific mechanism of saffron.
However, in these animal studies, saffron supplements showed some benefits, including reducing the toxic effects chronic stress takes on the body and brain. Researchers also observed specific protective effects on a key brain structure that controls learning and memory.
These results were seen both with saffron and isolated crocin, suggesting the antioxidant effects of saffron are likely from the croc(et)ins.
Saffron Has Potential as an Anti-Inflammatory
Saffron may also protect the body from stress-induced damage by acting on inflammatory pathways. These studies were carried out with crocin supplements. They observed a reduction in inflammatory signals and harmful chemical byproducts of neuroinflammation. As well, crocin supplements have been associated with reduced inflammatory gene expression and markers of cellular stress in the CNS.
Saffron May Promote Feel-Good Energy
Studies exploring the effects of saffron on neurotransmitters in the brain looked at concentrations and activity of different neurochemicals following supplementation with saffron.
This nootropic was associated with raised levels of a neurotransmitter playing a key role in mood, memory, and motivation without stimulating a stress response.
The crocin in saffron has also been linked to reduced adverse experiences during withdrawal without reducing motor control. Safranal has been observed to reduce the psychological effects of a common opioid, including time spent in a drug-paired state.
Saffron is Just the Tip of the Feel-Good Energy Iceberg
Saffron brings a lot to the table for one small ingredient. Its key compounds have been studied for their potential effects on mood, cognition, oxidative stress, and brain health, which is exactly why it made sense in a formula designed to support how you feel across the day.
In MTE, saffron is not there to do everything on its own. A caffeine-free energy powder comprised of 10 adaptogens, nootropics, and superfoods, our nootropic-stacked alternative to caffeine offers more than energy, including support for stress, gut health, mood, focus, recovery, and more.
Why rely on caffeine, sugars, and chemicals for an empty energy boost that only lasts a few hours when you could add a healthy daily habit that offers sustainable, even energy without caveats?
Ready to start feeling better with a well-balanced saffron supplement that supports your best wellness efforts? Try MTE.
