DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Stigma branches of the pistil of the true crocus flower. These are 2.5-4.5 cm long and are harvested as saffron. Collection time: spring. Saffron is known as a spice and because of its color as a coloring agent for food. As a children's song says: "Saffron makes the cake gel".
Saffron is harvested by hand: the tips of the pistils with the saffron threads attached are pinched off the flowers. For 500 g of saffron (dry weight), 200,000 to 400,000 stigmas are needed, which explains the high price of saffron threads, one of the most expensive spices ("red gold").
The quality of saffron (Croci stigma) is defined in the German Pharmaceutical Codex (DAC).
HMPC: not processed
ESCOP: not processed
Commission E: Negative monograph at the time (1987). Efficacy not scientifically proven, indication of abuse as an abortifacient at 10 g drug, lethal dose 20 g!
Empirical medicine: Nervous sedative, used for cramps and asthma. Saffron extracts are sold as "natural mood enhancers" in dietary supplements. Said to have a strong aphrodisiac effect.
Clinical studies indicate a mood-enhancing effect in mild to moderate forms of depression (Shafiee M et al 2018).
IngredientsThis section has been translated automatically.
Carotenoids (crocin, crocetin), saffron bitters, isophorones, essential oils: safranal. Flavonoids; glycosides of kaempferol and many more.
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DosageThis section has been translated automatically.
Due to toxicity in higher doses, use only the intake of finished preparations, following the instructions for use. Maximum dose is 1 g per day.
Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.
Toxic in larger quantities: vomiting, uterine bleeding (formerly misused as an abortifacient), bloody diarrhea, hematuria, bleeding from nose and mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, yellowing of skin and mucous membranes. Lethal dose at 20 g.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/saffron.php
- Shafiee M et al. (2018) Saffron in the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders: Current evidence and potential mechanisms of action J Affect Disord. 227:330-337.
- https://dgrh.de/start/publications/recommendations/complement%C3%A4re-methods/treatment-of-rheumatic-diseases-with-saffron.html
Blaschek W (2015) Wichtl tea drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. A handbook for practice. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Munich. S 204-206
