Saffron (Crocus sativus)
According to a study, Saffron offers natural UV protection.
The effects of Saffron as a natural sunscreen and moisturiser were established and showed that in equal concentrations, saffron lotion could act as a better antisolar agent compared to homosalate.1
It also has skin brightening potential.2 In addition to this, Saffron is also rich in Vitamin B2, B3, B6 and works wonders for brightening the skin. Two clinical studies establish that it is anti-pruritic (anti-itching) and complexion boosting.3
It also contains more than 150 carotenoid compounds including safranal, zeaxanthin, lycopene and various α- and β-carotenes along with a rich source of riboflavin.4
It also has antioxidant potential and helps prevent oxidative damage.5 It also promotes wound healing by increasing re-epithelialization.6
Pharmacological activities: Antianxiety, antioxidant, wound healing. Anti-tyrosinase, muscles relaxant, anti-inflammatory, analgesics.7
Even Classical Ayurvedic texts 'Bhavprakash' and ‘Astanga Hridaya’ that talk at length about Saffron’s properties that include:
- Complexion enhancing
- Vata, Pitta and Kapha balancing
- Astanga Hridaya even advises the use of saffron in dry and cold months due to its uber-nourishing and soothing properties
1 [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3862060/]
2 (Sariri R, Sabbaghzadeh R, Poumohamad F. In-vitro antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activity of methanol extracts from Crocus sativus flowers. Pharmacologyonline. 2011;3:1–11.)
3 (Moshiri M, Vahabzadeh M, Hosseinzadeh H. Clinical applications of saffron (Crocus sativus) and its constituents: A review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2008;9:15–31.)
4 (Abdullaev FI. (Crocus sativus L.). Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2002 Jan; 227(1):20-5.), (BHAT JV, BROKER R. Riboflavine and thiamine contents of saffron, Crocus sativus linn. Nature. 1953 Sep 19; 172(4377):544.)
5 (Galvano F, La Fauci L, Lazzarino G, Fogliano V, Ritieni A, Ciappellano S, Battistini NC, Tavazzi B, Galvano G. Cyanidins: metabolism and biological properties. J Nutr Biochem. 2004 Jan; 15(1):2-11.)
6 (Khorasani G, Hosseinimehr SJ, Zamani P, Ghasemi M and Ahmadi A. The effect of saffron (Crocus sativus) extract for healing of second-degree burn wounds in rats. Keio J Med 2008; 57 (4): 190-195).
7 (Al-Sanfi AE. The pharmacology of Crocus sativus- a review. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy. 2016; 6(3). 08-38.)