Saffron (Crocus sativus)
While you may know that Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice ever, what makes it priceless though is its uplifting aromatic appeal and skin and health-boosting benefits described in 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
Did you also know that according to this 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.*
It also has skin brightening potential.** In addition to this, Saffron is also rich in Vitamin B2, B3, B6 and works wonders for brightening the skin. In two clinical studies, its anti-pruritic (anti-itching) and complexion promotion effects have been established.***
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.****
It also has antioxidant potential and helps prevent oxidative damage.***** It also promotes wound healing by increasing re-epithelialization.******
Pharmacological activities: Antianxiety, antioxidant, wound healing. Anti-tyrosinase, muscles relaxant, anti-inflammatory, analgesics.*******
*[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3862060/]
**(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.)
***(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.)
****(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.)
*****(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.)
******(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).
*******(Al-Sanfi AE. The pharmacology of Crocus sativus- a review. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy. 2016; 6(3). 08-38.)