Saffron: The Antioxidant-Rich Spice is Taking Over the Market

Saffron is the most valuable and expensive medicinal food product. Most of these benefits can be credited to the high levels of antioxidants present in the plant.

According to a report by Market.us, “The Worldwide Market for Saffron Extract Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly 8.7% over the next ten years and will reach USD 899.5 Mn in 2032, from USD 390.60 Mn in 2022.”

Saffron, a spice that is extracted from a flower named Crocus sativus is a distant relative of Lily. The stigmas of flowers are dried and utilized as a dye or a spice to enhance food flavoring. The saffron extraction process is labor intensive. Saffron is widely known for its antioxidant benefits of which the three main are safranal, crocin, and picrocrocin. It also delivers crocetin and kaempferol.

Gaurav Yadav, a senior research analyst at Market.us, said, “Saffron is addressed as a premium-grade spice which is widely known for its versatility in the pharmaceutical, food, and beauty industry. Being rich in antioxidants and other clinical properties it is rapidly expanding the demand in the market.”

He added,” Moreover recent studies related to crocus sativus and its discoveries have increased its value in the pharmaceutical industry. Saffron is also known in the case of neurological disorders ADHA and Alzheimers. When tested on patients with depression, saffron came as an equivalent to therapeutic doses of fluoxetine and imipramine.”

Saffron’s strong flavor and exotic aroma add appetizing flavors to many dishes across various cultures and cuisines. It is mostly used in Asian and Mediterranean dishes like rice and fish along with English and Balkan bread.

Along with the food industry, it is widely used in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, thanks to its antioxidant properties. There is increasing evidence that saffron may improve mood.

The Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science published research where it was proved that one of the substitutes of saffron boosted dopamine levels. The study found that the extracts can be used to treat mild to moderate depression.

Crocin, an active constituent of saffron prevents learning and memory impairment, it also reduces oxidative stress damage to the hippocampus which is triggered by chronic stress. Thus it can ease cognitive disorders.

The main constituents of saffron include anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antiapoptotic properties representing significant effects in age-related diseases. Of these compounds, antioxidants are predominantly used in modern pharmacology and nutrition.

Saffron is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties in cardiovascular health. It helps to maintain healthy blood vessels and arteries. Saffron tea is widely used and is easy to make. Flavonoids, mainly lycopene which is a pigment that adds color to the saffron can act as added protection. The Department of Medicine and Indigenous Drug Research Center conducted a clinical trial where the positive effects of saffron can be shown on cardiovascular diseases.

While research on the relationship between saffron compounds, body weight, and other metabolic disorders is still incomplete, many theories suggest that saffron may be able to fight obesity and other related metabolic disorders due to its high antioxidant activity as well as its different biological properties.

Carotenoids, polyphenols, and other antioxidant compounds have been very popular. They are able to lower blood glucose, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels, increase energy expenditure, and fat oxidation, as well as lower body weight and adiposity. They can also be used to inhibit fat metabolism enzymes, such as lipoprotein lipase, glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, and pancreatic lipase.

Saffron can stimulate the release of dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline neurotransmitters. This may help with ADHD symptoms and improve cognitive, emotional, and behavioral abilities and sleep patterns. Studies with saffron extract in combination with methylphenidate on adults and adolescents have shown superior ADHD outcomes.