Saffron for Mental Wellness: Choosing the Right Support

Now more than ever, mental outlook is top of mind. Maintaining a positive mental outlook means having a strong ability to navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience, enabling productive, happy, and fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, not enough people are flourishing. Many know someone who is struggling, whether it’s a friend, family member, or even themselves. By the time Canadians reach the age of 40, 1 in 2 have – or have had – a mental illness.¹

Genuine Health recognizes the growing number of individuals facing daily challenges with mental outlook and the increasing need for a natural and effective solution to help cope with the demands of today’s fast-paced and stressful world. Extensive research has been conducted to discover natural, unique ingredients that help optimize brain health.

Saffron, also known as the “sunshine spice,” has been used for hundreds of years in traditional medicine, and emerging research has highlighted its benefits. Saffron is harvested by hand from the crocus sativus flower. The term “saffron” refers to the flower-like thread structure called the stigma, located inside the petals. It is the most expensive spice in the world, often referred to as “red gold.”⁸

Research indicates that saffron has various benefits, from cardiovascular protection to reducing inflammation. Particularly compelling is research around its effects on depression, stress, and memory. Small clinical studies have compared saffron to SSRI drugs (antidepressants).⁴^,⁵^,⁶ Preliminary research suggests that saffron supports mood and its antioxidant properties may potentially improve cognition in adults with Alzheimer’s disease.²^,³ Saffron truly lies at the intersection of traditional healing and modern medicine.

Saffron’s mechanism is linked to the regulation of brain chemicals, which constantly adjust to maintain balance (known as homeostasis). However, external factors can disrupt this balance.⁷ For example, sadness can act as an external stressor to the body, disrupting equilibrium. The body works to address this imbalance, but sometimes additional support is needed. Premium natural ingredients such as saffron have been shown to aid in this rebalancing process.

Saffron has been studied for its ability to balance neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin (feel-good hormones) by inhibiting the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, keeping them circulating in the brain and allowing them to exert beneficial effects.¹⁰ Further research indicates that saffron may facilitate neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form and reorganize neural connections).⁹ Saffron is also rich in antioxidants, protecting against oxidative stress and potentially decreasing cell death in the brain to maintain normal levels.¹⁰

Introducing a new line of saffron products by Genuine Health, these are designed in combination with other research-proven natural ingredients to support key components of brain health. Experience the difference and take on life with a good mood, improved memory, and reduced stress.

Let’s talk about stress

Genuine Health Stress is formulated to keep individuals calm, relaxed, and rested, even on the most stressful days. The unique formulation helps manage and reduce common symptoms of stress such as fatigue, weariness, and irritability. The formula contains saffron extract (affron^®), which has been shown in research to regulate and improve the body’s natural stress response. Each dose also includes adaptogenic (stress-supporting) ashwagandha (KSM-66 Ashwagandha^®) and passionflower extract, which promote relaxation and encourage restorative sleep. With consistent use, each capsule helps build long-term resilience to both mental and physical stress.

What’s your current mood?

Genuine Health Mood offers an effective and natural way to feel uplifted. Saffron (affron^®) has research-proven mood-balancing effects, and numerous studies have explored the potential benefits of saffron on neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, both of which contribute to a balanced mood.¹⁰ Turmeric, a powerful antioxidant used in herbal medicine as an anti-inflammatory, is included to combat oxidative stress.¹¹ This unique, research-backed combination provides noticeable results, so good moods can lead to even better days.

How is your memory?

Genuine Health Memory is designed to promote brain health, sharpen thinking, and strengthen the ability to remember. Many factors, such as aging, high stress levels, and fatigue, contribute to brain fog and forgetfulness. A powerful combination of saffron, sage, and ginkgo biloba actively works to enhance both short- and long-term memory function. This blend helps with learning new things, problem-solving, and feeling more productive, making it easier to tackle busy days.

References:
1. The Crisis is Real. CAMH. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/the-crisis-is-real
2. Lu C, Ke L, Li J, et al. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and health outcomes: a meta-research review of meta-analyses and an evidence mapping study. Phytomedicine. 2021;91:153699. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153699
3. Adalier N, Parker H. Vitamin E, Turmeric and Saffron in Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. Antioxidants (Basel). 2016;5(4):40. doi:10.3390/antiox5040040
4. Akhondzadeh S, Fallah-Pour H, Afkham K, Jamshidi AH, Khalighi-Cigaroudi F. Comparison of Crocus sativus L. and imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: A pilot double-blind randomized trial [ISRCTN45683816]. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2004;4:12. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-4-12
5. Akhondzadeh S, Tahmacebi-Pour N, Noorbala AA, et al. Crocus sativus L. in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2005;19(2):148-151. doi:10.1002/ptr.1647
6. Akhondzadeh Basti A, Moshiri E, Noorbala AA, Jamshidi AH, Abbasi SH, Akhondzadeh S. Comparison of petal of Crocus sativus L. and fluoxetine in the treatment of depressed outpatients: a pilot double-blind randomized trial. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2007;31(2):439-442. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2006.11.010
7. Homeostasis | Definition, Function, Examples, & Facts | Britannica. September 9, 2024. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/science/homeostasis
8. Shahi T, Assadpour E, Jafari SM. Main chemical compounds and pharmacological activities of stigmas and tepals of ‘red gold’; saffron. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 2016;58:69-78. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2016.10.010
9. Puderbaugh M, Emmady PD. Neuroplasticity. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Accessed September 19, 2024. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557811/
10. Khazdair MR, Boskabady MH, Hosseini M, Rezaee R, M. Tsatsakis A. The effects of Crocus sativus (saffron) and its constituents on nervous system: A review. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2015;5(5):376-391.
11. Dehzad MJ, Ghalandari H, Nouri M, Askarpour M. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cytokine. 2023;164:156144. doi:10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156144

About the Author: Genuine Health Team

Genuine Health is a Canadian company that makes all natural, non-GMO supplements and is one of the original vendors to partner with HFN back in 1999. Genuine Health has a history of firsts, including: First superfood formula and first to launch a superfood designed for the gut, First with fermented supplements and the first complete fermented protein, and the First natural health supplement company to become a B Corporation worldwide.