Saffron (Crocus sativus)
Origin and main cultivation areas
Saffron, the most precious spice in the world, originally comes from the region around Greece and was already highly prized in ancient times. The saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) has been cultivated for over 3,500 years and is harvested for its bright red stigmas, which are dried and used as a spice. The main cultivation areas for saffron today are mainly in Iran, which supplies around 90% of the world's production. Other important cultivation areas are India (especially Kashmir), Spain and Greece. The cultivation and harvesting of saffron is very labor-intensive, as the flowers have to be picked by hand and the fine stigmas carefully removed.
Saffron, which is extracted from the flower of Crocus sativus, is known for its distinctive color, taste and medicinal properties. Often referred to as "red gold", saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and is mainly produced in Iran. The main components of saffron that contribute to its potential health benefits include crocin, safranal and picrocrocin, alongside more than 150 bioactive compounds. Crocin is responsible for the bright color of saffron and has strong antioxidant properties, while safranal contributes to its characteristic aroma and has potential neuroprotective effects. These and other compounds are thought to offer a range of health benefits, particularly in the areas of mood regulation, cognitive function and possibly sleep improvement. However, the concentration and effectiveness of these compounds can vary depending on how the saffron is grown, harvested and processed.
Possible role of saffron for longevity
The bioactive compounds of saffron, particularly crocin and safranal, are being investigated for their potential role in healthy ageing and longevity. These compounds have strong antioxidant properties that may help neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing oxidative stress - a key factor in aging. Saffron may also affect mood and cognitive function by influencing levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for mental health and neuroplasticity. By promoting mental well-being and reducing oxidative stress, saffron could play a role in mitigating age-related cognitive decline. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties could contribute to overall health and help maintain bodily functions as we age. While the preliminary research results are promising, it is important to note that these findings are primarily based on preclinical studies and small human trials, meaning more extensive research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Taking Crocus sativus (saffron) extract could support healthy ageing and longevity, especially to improve sleep. Saffron contains bioactive compounds such as crocin and safranal, which can modulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin, promote relaxation and improve mood.
These effects can improve sleep quality, which is a crucial factor in healthy ageing, as poor sleep is associated with numerous age-related conditions, including cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease. In addition, saffron's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to overall health and longevity.
Saffron and sleep
Saffron has shown promise in relieving symptoms of depression and possibly anxiety. The spice contains over 150 bioactive compounds, including crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin and safranal, which may contribute to its therapeutic effects. Crocin may also play a role in promoting peaceful sleep through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Although initial studies are promising, further research is needed to confirm the exact mechanisms of action and safety of saffron in this context. Research suggests that saffron may improve sleep quality and duration, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes. These benefits have been measured using instruments such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). In human studies, saffron ingestion has shown the potential to improve overall sleep quality, with improvements seen in both sleep duration and sleep efficiency. Animal studies further support the potential sleep-promoting effects of saffron. In particular, crocin and crocetin, two key active ingredients in saffron, were found to increase non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in mice, suggesting a role in regulating sleep cycles.
About the saffron extract
Our carefully selected saffron extract is obtained in India from the stigmas of Crocus sativus (saffron). The extract is standardized and contains 3 % safranal and 1.5 % crocin, which are considered quality indicators for saffron products and reflect the efficacy and aroma of saffron. The product meets strict quality parameters, including limits for heavy metals, mycotoxins and solvent residues. It is free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), allergens and nanomaterials and is certified as kosher, halal and FSSC 22000.
