BT-030 · Iridaceae

Saffron

Crocus sativus
Evidence: LimitedCaution

About 150,000 flowers are picked by hand for one kilogram of saffron.

Other names
Azafrán, safran (Turkish)
Part used
Stigmas of the flower
Region
Anatolia and the Mediterranean
Use
Healing, Food
Saffron (Crocus sativus): purple flower with red stigmas
Photo: ‘Uncle Carl’ (カールおじさん). · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
In short

What is Saffron?

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a plant of the Iridaceae family. Traditions that use it: Anatolia and the Mediterranean. Part used: stigmas of the flower.

What is Saffron used for?

Traditional use: Safranbolu takes its name from the plant, grown around it for centuries. Scientific evidence: limited. Contains crocin and safranal.

Is Saffron safe?

Safety label: caution. Safe in food amounts. More than 5 g a day is toxic; high doses risk miscarriage. Cheap “saffron” is usually safflower or dyed fibre.

Traditional use

Anatolia

Safranbolu takes its name from the plant, grown around it for centuries. It colours zerde pudding and pilafs and is believed to lift the spirit and strengthen the heart.

Ancient Aegean

Frescoes at Akrotiri on Santorini (17th century BC) show young women gathering saffron.

In nature

Where it grows
Davutobası village and the area around Safranbolu. Iran is the world’s largest producer.
Harvest season
Flowers are hand-picked early in the morning in October–November.
Local names
safran, zağferan, zaferan

Mix-up risk

Safflower and turmeric are often sold as saffron. A more dangerous mix-up is with the very poisonous autumn crocus (Colchicum), whose flowers look similar.

Preparation

A few threads are soaked in warm water and the liquid added to food.

What science says

Contains crocin and safranal. Meta-analyses of small controlled trials show it beats placebo in mild to moderate depression; most trials are short and from a single country.

Safety

Caution

Safe in food amounts. More than 5 g a day is toxic; high doses risk miscarriage. Cheap “saffron” is usually safflower or dyed fibre.

Drug interactions

Medicine or substanceWhy it matters
AntidepressantsExtra mood effect; ask a doctor before combining at supplement doses.
Blood thinnersMay increase bleeding tendency at high doses.
Blood pressure medicinesCan lower blood pressure slightly.

This list is not complete. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor before trying Saffron.

Similar plants

Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale ve diğer türler): leafless purple flowers
BT-070

Autumn crocus

Colchicum autumnale ve diğer türler
Colchicaceae
Evidence: ClinicalHigh risk
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): hairy toothed leaves and hanging flower clusters
BT-004

Stinging nettle

Urtica dioica
Urticaceae
Evidence: LimitedGenerally safe
Salep orchids (Orchis): purple flower spike
BT-005

Salep orchids

Orchis, Anacamptis, Dactylorhiza türleri
Orchidaceae
Restricted in TürkiyeOverharvested
Evidence: TraditionalGenerally safe

Sources

  1. ResearchSaffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
  2. ResearchSafety and Efficacy of Saffron for Treating Mild to Moderate Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
  3. BookBaytop T. Türkiye’de Bitkiler ile Tedavi: Geçmişte ve Bugün. 2. baskı. İstanbul: Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri; 1999.
  4. Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Crocus sativus
  5. Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.

Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe

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