Why Big Pharma Doesn’t Want You to Know About Saffron
Nikki Bostwick on Mental health support without the side effects
It’s no secret that the medical industrial complex has put us on a hamster wheel of searching for answers to our health problems only to find that they are sadly trained to offer bandaid solutions that seldom, if ever, get to the root cause of our health issues as a society. And while I don’t believe there is one magic pill or answer to the worlds chronic disease epidemic, I do know for sure that there is one mighty spice that has been used for centuries in ancient civilizations and has been the subject of decades of scientific research proving that it may just be as effective as its pharmaceutical counterparts- without the side effects. Just like other natural healing alternatives — If more western trained doctors got a hold of the powerful healing properties of saffron and used it in their practices, the pharmaceutical industry would find its pockets a bit less deep.
CLINICAL COMPARISONS: MOOD ENHANCEMENT VS. PHARMACEUTICALS
According to the UN Health Agency, depression stands as the leading cause of disability worldwide. Addressing this global burden requires a shift towards addressing root causes rather than resorting to synthetic serotonin injections as a temporary fix. Recent research, such as a randomized controlled trial featured in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, underscores saffron's effectiveness in treating mild to moderate depression, particularly when administered at a daily dosage of 30mg. This places saffron on par with pharmaceuticals like fluoxetine (the generic for Prozac), offering a promising natural alternative for mood enhancement without the adverse effects linked to certain SSRIs.
COGNITIVE FUNCTION VS. RITALIN
In the realm of treating ADHD, recent research suggests that saffron may offer efficacy comparable to methylphenidate, a commonly prescribed pharmaceutical generic for Ritalin. Unlike methylphenidate, which can carry risks of addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and potentially fatal cardiac conditions if misused, saffron presents a natural alternative with no known negative side effects.
Dr. Shahin Akhondzadeh and colleagues from Tehran University of Medical Sciences conducted a randomized, double-blind pilot clinical trial involving 54 children with ADHD. The study compared the effects of saffron capsules with methylphenidate. Surprisingly, both groups of children demonstrated improvement in their ADHD symptoms, with no significant difference in response rates between those receiving saffron and those receiving methylphenidate.
This research underscores the potential of saffron as a viable treatment option for ADHD, offering effectiveness on par with methylphenidate but without the associated risks.
GASTROINTESTINAL WELLNESS VS. MEDICATIONS
Beyond mental health, saffron exhibits promise in promoting gastrointestinal wellness.
Saffron offers a holistic approach to gastrointestinal health through its unique properties, making it an effective alternative or complementary option to certain gastrointestinal medications. Here’s how saffron works compared to these medications and which ones it could potentially replace:
1. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties: Saffron contains compounds like crocin and crocetin, which possess strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and protect against oxidative damage, contributing to overall gut health. Saffron's anti-inflammatory effects may make it beneficial for conditions like gastritis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), potentially replacing medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids used to manage inflammation.
2. Gut Motility Regulation: Saffron has been shown to modulate gastrointestinal motility, helping to regulate the movement of food through the digestive tract. This property may be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), where abnormal gut motility can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Saffron's ability to support healthy gut motility could potentially replace medications like antispasmodics used to alleviate IBS symptoms.
3. Stomach Acid Regulation: While saffron does not directly inhibit stomach acid production like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 receptor antagonists, its soothing properties may help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. Saffron's natural compounds may help protect the stomach lining and esophagus from irritation caused by excess acid, making it a potential alternative or complementary option for individuals with GERD or peptic ulcers.
Overall, saffron's multifaceted approach to promoting gastrointestinal health makes it a promising holistic alternative or complementary option to certain medications. It may potentially replace or reduce the need for medications like NSAIDs, antispasmodics, and even some acid-reducing drugs in managing various gastrointestinal conditions.
CHOLESTEROL MANAGEMENT VS. STATINS
More than 40% of older adults over there age of 60 are on Lipid Lowering Drugs. This statistic is staggering considering the research proving saffron is a promising natural alternative for managing cholesterol levels, offering benefits comparable to statin medications. Statins are a class of drugs widely prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. While statins can be effective, they may also come with side effects such as muscle pain, liver damage, and an increased risk of diabetes.
Several studies have investigated saffron's effect on cholesterol management, with promising results. Saffron contains bioactive compounds like crocin and safranal, which have been shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. These compounds may inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver and increase the excretion of cholesterol from the body, leading to reductions in total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
In clinical trials, saffron supplementation has been found to significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in individuals with hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol). For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology compared the effects of saffron supplementation with a placebo in patients with mild to moderate hyperlipidemia. The study found that saffron supplementation led to significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels compared to the placebo group.
Moreover, saffron has been shown to have additional cardiovascular benefits beyond cholesterol management. Its antioxidant properties help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in the development of cardiovascular disease. Saffron may also improve endothelial function, reduce blood pressure, and inhibit the formation of blood clots, further reducing the risk of cardiac events.
Overall, saffron has demonstrated its potential as an effective natural alternative for cholesterol management, offering benefits comparable to statin medications but without the associated side effects. Incorporating saffron into a healthy lifestyle, along with diet and exercise modifications, may help improve lipid profiles and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new supplementation regimen, especially if they are currently taking cholesterol-lowering medications.
THE FULLEST’S COMMITMENT
These clinical comparisons are what inspired THE FULLEST to provide saffron supplements that align with clinically studied doses. By delivering therapeutic-grade saffron, THE FULLEST ensures that users can explore the healing benefits of saffron across various health dimensions, focusing on mental well-being, cognitive function, and inflammation.
For those intrigued by the potential of saffron as a natural alternative to many commonly perceived pharmaceuticals, THE FULLEST has a range of saffron supplements in an optimal and bioavailable form.
Just curious if this is sponsored/ad content. Fine if it is, just helps me look through the correct lens at the information.
I ordered and tried the saffron lattes after Nikki was introduced last month. I loved them so much I started using the capsules as well. It has made a huge difference in my inflammation and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I saw improvement. I wanted to learn more about the benefits of saffron, so this article was perfect timing!