Saffron May Help Ease Gut Inflammation & Anxiety, Study Finds

Saffron has a rich cultural history in Ayurvedic wellness and is a popular ingredient in countries like Greece, Iran, India, and Morocco.

These days, researchers are putting the spice—derived from the flower of the Crocus sativus plant—to the test in clinical settings.

A study published in the journal Inflammatory Bowel Diseases found that high-dose saffron supplements led to an improvement in multiple gut health measurements, including inflammatory markers. 

The study included 30 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause ulcers in the digestive tract. There's no known cure, but studies like this one aim to find interventions to help manage the symptoms. 

Participants split up into three groups receiving either a placebo, low dose (25 milligrams), or high dose (50 milligrams) of saffron (which has known antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties1) in supplement form, taking these twice a day for eight weeks.

In addition to gut health perks, participants in the high-dose group experienced significant improvements in their Hamilton Depression Anxiety Score and overall quality of life, suggesting saffron may be able to support mental health, specifically anxiety, as well. Emerging research suggests that anxiety disorders could be associated with inflammation in the brain2 (neuroinflammation), so this benefit could also have to do with the anti-inflammatory effect of the spice.

"These findings suggest that the use of saffron supplements alongside standard treatment protocols may yield beneficial effects for individuals with UC," researchers note.

Anxiety reduction and gut health improvements aren't the only benefits spotted in saffron research thus far. 

"Psychosocial interactions and heart rate variability improvements have even been demonstrated in research leveraging saffron extract supplementation3," adds former mindbodygreen's vice president of scientific affairs Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN. 

One previous test-tube study found that saffron selectively killed colon cancer cells without negative side effects4. Other research has found saffron helpful for easing PMS symptoms like headaches, cravings, and discomfort5.

The spice has even been shown to improve retinal function in the eyes, which is why you may spot this ingredient in eye health supplements. 

Safe to say, saffron is certainly a worthy addition to your diet if you don't use it already. The gut health study discussed above called for 50 milligrams of saffron twice daily, which is under 1 teaspoon, proving that a little goes a long way with this spice. 

A new study found that saffron could help reduce gut inflammation and ease anxiety in participants with ulcerative colitis. Other research points to this spice's ability to improve heart rate variability and eye health as well, making it a science-backed (and delicious) addition to your diet.