#Saffron is a #spice with a strong fragrance and distinctive colour. The spice is also rich in #antioxidants , which may have many health benefits.

Preventing nervous system disorders
The antioxidants in saffron may play a role in protecting the body from disorders affecting the #nervous system.

Research from 2015 notes that compounds in saffron, such as crocin, appear to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in the brain, which may lead to beneficial effects.

People with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s who took saffron for 22 weeks had cognitive improvements that were comparable with those of people who took the drug donepezil, and they also experienced fewer side effects.

Boosting mood
There is also growing evidence that saffron may help improve #mood and be a useful addition to treatment for #depression .

A study in the Journal of Behavioural and Brain Science found that a saffron extract increased dopamine levels in the #brain without changing the levels of other brain #hormones, such as serotonin.

Other research suggests that taking 30 milligrams (mg) of saffron each day could cause similar effects as drugs that treat mild-to-moderate depression, such as imipramine and fluoxetine.

Promoting libido
Saffron may also increase sex drive and sexual function in both males and females.

Researchers reviewed the effects of saffron on male infertility problems and noted that while it had a positive effect on erectile dysfunction and overall sex drive, it did not change the viability of the semen.

Women who took 30 mg of saffron each day for 4 weeks had increased sexual desire and vaginal lubrication compared with those who took a placebo instead.

Reducing PMS symptoms
Saffron may also act to reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The authors of a 2015 review looked at the research on saffron and symptoms of PMS. Women between the ages of 20 and 45 years who took 30 mg of saffron each day had fewer symptoms than those who took a placebo.