{"id":160342,"date":"2022-06-13T11:42:15","date_gmt":"2022-06-13T06:12:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/?p=160342"},"modified":"2026-03-02T11:39:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T11:39:00","slug":"ayurveda-uses-benefits-side-effects-of-saffron","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/ayurveda-uses-benefits-side-effects-of-saffron\/","title":{"rendered":"Saffron (Kesar): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<\/head>

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Table of Contents<\/p>\nToggle<\/span>

Introduction<\/a><\/li>
Nutritional Value of Saffron<\/a><\/li>
Properties of Saffron<\/a><\/li>
Potential Uses of Saffron<\/a><\/li>
How to Use Saffron (Kesar)?<\/a><\/li>
Side Effects of Saffron<\/a><\/li>
Precautions to Take with Saffron<\/a><\/li>
Interactions with Other Drugs<\/a><\/li>
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li>
References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n \n <\/span>\n $\"Join$ \n <\/a>\n
<\/span>Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSaffron, the most expensive spice in the world, is a tiny part of a fragrant flower which smells like honey. Scientifically known as Crocus sativus<\/em>, it belongs to the family Iridaceae<\/em>. It is one of the oldest spices cultivated by the man since Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, is a tiny part of a fragrant flower which smells like honey. Scientifically known as Crocus sativus<\/em>, it belongs to the family Iridaceae<\/em>. It is one of the oldest spices cultivated by man since 1600 to 1700 BC. It could have originated in Middle East areas and Central Asia or Southwest Greek islands. It is widely cultivated in many countries such as China, India and the Middle East regions. It is a perennial herb growing 10-25 cm tall and when autumn begins, it blooms into purple-coloured flowers. The vivid red-coloured three filament \u2018stigma\u2019 of this flower is dried to make the spice \u2018saffron\u20191<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Nutritional Value of Saffron<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Saffron has a good source of nutritional components and vitamins that are given as follows:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nutritional value of saffron per 100 grams2<\/a><\/sup><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Water:<\/strong> 11.9 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Energy:<\/strong> 310 kcal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Protein:<\/strong> 11.4 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Total Lipid (Fat):<\/strong> 5.85 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Carbohydrate:<\/strong> 65.4 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Fibre (Total Dietary):<\/strong> 3.9 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Calcium:<\/strong> 111 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Iron:<\/strong> 11.1 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Potassium:<\/strong> 1720 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sodium:<\/strong> 148 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Zinc:<\/strong> 1.09 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Copper:<\/strong> 0.328 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Manganese:<\/strong> 28.4 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Phosphorus:<\/strong> 252 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Magnesium:<\/strong> 264 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Selenium:<\/strong> 5.6 \u00b5g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Total Saturated Fatty Acids:<\/strong> 1.59 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Total Monounsaturated Fatty Acids:<\/strong> 0.429 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Total Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids:<\/strong> 2.07 g<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nVitamins present in saffron per 100 grams2<\/a><\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Vitamin C<\/a>:<\/strong> 80.8 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Thiamine<\/a>:<\/strong> 0.115 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Riboflavin<\/a>:<\/strong> 0.267 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Niacin<\/a>:<\/strong> 1.46 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Vitamin B6<\/a>:<\/strong> 1.01 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Folate (Total)<\/a>:<\/strong> 93 \u00b5g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Vitamin A<\/a>:<\/strong> 530 IU<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Properties of Saffron<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDue to the good effectiveness of Saffron, it has captured the interest of researchers all over the world. It is said that Saffron may even replace some synthetic medicines 3<\/a><\/sup>. The properties of Saffron are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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It may provide pain relief<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may increase the sense of happiness and excitement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may help enhance memory<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may have anti-inflammatory potential 3<\/a>,4<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may help lower blood pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may help enhance breathing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may help with digestion<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may help with signs of ageing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may help protect the liver<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may help protect the spleen<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may help lower blood cholesterol<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may help protect heart 4<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may act as an antioxidant 1<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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Various studies suggest the potential activity of saffron in nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer\u2019s and Parkinson\u2019s disease. However, more large-scale studies are needed to confirm these activities 6<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\nDr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Potential Uses of Saffron<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Saffron has a range of benefits that are described as below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Potential Uses of Saffron (Kesar) for Skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"good$ <\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Since ancient times, Saffron has been used for skin conditions. It may help improve complexion, decrease dark circles under the eyes, refresh the face and may help manage acne and infections of the superficial layer of the skin (erysipelas)1<\/a>,4<\/a><\/sup>. It may also help absorb the skin-damaging UV rays of the sun and can be used as a natural sunscreen. Saffron may help prevent skin cancer 1<\/a><\/sup>. It may help reduce the production of melanin pigment in the skin, helping in lightening the skin. It may also help manage melanoma (a kind of skin cancer that affects the cells that produce melanin)1<\/a><\/sup>.^{<\/sup>These benefits have been observed in lab studies, and more trials are required to support the use of saffron in human skin conditions. Therefore, you are advised to avoid using saffron for any skin condition without consulting your healthcare provider.<\/p>}
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