Saffron (Crocussativus L.), also known as Tibetan saffron or Spanish saffron, is a perennial flower of the Crocus genus in the Iris family and a common spice.Perennial herb. Bulbs are flattened globular, approximately 3 cm in diameter, covered externally by a yellowish-brown membranous sheath. Leaves are basal, 9-15 in number, linear, gray-green, with margins revolute; the base of the leaf clump is enclosed by 4-5 membranous sheath-like leaves.The flower stalk is very short and does not emerge above ground. It bears 1-2 flowers, pale blue, reddish-purple, or white, with a fragrant scent. The style is orange-red, the stigma slightly flattened with a wedge-shaped apex and shallow teeth. The ovary is narrowly spindle-shaped. The capsule is ellipsoid, about 3 cm long. Now that we know what saffron is, let's explore its uses and benefits.
Saffron's primary indications: Promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis; disperses stagnation and resolves nodules. Treats melancholy and emotional stagnation, chest oppression and fullness, hemoptysis, delirium in typhoid fever, fright and confusion, amenorrhea in women, postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis, and swelling and pain from falls or blows.
1. Essentials of Dietary Therapy: Primarily treats heart melancholy and accumulated stagnation, dispels chest oppression and fullness; long-term consumption brings joy to the heart.
2. Essentials of Herbal Classification: Dispels stagnation, regulates blood, relieves chest oppression, stimulates appetite, and promotes digestion. Long-term use nourishes the lower energizer, enhances complexion, and treats delirium in typhoid fever.
3. Compendium of Materia Medica: Promotes blood circulation and treats palpitations.
【Effects of Saffron】
1. Effects on the Uterus
Decoction exhibits excitatory effects on isolated and intact uteri of mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, and cats. Low doses induce tonic or rhythmic contractions, while high doses enhance uterine tone and excitability, increasing spontaneous contraction rates to spastic levels. Pregnant uteri demonstrate heightened sensitivity.In rabbit uterine fistula experiments, it also exhibits excitatory effects, with the effect persisting for up to 4 hours after a single administration. The potency of its various extracts follows this order: decoction > ethanol extract > volatile components > ether extract. Low doses may also inhibit the uterus or cause initial inhibition followed by excitation, particularly with ethanol extract applied to the uterus of non-pregnant rabbits, where inhibition is commonly observed.The uterine excitatory effect is partially blocked by ergotamine tartrate (an adrenergic blocker) but not by atropine. This suggests the uterine action involves both direct effects on myocytes and adrenergic receptor-mediated mechanisms.
2. Effects on the Circulatory System
Decoction reduces blood pressure in anesthetized dogs and cats, with prolonged duration; it also stimulates respiration. During hypotension, renal volume decreases, indicating renal vasoconstriction; it similarly constricts toad vessels. It exhibits significant inhibitory effects on isolated toad hearts.Studies exploring its use as a cardiac arrest agent during surgery found that the aqueous extract induces rapid, complete cardiac arrest in the diastolic phase in isolated frog and rat hearts, as well as in acute in situ cat heart specimens. This arrest lasts over ten minutes and is readily reversible. When combined with acetylcholine, cardiac arrest occurs more rapidly and completely.No fibrillation occurred during recovery, and cardiac activity was enhanced post-resumption.However, chemical analysis indicates that the cardiac-inhibiting component is related to potassium salts—a noteworthy finding. Since saffron contains substantial potassium salts, which not only inhibit cardiac activity and induce hypotension but also stimulate the tension and contraction of smooth muscles (e.g., small intestine, uterus, bronchi, blood vessels), future pharmacological research on saffron should prioritize removing potassium salts.
This concludes our introduction to saffron, its properties, and effects. We hope this information proves helpful. Wishing you good health and smooth sailing this winter.