While saffron is touted to be the most expensive herb in the world, the benefits are deemed worth every penny. Said to fetch £350 ($532) per pound when purchased in bulk and much more in retail, this herb made from the saffron crocus flower has both psychological and physiological benefits.
In an earlier study at the Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Shahin Akhondzadeh observed the success of saffron when used to treat depression. The study was randomised and double-blinded and used 30-milligram capsule of saffron extract administered to the participants for a period of 6 weeks.
The study was preceded by a preliminary test which compared the effect of this saffron preparation to imipramine (commercially known as Tofranil) in the treatment of depression and another preliminary test which compared the saffron capsules to fluoxetine (commercially known as Prozac) in the treatment of depression and epilepsy. In both pre-trials, saffron performed successfully. Saffron was also found to produce anticonvulsant effects in pharmacology research done in Iran and Japan.
The facilitation of the neurotransmitter serotonin is said to be the after-effect of saffron ingestion, which makes for the successful treatment of depression.
The 1596 Bencao Gangmu Compendium of Materia Medica (Guidelines and Details of Materia Medica) by Ming Dynasty's Li Shizhen described saffron as an herb of Persian origin that revitalises the blood, stops excessive bleeding and calms fear. Saffron extract is also a well-known beauty and digestion aid.
Saffron is commonly prepared with steamed rice, saffron rice. It is also considered a deliciously calming treat when steeped in hot water and served as tea. Saffron is a popular ingredient in Middle eastern and Indian cuisines.
It is also found in Chef Zohreh's specialty at the Mazi Mas restaurant of Ovalhouse Theatre in South London. Chef Zohreh loves saffron in her gheymeh bademjan (yellow split pea and saffron stew with fried aubergine dish) and is often heard chanting "Saffron is good for depression!" whenever she makes this special stew.
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