Friday May 23, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- A review published in the May 21, 2014 issue of Drug Research suggests that saffron (Crocus sativus) and its active components can be used to protect against or treat convulsion, depression, inflammation, cancer, free radicals or oxidative stressm and impaired learning ability and memory among other things.

Eight clinical trials, according to the review, demonstrated that saffron extract was more effective than placebo and as effective as some antidepressant medications in treating depression.

Clinical trials also show that saffron is more effective than placebo and can be as effective as donepezil in treating Alzheimer's disease.

At least two clinical trials have been conducted to demonstrate that saffron has antipruritic effects and provide skin care benefits.

Still another clinical trial has proved that in addition to its effect in promoting weight loss, using saffron reduced snacking frequency, which suggests it can help weight loss or prevents obesity.

Saffron has also been tested to show that women who experienced premenstrual syndromes could benefit from this supplement and the efficacy could be similar to that of standard treatments.

Lastly, clinical trials were conducted to examine the effect of saffron on erection dysfunction, allergies, cardiovascular and immune system.

The review was conducted by M. Moshiri from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Mashhad, IR, Iran and colleagues.(David Liu, Ph.D.)