Phytochemistry: the yellow colour is due to the degraded carotenoids crocin and crocetin. The flavour comes from the degraded carotenoid safranal. The blue flowers of Crocus sativus contain the anthocyanins delphinidin and petuladin. The flavonol kaempferol is also present. Kaempferol can bind to the benzodiazepine receptor and increase GABA levels in the brain, having a calming effect.
Uses: 30 mg of saffron extract is effective against depression and anxiety. In comparisons with the antidepressant drug, imipramine, saffron was as effective as the drug. However, side effects were not present with saffron. Saffron is considered the most expensive spice in the World.
