saffron Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Saffron Improves Brain Function in MULTIPLE Ways, Studies Suggest

AHA Publisher — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 08:00:28 +0000

Stephanie Vick via NaturalHealth365 – Saffron is one of the world’s most exotic and expensive spices. Besides its culinary prowess, it is a powerful healer with a long history of use as a medicinal herb dating back to ancient times. Thankfully, modern science is finally catching up and realizing the therapeutic effects of saffron on memory and mood. Real Proof That Saffron Improves Memory One of the most exciting findings on saffron’s medicinal use comes from a couple of studies published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Psychopharmacology. These studies show that saffron can protect against Alzheimer’s disease. In these two studies, patients were given 30 milligrams of saffron each day. One study monitored patients for 16 weeks, while the other study monitored patients for 22 weeks. At the end of the two studies, study authors discovered that the patients who took the daily saffron (in both monitored groups) did better on cognitive memory tests than those who did not take it. How Does Saffron Work to Help the Brain Retain Information? Saffron is full of natural antioxidants. These antioxidants are known to offer some protective benefits against the amyloid plaques that form in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients. In addition, this spice also has gallic acid – which supports healthy immune function – which helps to keep those plaques from forming in the first place. And, finally, saffron contains pyrogallol, a natural compound that scientists have long known to have memory protective benefits. The evidence seems to point strongly to the fact that saffron, taken daily in moderate amounts, can protect against Alzheimer’s disease. It may even help improve memory, during the early stages of the disease, by keeping the formation of amyloid plaques to a minimum. A Safe Alternative to Toxic Antidepressant Medications Saffron has been used as a mood elevator since ancient Persian times. This is significant since conventional antidepressants are often given to Alzheimer’s patients, increasing the risk of unwanted side effects such as nausea, weight gain, insomnia, and anxiety. With Alzheimer’s disease already causing so many health problems, why would any rational healthcare professional want to give out dangerous drugs like Paxil, Zoloft, and Prozac – three of the most popular drugs on the market? Because of the danger posed by these selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), many scientists are reasoning that the mood-boosting benefits of saffron would be helpful in treating Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, in July 2013, a study was done to test the mood-boosting properties of saffron. The same 30 milligrams a day was given to a group of clinical depressives for six weeks. At the end of the study, it was found that the mood of the test subjects improved as much or better than with traditional antidepressant drugs, and there were no side effects. Although the pharmaceutical industry may not be so happy about these results, it seems saffron has many benefits for the brain, and those benefits could lead to better memory function for those with Alzheimer’s disease. And, while it may not represent a ‘cure,’ it is definitely something that can offer hope for a better future and a healthier memory for those who take it. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

The post Saffron Improves Brain Function in MULTIPLE Ways, Studies Suggest appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Saffron Put to the Test for Alzheimer’s

AHA Publisher — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 07:00:56 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – The spice saffron is pitted head-to-head against the leading drug for severe Alzheimer’s disease. What’s the latest on treating memory disorders with the spice saffron? As I discuss in my video Saffron Versus Memantine (Namenda) for Alzheimer’s, “saffron has been widely used in the Persian traditional medicine for memory problems,” but it wasn’t put to the test until a study showed that Alzheimer’s dementia symptoms continued to worsen on placebo but got better on saffron over a 16-week period, as you can see at 0:21 in my video. The researchers concluded that saffron is “safe and effective in mild-to-moderate AD [Alzheimer’s disease] patients,” at least in the short term. What about head-to-head against the leading drug used for such patients? Saffron appeared to work just as well—but with significantly less vomiting, a common side effect of the drug in this study. So, that’s where we were as of 2010. What’s the update? In 2013, we got the first glimpse of a potential mechanism. Alzheimer’s disease involves “brain nerve cell destruction.” Our brain cells can be killed by the buildup of either tangles or amyloid plaques, where aggregates of a protein called amyloid beta “act as a poison.” But, as you can see at 1:13 in my video, adding crocin, the red pigment found in saffron, significantly reduces this amyloid clumping in a petri dish, which is an effect that can be plainly seen under an electron microscope. So, the component of saffron that makes it so colorful appears to have “the ability to prevent amyloid formation.” What about the tangles? Crocin also seems to be able to block the tangles in vitro, as demonstrated once again with electron microscopy. Perhaps this is why saffron helps in Alzheimer’s disease, but this was just for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s. Does that mean you have to catch it early? What about moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s? We didn’t know, until a study compared saffron head-to-head against the leading drug for severe Alzheimer’s. Once again, saffron seemed to work just as well, as you can see at 2:01 in my video. In fact, one might consider saffron worked even better because there haven’t been any serious adverse effects attributed to saffron, whereas the drug is associated with increased risk of sleepiness, weight gain, confusion, hypertension, nervous system disorders, and falling. The saffron study wasn’t funded by supplement or spice companies—just noncommercial public grants. But, all the studies were done in Iran, which controls about 90 percent of the saffron crop. So, promoting saffron consumption may be of national interest, just like the New Zealand government funds research on kiwifruit—though who else is going to fund studies on a simple spice? To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Greger click here.

The post Saffron Put to the Test for Alzheimer’s appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Defeat Depression With These 10 Natural Interventions

AHA Publisher — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 07:00:15 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – If you struggle with depression, you have plenty of company. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, over 40 million Americans currently suffer from the condition. In fact, depression is so widespread that experts predict that about half of the population will experience at least one episode of depression in their lives. Clearly, there is a need for effective natural interventions for depression. Fortunately, recent research supports the ability of simple lifestyle changes and natural nutrients and supplements to complement conventional antidepressant therapy. For ten of the most effective natural techniques against depression, keep reading. Health ALERT: Discover the Complex Web of Interwoven Factors That Contribute to Depression No doubt, the causes of depression are complex. Experts say that genetics, hormonal imbalances, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, poor nutrition, alcohol abuse and drug addiction can all be factors. In addition, underlying health conditions – such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer – can exacerbate depression. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness, coupled with a loss of interest in everyday activities. Other symptoms can include anxiety, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, changes in weight and trouble sleeping. Although doctors may prescribe pharmaceutical drugs (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Zoloft and Prozac) to treat depression, SSRIs can feature toxic side effects and lead to suicidal thoughts. Finally, SSRIs are not effective for everybody. In fact, some experts estimate their success rate at a mediocre 50 percent or less! So, with no further ado, let’s get to the 10 best natural interventions for depression. Anti-Inflammatory Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Effective Natural Interventions for Depression Omega-3 fatty acids have shown the ability to help reduce chronic inflammation, which contributes to with depression. In one study involving children with depression and published in American Journal of Psychiatry, impressed researchers concluded that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids caused “highly significant” effects on symptom scores. Keep in mind, scientific language of trained researchers, deeming results “highly significant” amounts to an enthusiastic endorsement! And, a recent scientific review of studies concluded that omega-3’s were effective in treating depressed adults as well. While you can boost dietary intake with flax seeds, nuts, and cold-water fatty fish like salmon and sardines, supplementation may be needed for maximum mood-lifting benefit. Natural health experts typically suggest taking about 1,000 mg a day of omega-3-rich fish oil. Boost Mood with B-Complex Vitamins Essential B vitamins are important cofactors for the production of “chemical messengers” known as neurotransmitters. One of these, serotonin, is essential for stable mood and restful sleep. Deficiencies in these vitamins can disrupt the process, leading to mood disorders and impaired cognition. Specifically, low levels of folate (also known as vitamin B9) are closely linked with depression – so it’s no surprise that supplementation with folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, can promote the therapeutic effect of antidepressants. In a study published in Journal of Affective Disorders, patients receiving a combination of 500 micrograms of folic acid a day and the antidepressant Prozac experienced more relief of depressive symptoms – when compared with those who received the medication alone. Other B vitamins play an important role in psychological health as well. Deficiencies in Vitamin B12 can cause serious psychiatric disorders – which can be reversed with supplementation. And, supplementation with vitamin B6 – essential for serotonin synthesis – has been shown to markedly improve mood. You Can “Mellow Out” with Melatonin Melatonin, also known as the “sleep hormone,” is essential for regulating circadian rhythms. It also seems to play a role in lifting mood. Research has highlighted melatonin as one of the most effective natural interventions for depression. A controlled study of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women showed that taking melatonin nightly for six months led to significant improvement in depressive symptoms. In a separate study published in Clinical Psychopharmacology, 33 participants suffering from both major depression and sleep disorders took melatonin for four weeks – and also experienced improvement. Studies have used melatonin amounts between 3 and 6 mg, taken at bedtime. “Charge Up” Your Coenzyme Q10 Levels to Help Protect Against Depression Deficiencies in CoQ10, a vitamin-like nutrient produced in the body, have been linked with depression. A powerful antioxidant, CoQ10 helps to neutralize the harmful reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative stress. As oxidative stress is believed to trigger depression and neurodegenerative conditions, having sufficient levels of CoQ10 may help protect against them. CoQ10 is found in grass-fed beef, poultry, sardines and nuts. A natural health practitioner might recommend between 100 to 200 mg. per day. Vitamin D: The “Sunshine Vitamin” May Brighten Up Your Mood Vitamin D, which is produced in the skin in response to sunlight, plays an important role in mood. Unfortunately, shortfalls of this anti-inflammatory, antioxidant nutrient are quite common in the United States. And, deficiencies are linked with seasonal depression. In a Norwegian study published in Journal of Internal Medicine, high-amount supplementation with vitamin D3 was shown to improve symptoms of depression in obese and overweight participants. While individual needs vary according to age, weight, state of health and even local climate conditions, integrative doctors may suggest 1,000 to 8,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day, along with zinc, boron and magnesium. Guard Against Depression with DHEA DHEA, a hormone with the tongue-twisting name of dehydroepiandrosterone, regulates serotonin levels in the brain. In one controlled double-blind study published in Archives of General Psychiatry, researchers evaluated the effects of DHEA as a stand-alone therapy for both mild and severe depression. Participants were divided into three groups, with one group receiving dosages of 90 mg a day, a second group being given 450 mg, and the third given a placebo. The results were impressive. After three weeks, the team found that both DHEA groups experienced significant improvement in symptoms of depression when compared to the placebo group. Curcumin Helps Pharmaceutical Antidepressants Relieve Depression More Quickly Curcumin, the active ingredient in the medicinal spice turmeric, has been studied extensively for its potent antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects –and for its ability to lift mood and enhance cognitive function. Scientific research suggests that curcumin can protect levels of BDNF – a protein important for healthy brain function – while modulating serotonin signaling. In one clinical study involving individuals with new-onset depression, a 500-mg daily amount of curcumin was combined with an antidepressant. The researchers found that combining curcumin with medication brought about improvement more quickly than the medication alone. Remarkable Findings: Study Shows that Saffron Extracts Equal the Effects of Prozac Saffron, a common flavoring and coloring ingredient in Indian cuisine, contains a pair of powerful antioxidant carotenoids, crocin and safranal. Research has shown that saffron extracts work against depression in various ways, from fighting inflammation to neutralizing oxidative stress and protecting serotonin in the brain synapses. In one intriguing study, 30 mg per day of saffron extract a day was as effective for mild-to-moderate depression as Prozac (fluoxetine). Drug-Free Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Grows in Popularity Cognitive behavioral therapy centers on helping depressed individuals recognize negative thinking and replace it with more positive thoughts. Extensive clinical studies have shown cognitive behavioral therapy to be effective – both when used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other conventional treatments. A 2010 clinical trial showed that the technique effectively relieved depression in patients with COPD. In another study, CBT was found to be superior to drug therapy in several aspects. For a Natural Mood Lift: Get Physical Research suggests that exercise – particularly weight training and aerobic activities such as dancing, swimming, running and walking – can be highly beneficial when used in conjunction with medication to treat depression. In one recent study involving adults with major depression, physical exercise went head-to-head with Zoloft, one of the primary “go-to” SSRIs in mainstream medicine. The researchers concluded: four months of exercise worked about as well to relieve depression as the antidepressant. In addition, evidence supports the ability of exercise to prevent recurrent of depressive episodes. The truth is: the appropriate techniques, nutrients and supplements can go a long way towards brightening mood and easing depression and anxiety. As always, however, consult your trusted integrative doctor before trying any of these natural interventions for depression. Sources for this article include: LifeExtension.com, ADAA.org, NIH.gov, Gwern.net, NIH.gov, NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles by NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post Defeat Depression With These 10 Natural Interventions appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.