A saffron-based supplement may improve the psycho-emotional state of patients with Parkinson’s disease by reducing levels of inflammatory responses. The results of the corresponding clinical study were published in the journal Food & Function (F&F).
The study was designed as a triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial and involved 92 patients with Parkinson’s disease. The experiment lasted 12 weeks. One group received 100 mg of saffron powder daily, while the other received a placebo. As a result, patients in the main group showed a significant reduction in levels of C-reactive protein, one of the key markers of systemic inflammation. Cognitive performance also improved, and the severity of anxiety and depression decreased.
Additional positive effects of the spice included better sleep quality, reduced fatigue, and lower subjective psychological distress. Experts also observed improvements in mobility, the ability to cope with everyday tasks, and overall well-being.
The authors attribute these improvements to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of saffron’s biologically active compounds. While saffron cannot replace standard treatment for Parkinson’s disease, it may have potential as a safe adjunct therapy. Final conclusions, however, will require larger-scale clinical studies.
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