Saffron, the world’s most expensive spice and a powerful antioxidant

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, an autumn-flowering perennial plant, commonly known as the "saffron crocus". Almost all saffron grows in a belt from Spain in the west to Kashmir in the east. Saffron is one of the world's most expensive spices by weight, its prices at wholesale and retail rates range from US$500 to US$5,000 per pound, or US$1,100–11,000/kg.

Except being widely used in Persian, Indian, European and Arab cuisines, Saffron also has impressive health benefits.  Saffron is rich in plant compounds that act as antioxidants, such as crocin, crocetin, and kaempferol. Antioxidants help protect your cells against oxidative stress. Saffron may help treat symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression, but more studies are needed before definite recommendations can be made.  Saffron is high in antioxidants, which may help kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. However, more human research is needed. Both eating and smelling saffron appears to help treat PMS symptoms, such as irritability, headaches, cravings, pain, and anxiety. Saffron may have aphrodisiac properties for both men and women and may especially help those taking antidepressants. Saffron has been shown to reduce snacking and curb your appetite. In turn, these behaviors may help you lose weight. Saffron has been linked to other health benefits that have not yet been extensively studied, it has been linked to several other potential health benefits, such as improved heart disease risk, blood sugar levels, eyesight, and memory. However, more studies are needed to draw stronger conclusions.

Nonetheless, since saffron, as in dehydrated form, does not have a high margin of safety, so care should be taken during supplementation. We highly recommend saffron extracts as a safe alternative to saffron. Laybio is a wholesale bulk supplier of saffron extracts that sold in powder, tablet, capsule and tincture forms. please feel free to contact our sales team should you have any question about our premium saffron extracts.