Saffron helps insomnia patients by improving duration and quality of sleep: Study

Written By :  Dr Satabdi Saha
Medically Reviewed By :  Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli
Published On 2021-05-06 05:45 GMT   |   Update On 2021-05-06 08:50 GMT
Advertisement

Saffron, dried stigmas of the plant Crocus sativus L. used in traditional medicine, and its compounds, safranal, crocins, and crocetin have been largely studied for their effects on depression and anxiety in humans . Additionally, saffron seems to induce beneficial effects on sleep duration and quality, as evidenced by previous reports using different approaches and protocols. Some studies used a whole saffron extract, others tested the effects of its active compound crocetin .

Advertisement

A recent research report has highlighted that saffron extract could be a natural and safe nutritional strategy to improve sleep duration and quality.the interesting findings have been put forth in Nutrients.

With this background, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of a standardized saffron extract on sleep quality using both questionnaires and actimeters .

For the study design, Sixty-six subjects were randomized and supplemented with a placebo (maltodextrin) or a saffron extract (15.5 mg per day) for 6 weeks. Actigraphy was used to collect objective data related to sleep quality at baseline, at the middle and at the end of the intervention. Sleep quality was also assessed by completion of the LSEQ and PSQI questionnaires and quality of life by completion of the SF-36 questionnaire.

Results highlighted the following facts.

  • Six weeks of saffron supplementation led to an increased time in bed assessed by actigraphy, An improved ease of getting to sleep evaluated by the LSEQ questionnaire and to an improved sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, and global scores evaluated by the PSQI questionnaire, whereas those parameters were not modified by the placebo.
  • 6-week saffron extract supplementation reduced pain feeling, improved physical global score, and reduced emotional limitation, assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire.
  • Of note, the saffron baseline values of physical functioning, bodily pain, and general health were slightly lower than the placebo baseline values,
  • Saffron supplementation was safe, as no differences in mild and moderate adverse events were reported between both groups.

"The mechanisms of action of saffron extract on sleep quality and sleep duration is not totally known. Looking at the effects of the active compounds of saffron, safranal was found to activate the sleep-promoting neurons from the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO) and inhibit the wakefulness-promoting neurons from the tuberomammillary nuclei (TMN) in vitro."the research team quoted.

Observing the results the team concluded that ,"The present study provides additional evidence that a saffron extract could be an interesting natural and safe nutritional strategy to improve sleep duration and quality of sleep on population presented mild to moderate chronic primary sleep disorder."

For full article follow the link: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051473

Primary source:Nutrients


Tags:    
Article Source : Nutrients

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News