Acceptance of Persian saffron standards by European countries

Acceptance of Persian saffron standards by European countries

Fasletejarat: Europeans have accepted that the supplied saffron on Iran's stock exchange has a high standard; also, stock prices are the basis rate these countries have accepted. A Saffron market expert said that in line with Iranian saffron price realization and becoming a global reference rate, we are considering establishing a warehouse approved by the stock exchange in Belgium, to transfer the accepted saffron in the stock exchange with a European trademark into the warehouse; as well as we intend to trade the valuable goods in euros and deliver them in Europe, Reports Fasletejarat News.

He also added we are trying to add the warehouse to the list of warehouses accepted in the stock exchanges by the end of this year to manage export transactions of saffron accepted in the stock exchange directly in European destinations. The market expert announced that today, saffron prices in commodity exchanges, are accepted by Europeans. He also added, that due to the appropriate standards that have been set by the stock exchange for Iran Saffron, now European countries have accepted that Iran saffron supplied by the Iran Stock Exchange contains high standards and quality. Europeans have accepted prices set by the Stock Exchange as the basis rate of Saffron.

He emphasized that due to the supply of saffron in the stock exchanges over the past months, Spain is currently based its prices and transactions on the determined prices of saffron in the stock exchange. So we are going to establish a standard warehouse under a stock exchange to be able to deliver the standard product to European customers in Europe.

Farmers’ participation in the stock trading 

The saffron market expert said that during recent years, a large number of farmers have managed trends of saffron supply and demand on the stock exchange and have participated in trading, he also emphasized that the stock exchange organization through training and encouraging farmers to standardize Iran saffron was able to increase the quality of saffron and become a standard basis for European markets. So today, European markets gain their standard indicators from the Iran Mercantile Exchange.

Pharmaceutical values of Persian Saffron 

Studies have shown that a 30mg daily intake of saffron can be effective like the drugs fluoxetine, imipramine, and citalopram in the treatment of depression. In addition, people using saffron faced fewer side effects compared to other treatments.

Evidence has proved both the petals and stigma of Persian saffron are effective in improving mild to moderate depression. However, more human research in this area is required to be conducted before recommending anyone to use saffron as a treatment for depression.

Persian saffron is a great anti-depressant, without side effects

Anticancer properties

Persian Saffron is a rich source of antioxidants that help to neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radical damage is associated with chronic diseases such as cancer.

Some studies have shown that contents of saffron can help to destroy colon cancer cells or suppress their growth, without harm to normal and healthy cells. This mechanism has also been observed in cancer cells of the skin, bone marrow, prostate, lung, breast, and cervix.

On the other hand, some studies have indicated that Crocin, the main antioxidant of saffron, may make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs.

While these results are promising, the anti-cancer properties of saffron in humans have not been widely studied and further research is required.

Reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome is a term that defines physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that occur before a woman’s period has begun.

Studies have shown that saffron may help improve the symptoms of these conditions.
In a study on women between 20 to 45 years, a 30 mg daily intake of saffron in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome symptoms, such as irritability, headaches, food cravings, and pain was proved more effective than a placebo.

Another study showed that only smelling saffron for 20 minutes can reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as anxiety, and lower cortisol stress hormone levels. 

Health benefits of saffron

Improve sexual performance

Products for increased sexual ability include foods or supplements that can strengthen sexual desire.

Studies show that Iranian saffron may have sexual-enhancing properties, especially for those who use anti-depressant drugs.

In a clinical trial on men who suffered from erectile dysfunction associated with taking antidepressants, a significant improvement in erectile function was seen in patients with daily use of 30 mg saffron for four weeks compared to patients treated with placebo.

Results of an analysis including six studies showed that saffron consumption significantly improved erectile function, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction.

Data from another study indicated that a 30 mg daily intake of saffron for four weeks in women with low sexual desire due to the use of antidepressant drugs has led to increased sexual desire and can reduce pain related to sexual intercourse compared with those taking a placebo.

Reduce appetite and help lose weight

Eating snacks is a common habit that can put you at risk of unwanted weight gain. According to research on Iranian saffron, saffron may help prevent these conditions by reducing appetite.

In an eight-week study, women who had used saffron felt more satiety, used fewer snacks and lost more weight than women who received a placebo.

Another research shows that saffron supplements can curb appetite and food cravings significantly and reduce body mass index (IBM), waist circumference, and total fat mass in the participants compared to the control group. 

Other health benefits of Iran saffron

Iran saffron also has other health benefits, which have not been studied yet.

Saffron may help to reduce the risks of vascular diseases. Results of laboratory studies on animal subjects show that anti-oxidant properties can reduce blood cholesterol and prevent thrombosis in blood vessels.

Saffron may lower blood sugar levels. Research on animal subjects such as mice with diabetes, and other laboratory studies have shown that saffron may decrease blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity.

There is evidence that Iran’s Saffron can improve visual acuity in adults with macular degeneration, typically in older people. It seems that Saffron can improve vision in people with these conditions and protect them against free radicals damage which are produced in age-related macular degeneration.

Saffron may also strengthen memory in adults with Alzheimer's disease. Some researches show that the antioxidant properties of Persian saffron may improve cognitive function in adults with Alzheimer's disease.

Risks, precautions, and dosage

Saffron is generally a safe product for consumption with little or no side effects. Using standard amounts of saffron in cooking does not cause side effects in humans.

Iran’s saffron is a valuable dietary supplement, 1.5 grams of saffron per day is safe and will not cause any side effects. However, only 30 mg of saffron a day would be sufficient to take advantage of its health benefits.

On the other hand, receiving 5 g or more saffron can have toxic effects. It is suggested that pregnant women should avoid using high doses of saffron, it may lead to abortion.

As with any other supplement, consult your physician before using supplements of saffron.