Saffron Persian herb for depression
Fri, 06 Apr 2007 22:35:26
Saffron is one of the most expensive herbs mainly
produced in Iran. Studies say saffron has
anti-depressant effect.
Iran, as the main producer of the herb, has carried out
several large surveys on its uses and possible side
effects. Dr. Shahin Akhondzadeh, at Ruzbeh Psychiatric
Hospital in Tehran University of Medical Sciences has
done several studies in this regard.
He found out that saffron is especially useful as an
anti-depressant without evident side effects when
compared with other currently used anti-depressants like
Prozac and Imipramine.
In addition, pharmacology studies done in Iran and Japan
have confirmed an anticonvulsant activity in the extract
of saffron.
Over 200 tons of the herb are produced worldwide, out of
which 85% is from Iran.
