Saffron use- better than chocholate for "happiness"

Saffron Said to Ease PMS Depression

2008-04-19
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8701310736


TEHRAN (FNA)- Saffron spice might help to prevent mild depression and the premenstrual syndrome, findings of a recent research by Iranian scientists suggested.

Saffron, also known as the red gold, is the world's most expensive spice and is used mainly in aromatic cooking. It has also been used to help with stomach pain, digestive problems and even depression.

Dr. Agha-Hosseini and colleagues at Tehran University of Medical Sciences tested 50 women with saffron capsules and placebos to examine the effect of the spice, a report by the press tv said.

An article published in an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology showed that three-quarters of the women taking the saffron pills reported a 50 percent reduction in their PMS-related depression symptoms. Only 8 percent of women in the placebo group showed improvement.

These findings, according to the researchers, support the idea that saffron may affect serotonin activity, which is known to be a major factor in depression.

Iranians traditionally believe that saffron cheers up users and causes immediate laughter.