Saffron supplements might help with erectile dysfunction, study suggests

An experimental study in Iran found that taking saffron supplements twice daily for 4 weeks helps with erectile dysfunction. Erectile function improved after the treatment period in the group taking saffron capsules compared to the control group. All other measured aspects of sexual function improved significantly compared to the control group, except for orgasmic function. The paper was published in Herbal Medicines Journal.

Saffron is a spice made from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. It is one of the most expensive spices in the world due to the labor-intensive harvesting process. Saffron has been used for centuries in cooking, traditional medicine, and as a natural dye. The spice contains several bioactive compounds, including crocin, crocetin, safranal, and picrocrocin, which are believed to contribute to its potential health effects.

Saffron is also sold in the form of capsules or supplements. Saffron supplements contain concentrated forms of bioactive compounds of saffron. People take saffron supplements for mood improvement, as some studies suggest benefits for mild to moderate depression and anxiety. They are also sometimes used to support sleep quality and reduce stress. Some evidence indicates that saffron may help reduce appetite and contribute to modest weight management effects. Research has also explored saffron’s potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Study author Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan and his colleagues wanted to investigate the effects of saffron capsules on erectile dysfunction in men. They note that saffron might be able to affect sexual functioning both by exerting effects on neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and by increasing blood circulation to the genitals. Additionally, these researchers state that saffron and its derivatives increase the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which leads to increased libido in men.

Study participants were 24 men with erectile dysfunction. To be included in the study, they were required to be over 18 years of age and married, to have mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, and to not be taking any other medications for this condition. Participants’ average age was approximately 36 years.

Study authors randomly divided participants into two groups. One group took 2 capsules containing 15mg of saffron twice daily for 4 weeks. The other group did not receive any treatment. Before and after the treatment, participants completed an assessment of sexual functioning that included erectile function, orgasm function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction.

Results showed that, after the 4-week study period, all aspects of erectile functioning improved in the group that was taking saffron capsules. Interestingly, all other aspects of sexual functioning also improved. However, when compared to the control group, the improvements were statistically significant in all areas except for orgasmic function.

“The findings of the present research indicated that saffron could affect all dimensions of erectile dysfunction. Due to the safety of this herbal medication, saffron could be consumed for the recovery of sexual efficiency,” study authors concluded.

The study contributes to the scientific understanding of the therapeutic potentials of saffron supplements. However, it should be noted that this was an open-label study in which participants were fully aware of the treatment they were undergoing, that the control group underwent no treatment (instead of receiving a placebo), and that the main outcome assessment was based on self-reports. This leaves a lot of room for the results to be a product of the Hawthorne effect (or placebo effect)—i.e., participants changing their behavior or self-reports because they are aware that they are being observed and treated, in line with their views of what study authors’ expectations might be.

The paper, “Effects of Saffron on Erectile Dysfunction in Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” was authored by Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan, Seyede Fatemeh Ahmadpoori, Aliaskar Askari, Omid Soufi, Ali Mohammad Parviniannasab, and Hamed Delam.