Saffron is a spice derived from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. It has long been attributed with a variety of beneficial health properties, including potentially positive effects on libido and sexual function.
Some preliminary studies and a few clinical trials have suggested that saffron may have a positive impact on libido and sexual function. It has been reported that saffron can improve certain aspects of erectile function in men, increase sexual satisfaction, as well as stimulate sexual desire and arousal in women.
There are scientific studies on the specific effect of saffron on libido:
- A 2014 study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine evaluated the effects of saffron on sexual function in postmenopausal women. The women took saffron or a placebo for 4 weeks. Results showed that the saffron group had a significant increase in sexual desire and sexual satisfaction compared with the placebo group.
- Another study: "Crocus sativus (saffron) in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction: a three-center, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial" examines the effects of saffron supplements on female sexual dysfunction.
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METHODS
Parallel-group, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Participants were women aged 18-55 with severe sexual dysfunction, who were randomized to receive either saffron capsules 15 mg twice daily or placebo.
Treatment continued for 6 weeks and patients were assessed every 2 weeks.
The primary endpoint was change in the Female Sexual Function Index score.
Seventy-four patients were randomized equally to each group, and 34 in each group completed the trial.
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RESULTS
During the 6 th week of follow-up, the saffron group recorded a 62% improvement in score compared with baseline.
Desire, lubrication and satisfaction were areas of the Female Sexual Function Index in which saffron demonstrated superiority over placebo.
Conclusion:
The results of this study suggest that saffron could be a safe and effective option for improving female sexual dysfunction.
Further in-depth research is warranted.
- A study published in 2012 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology evaluated the effects of saffron on sexual function in men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Researchers administered either saffron or a placebo for 10 days. The results showed a significant improvement in erectile function in the saffron group compared with the placebo group.
- Another study published in 2013 in the Journal of Urology evaluated the effect of saffron in men with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. Participants took saffron or a placebo for 4 weeks. Results showed that the saffron group had a significant improvement in erectile function compared with the placebo group.
These studies therefore suggest that saffron can have positive effects on libido and sexual function, in both men and women.