Saffron Benefits for Sexual Health

The effects of saffronmay, in fact, make it one of the most potent natural sexual enhancers yet, according to a comprehensive study on natural plant aphrodisiacs conducted in Ontario, Canada in which only evidence based, credible, comparative natural medicine clinical studies were analyzed. It has been suggested that part of Saffron’s magical property is thought to be its enhancement of “lust” via certain neurotransmitters that stimulate libido or erogenous zones. Other saffron health benefits include lowering blood pleasure and stimulating blood dilation and respiration, according to studies.^[1]John P. Melnyk, Massimo F. Marcone. Aphrodisiacs from Plant and Animal Sources – A Review of Current Scientific Literature. Food Research International, 2011; DOI: 1016/j.foodres .2011.02.043

During the primary course of one study, the effect of Saffron (Crocus Sativus) was studied on male Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Twenty male patients with ED were followed for ten days in which each morning they took a tablet containing 200mg of saffron supplement. Patients underwent the nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test and the international index of erectile function questionnaire (IIEF-15) at the start of the treatment and at the end of the ten days. After the ten days of taking saffron there was a statistically significant improvement in tip rigidity and tip tumescence as well as base rigidity and base tumescence. ILEF-15 total scores were significantly higher in patients after saffron treatment. Saffron showed a positive effect on sexual function with increased number and duration of erectile events seen in patients with ED even only after taking it for ten days.^[2]Shamsa A, Hosseinzadeh H, Molaei M, Shakeri MT, Rajabi O. Evaluation of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on male erectile dysfunction: a pilot study. Phytomedicine. 2009 Aug;16(8):690-3. doi: … Continue reading

Saffron usage has clear demonstrative beneficial effects on sexual stimulation responses in several animal studies. ^[3]Hosseinzadeh H1, Ziaee T, Sadeghi A. The effect of saffron, Crocus sativus stigma, extract and its constituents, safranal and crocin on sexual behaviors in normal male rats. 2008 Jun;15(6-7):491-5. … Continue reading

Throughout studies with Saffron in comparison to the standard course drug therapy phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5 class)drugs; Viagra/sildenafil, Cialis/tadalafil, Levitra/vardenafil, what appears to be repeatedly reported is the significant reduction in the number, frequency and intensities of the common side effects associated with PDE 5 inhibitors. These include the two most common side effects – headaches and nausea. It should be noted that even with the global prevalence of these PDE5 inhibitor pharmaceutical medications for ED, almost half of men surveyed after 18 months discontinue their PDE5 therapy due primarily to the adverse effects of these medications.

Saffron is also an excellent natural product with promising medicinal properties to alleviate the stress-sex cycle so prominent in our western society. (Read more about Saffron and the Stress-Sex Cycle)