Saffron extract studied as a natural sunscreen

Can saffron work as a natural sunscreen?

In vitro, topical safranal nano-liposome formulations showed UV-absorbing (SPF) activity. This is a laboratory finding for a specific topical formulation. It does not mean eating saffron or applying raw saffron protects your skin. Do not rely on saffron in place of a tested broad-spectrum sunscreen; doing so risks sunburn and skin damage.

What the laboratory study found

Findings from Dr. Mahmoud Reza Jafari, a dermatologist and cosmetologist at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, indicate that safranal in saffron showed a stronger sunscreen effect than the standard sunscreen agent homosalate in laboratory testing.

In the same study, the protection factor of the safranal component at concentrations of 0.5% and 1% was significantly larger than the SPF of standard homosalate sunscreen at a concentration of 8%. Using nano-liposomes containing safranal, a high SPF was reached at very low concentrations. On this basis, the researchers suggest safranal could be explored as an ingredient to strengthen sunscreen products at low concentrations. These are early laboratory results, not a finished, tested consumer product.

Traditional uses of saffron

In traditional medicine, saffron has been used as an antispasmodic, for colds, coughs and digestive discomfort, and as a stimulant and tonic. These are historical, traditional uses rather than confirmed medical treatments.

Saffron and cancer research

In laboratory (in vitro) and animal (in vivo) studies, whole saffron stigma extract and its main components crocin and safranal have shown anti-tumor activity, and saffron has inhibited skin cancer in animal models. Saffron also absorbs ultraviolet light in laboratory tests. These are early-stage findings in cells and animals only. They do not show that saffron prevents, treats, or cures cancer in people, and saffron should not be used in place of medical care.