Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi and Ohashi, previously Phaseolus calcaratus, is a warm-season annual vine legume with yellow flowers and small edible beans. It is commonly called ricebean or rice bean. To date, it is little known, little researched and little exploited. It is regarded as a minor food and fodder crop and is often grown as intercrop or mixed crop with maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) or cowpea (V. unguiculata), as well as a sole crop in the uplands, on a very limited area. ...

vigna umbellata

What-is-saffron?

What is saffron?

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It is known that saffron is offered in "threads" or stigmas, which are actually the stamens of a flower &ndash; crocus Crocus sativus &ndash; that thrives in the hot climatic conditions of the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East. 1

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It is not the rarity of the flowers themselves that makes saffron so expensive, but their short range for flowering, low yield and the cost of human labor needed to collect the gentle reproductive parts. Here we are talking about hard work with tweezers, and not about magic machines for extracting stamens.

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Like many of the most complexly flavored food products in the world - chartreuse, truffles, etc. - the exact taste of saffron is difficult to describe. It tastes like saffron that can't be compared to any other. You can say its taste is smokey, intoxicating or bright, slightly bitter or semi-sweet, but for this purpose you must first try it.

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Despite all this complexity, however, saffron goes remarkably well with a wide variety of other foods, from rice and pasta to vegetables to meat (and even dessert).

What-are-the-benefits-of-saffron?

What are the benefits of saffron? 

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Antidepressant-action

Antidepressant action 

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Enough evidence has been accumulated to make sure that saffron has remarkable antidepressant effects superior to placebo. Some studies have tested saffron against reference drugs, such as selective serotonin reabsorption inhibitors, and found that the effects were comparable, although saffron still has less evidence and less real-world experience than many drugs.&nbsp;

Antistress-action

Antistress action  

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In addition, saffron appears to have an anti-stress effect, although the evidence for this is still insufficient and more research is needed in specific anxiety disorders. Some preliminary research suggests it may help relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, various inflammatory conditions, and improved sleep, but much more research is needed to be sure of its efficacy for these purposes.

Powerful-antioxidant

Powerful antioxidant 

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Saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds. They act as antioxidants molecules that protect your cells from free radicals and oxidative stress. The remarkable antioxidants in saffron include:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Crocin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Crocetin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Safranal</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kaempferol</li></ul>Crocin and crocetin are carotenoid pigments responsible for the red color of saffron. Both compounds can provide the following benefits:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Have antidepressant properties</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Protects brain cells from progressive damage</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Control inflammation</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reduces appetite</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Aids in weight &nbsp;loss <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26468457/" target="_blank" data-ref="The effects of Crocus sativus (saffron) and its constituents on nervous system: A review - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>Safranal gives saffron its distinctive taste and aroma. Research has shown that it can help improve mood, memory, and learning ability, as well as protect brain&nbsp; cells from damage. 3

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Finally, kaempferol is found in the petals of saffron. This compound has been linked to health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, anti-cancer properties, and antidepressant activity. 4

Saffron can help you improve your mood and overcome anxiety. In a review of 5 studies, saffron supplements were significantly more effective than placebo at treating symptoms of mild to moderate depression. 6 Still, larger studies on people with more participants are needed before experts can recommend saffron as a treatment for depression.

Anticancer-action

Anticancer action

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Saffron is high in antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radical damage has been linked to chronic diseases, including the development of cancer.

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In in vitro studies, saffron and its compounds have been shown to selectively kill colon cancer cells or inhibit their growth, leaving healthy cells unharmed. 6 This effect also applies to cancers of the skin, bone marrow, prostate, lung, breast, cervix, and several other types of cancer cells. 7

Aphrodisiac

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Aphrodisiacs are foods or supplements that help boost your libido. Studies have shown that saffron may have aphrodisiac properties especially in people taking antidepressants.&nbsp;

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For example, taking 30 mg. Saffron daily for 4 weeks significantly improved erectile function compared to placebo in men with erectile dysfunction associated with antidepressants. 8

Control-of-appetite-and-weight-loss

Control of appetite and weight loss 

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There are several studies according to which saffron can help curb appetite. In one 8-week study, women taking saffron supplements felt significantly fuller, ate less often, and lost significantly more weight than the women in the placebo group.

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In another 8-week study, taking a saffron extract supplement helped significantly reduce appetite, body mass index, waist circumference, and total adipose tissue. 9

Relieving-PMS-symptoms

Relieving PMS symptoms 

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Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a term that describes physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms occurring before the menstrual cycle begins.&nbsp;

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Studies have shown that saffron can help treat PMS symptoms. In women aged 20-45 years, taking 30 mg. Saffron daily was more effective than placebo at treating PMS symptoms such as irritability, headaches, appetite, and pain syndrome. 10

Prevention-of-heart-disease

Prevention of heart disease 

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Animal studies and in vitro tests have shown that saffron's antioxidant properties can lower blood cholesterol and prevent blockage of blood vessels and arteries.&nbsp;

Lowering-blood-sugar-levels

Lowering blood sugar levels 

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Saffron can lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity, as shown in vitro studies in mice with diabetes.&nbsp;

How-can-you-use-saffron?

How can you use saffron? 

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Saffron is often used in dishes with rice, paella and risotto, as well as in Indian curry and Iranian stews. It is also used to flavor some cheeses and liqueurs. Let's take a look at some of the possibilities.

Culinary-uses

Culinary uses 

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Saffron is most often used in cooking as a flavor enhancer or colorant. When used for cooking, the spice releases essential oils that emit a floral aroma and give a unique bitterness. This combination creates a distinctive taste that can not be reproduced by any other spice. A small pinch of spice added to a dish can help a lot in terms of taste. Due to its strong taste, it is often used sparingly.

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Paella is a Spanish dish traditionally made with rice, beans, meat and seafood, flavored with saffron. Another famous dish that uses the spice is risotto alla Milanese, an Italian rice dish made with broth and flavored with parmesan and white wine. The bouillabaisse seafood soup from Marseille also traditionally includes saffron as one of its main ingredients.

Medical-uses

Medical uses 

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Historically, saffron has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient Roman times, when it was prescribed as an antispasmodic medicine for menstrual pain by Pliny the Elder.

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Today, some studies show that consuming small amounts of saffron (between 0.5 5 grams per day) can help reduce symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome, such as bloating and cramping. Although there is not enough scientific evidence to support these claims, it is worth noting that traditional medicine has relied on saffron for these purposes for centuries.

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Saffron's supposed properties don't stop there &mdash; the spice is also thought to act as an antidepressant. One study showed that taking 30 mg. Safranal daily significantly improved symptoms associated with mild to moderate depression after 6 weeks compared to placebo.

How-to-store-saffron?

How to store saffron? 

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Since the spice is so expensive, it is important to store it properly.

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<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">To store saffron, place it in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The spice will stay fresh for up to six months if stored properly.</li></ol>

Saffron is a unique spice that has been used for centuries in both culinary and traditional medicine. It is made from the stigmas of the purple flower called Crocus sativus, which blooms for only a few weeks each year. Saffron is native to Southwest Asia and the majority of the global supply comes from Iran, and its remarkable benefits are assured by both various studies and folk medicine. In some of these areas, however, more research is needed to show its efficacy and reveal the potential of saffron for various health problems.

11 Remarkable Health Benefits of Saffron

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Бетина Цветкова

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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Osteoporosis is a disease that mainly affects women after menopause. Unfortunately, only then do we start thinking about it, and measures can be taken much earlier. For example, active sports at a young age is a factor that is often overlooked, but in fact has a strong positive effect on bone density and therefore their strength later in life.

Role-of-herbs-in-the-treatment-and-prevention-of-osteoporosis

Role of herbs in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis

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Studies are also being carried out on various herbs and medicinal plants that can be used to increase bone density and combat osteoporosis. They may serve as a complementary medicine to the main treatment, especially in postmenopausal women.

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Some of these plants have estrogen-like properties that are important for bone health. It is good to keep in mind that herbal treatments are supportive and have a slow effect, and therefore it is recommended to use them for prevention and maintenance, and not as a single treatment.

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Herbs can exert an impact on inflammatory processes and metabolism, reduce bone destruction and help preserve calcium in the body.

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Eleuthero-(Acanthopanax-senticosus)

Eleuthero (Acanthopanax senticosus)

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The herb is also called &nbsp;devil's bush, Siberian ginseng, ciwujia, Devil's shrub, shigoka, touch-me-not, wild pepper, or kan jang. A study by Hwang et al. has found that taking 3 grams of powdered extract of the herb per day for 6 months leads to positive effects on bone structure in menopausal women. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/The_effects_of_Acanthopanax_senticosus_extract_on_bone_turnover_and_bone_mineral_density_in_Korean_postmenopausal_women_19452124" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

Red-clover-(Trifolium-pratense)-contains-estrogen-like-compounds

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) contains estrogen-like compounds

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It is believed that red clover contains estrogen-like compounds, which may be due to its potential positive effect on bone density observed in some studies. [<a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/689138/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

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Unfortunately, these estrogen-like compounds may interact adversely with other medications, as well as not be suitable for some patients suffering or prone to other diseases (for example, estrogen-dependent breast cancer) therefore a preliminary consultation with a doctor is necessary.

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Soybeans-(Glycine-max)-may-have-a-protective-effect-on-bones

Soybeans (Glycine max) may have a protective effect on bones

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Soybeans contain isoflavons - they also resemble estrogen, and it is believed that for this reason they can have a protective effect on bones against loss of density.

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Many different studies have found such an effect of taking soy isoflavons. But here is also the same warning about the likelihood of interaction and adverse effects in some patients. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/The_pros_and_cons_of_phytoestrogens_20347861" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

Genistein

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Phytoestrogen genistein also belongs to the group of isoflavons and has an oestrogen-like effect. For the first time, the substance is isolated from the plant dyer's greenweed or dyer's broom&nbsp;(Genista tinctoria), from whose Latin name comes the name of the substance.

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Genistein is also found in soybeans (Glycine max), lupine (Lupinus), broad beans or fava bean (Vicia faba), Psoralea, kudzu (Japanese arrowroot or Chinese arrowroot), coffee.

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Various studies [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Effects_of_genistein_and_hormone_replacement_therapy_on_bone_loss_in_early_postmenopausal_women_a_randomized_double_blind_placebo_controlled_study_12369794" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>] establish the effectiveness of this phytoestrogen in osteoporosis, and the mechanisms and contraindications are similar to those described above.

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Chinese-traditional-medicine-and-herbal-combinations

Chinese traditional medicine and herbal combinations

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A number of herbal combinations of Chinese traditional medicine have shown effectiveness against osteoporosis. [<a href="http://j.skums.ac.ir/Article/jskums-90" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>] Here we will focus on some of them:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Yang Huo San Zi Tang - contains seeds of white mustard (Sinapis alba), shiso seeds (Perilla frutescens), daikon turnip seeds (Raphanus sativus var. Longipinnatus);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Yigu of capsules - contains common wheat (Triticum aestivum), dried fruits of Psoralea corylifolia, sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), Xanthium sibiricum, bitter apricot nuts, ricebean (Vigna umbellata).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bo-gu Ling;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Classic Yin and Yang Tonic Formula - contains a variety of phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, lignans and coumarin;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Xian Ling GuBao - consists of 9 herbs, among which Еpimedium, psoralen, Rehmannia root, danshen or also known as red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza), Anemarrhena asphodeloides&nbsp;and others.</li>
</ul>

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Some herbs and herbal combinations have a positive effect on osteoporosis, especially in menopausal women. However, due to the similarity of the active substances in these medicinal plants with the hormone estrogen, which are due to their effects, it is necessary to carefully monitor the therapy and the approach to each patient should be individual, according to their medical history, diseases and medications they use.

vigna umbellata

Bone density in osteoporosis: which herbs may improve it