Condition
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an eye condition in which the central part of the retina, the macula, gradually wears down, blurring the sharp vision needed for reading and recognizing faces. Saffron is the main supplement studied, and its plant compounds crocin and safranal may protect the light-sensing cells of the retina. Even so, the evidence is limited, and a small trial of 60 people found no clear difference in macular thickness, so it remains unclear how much saffron helps.
- Supplements studied
- 2
- Graded outcomes
- 1
- Trials
- 4
- People studied
- 3,266
Evidence by supplement
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macular Thickness No effect | NoneNo effect | 60 people | ||||
| Visual acuity (VA) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3 studies | 133 people | |||
Studies that measured visual acuity (va)
| ||||||
| Retinal Function | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 160 people | |||
Studies that measured retinal function | ||||||
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Decline | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 3,073 people | |||
Key findings
- Macular Thickness
The Age-Related Macular Degeneration protocol
1 primary supplement · 4 supporting supplements
- AREDS2 Formula (Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Vitamin C, E, Zinc, Copper)Standard AREDS2 formula daily
Studies cited
6 studies from PubMed
- Influence of saffron supplementation on retinal flicker sensitivity in early age-related macular degeneration
- Short-term Outcomes of Saffron Supplementation in Patients with Age-related Macular Degeneration: A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomized Trial
- Saffron therapy for the treatment of mild/moderate age-related macular degeneration: a randomised clinical trial
- Functional effect of Saffron supplementation and risk genotypes in early age-related macular degeneration: a preliminary report
- Beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid on cognition in age-related cognitive decline
- Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Lutein/Zeaxanthin, or Other Nutrient Supplementation on Cognitive Function: The AREDS2 Randomized Clinical Trial