Saffron shows promise for treatment of retinal disease
Q: Several years ago I was diagnosed with the early stages of agerelated macular degeneration (AMD). My eye doctor prescribed Avastin injections into the eye. Later, he changed the injection to Eylea.
In addition, I started taking both saffron and hesperidin supplements to reduce inflammation and leaky blood vessels. So far, this regimen is working well for me. I am still driving, something I was told would not be possible if my vision deteriorated.
My eye doctor rolls his eyes when I mention the supplements. Is there any science to support these natural remedies?
A: Aflibercept (Eylea) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating wet AMD. In this condition, blood vessels in the retina begin to leak. The resulting fluid buildup at the back of the eye impairs vision, especially in the middle of the visual field. The supplements you mention have not been approved by the FDA for treating AMD.
However, European researchers have found evidence supporting saffron. For example, Italian scientists found that saffron stabilizes vision both in rats exposed to harmful light and in people with AMD (Antioxidants, July 17, 2019). Spanish researchers considered studies of saffron against retinal disease (Neural Regeneration Research, August 2020). They concluded, “This review showed that saffron extracts could be considered promising therapeutic agents to help in the treatment of ocular neurodegenerative diseases.”
In addition, French investigators report positive results from crocin and crocetin, compounds derived from saffron (Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, Dec. 8, 2020). There has been much less research on hesperidin, a flavonoid found in citrus fruit.
Q: I have been having trouble falling asleep. I cannot get my mind to stop churning. I tried melatonin, but it didn’t help. Then I read that an Indian herb called ashwagandha might be helpful. So far, taking it before bedtime seems to help me calm down and fall asleep. What should I know about ashwagandha?
A: A systematic review of five randomized controlled trials found that ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) “has a beneficial effect in improving sleep in adults” (PloS One, Sept. 24, 2021). That review did not turn up any serious side effects, but some people find that it can give them headaches, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Others have reported elevated liver enzymes.
Other herbs that have traditionally been used to overcome insomnia include valerian, passionflower, lemon balm and hops. Lavender, when used as aromatherapy, can also help people relax and get to sleep (Medicine, March 5, 2021).
Q: I’m one of the people whose cholesterol goes up when I drink unfiltered coffee. Will the Keurig or other coffee machines that use pods do the same?
A: Unfiltered coffee, such as the kind you get when you use a French press, could raise cholesterol. Compounds in coffee such as cafestol and kahweol are thought to be the culprits.
Filters can remove these chemicals from coffee. Pods do contain small filters. It is not clear, however, whether they can eliminate cafestol as well as larger paper or fabric filters.