Saffron Stigmas Extract in Retina Clear: What It Is and What the Research Says
Retina ClearThe costly spice, studied in small trials for retinal function.
Retina ClearWhat it is
Saffron comes from the dried stigmas of the crocus flower. Its color and activity come from crocin and crocetin, plus safranal.
What research says
Small trials, including a study published in 2010 (Falsini and colleagues) in people with early age-related macular degeneration, reported that daily saffron improved retinal flicker sensitivity over a few months. The studies were small and short, and larger confirmation is still needed.
How Retina Clear uses it
Saffron in the blend is an interesting inclusion because it has some human retinal data. But the trial used a specified daily amount of 20 mg, and Retina Clear does not tell you how much of the extract is inside each capsule.
Quick answer
Can saffron help the retina?
Early trials are promising, but they are small. It is an ingredient worth watching, not a proven therapy.