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Saffron Extract Dosage Guide

Evidence:Strong
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

General Dosage

28-30mg standardized saffron extract daily (affron or equivalent)

Maximum dose: 100mg/day of standardized extract (doses up to 200mg studied short-term without toxicity, but no additional benefit)

Dosage Recommendations

General recommendation: 28-30mg standardized saffron extract daily (affron or equivalent)

Timing: Morning for mood support; evening for sleep benefits. Can be split into two 14-15mg doses.

Dosage by Condition

Mood support / mild depression
28-30mg standardized extract dailyStrong
Sleep quality
28mg affron daily, taken in the eveningModerate
PMS symptoms
30mg saffron extract daily through the luteal phaseModerate
Anxiety
30mg dailyEmerging

Upper limit: 100mg/day of standardized extract (doses up to 200mg studied short-term without toxicity, but no additional benefit)

Timing & Absorption

Morning for mood support; evening for sleep benefits. Can be split into two 14-15mg doses.

Can be taken with or without food.

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References

  1. Meta-analysisHausenblas HA, Saha D, Dubyak PJ, Anton SD (2013). Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Integrative Medicine. DOI PubMed
  2. RCTAkhondzadeh S, Fallah-Pour H, Afkham K, Jamshidi AH, Khalighi-Cigaroudi F (2004). Comparison of Crocus sativus L. and imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a pilot double-blind randomized trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. DOI PubMed
  3. ReviewLopresti AL, Drummond PD (2014). Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Human Psychopharmacology. DOI PubMed
  4. RCTAgha-Hosseini M, Kashani L, Aleyaseen A, et al. (2008). Crocus sativus L. (saffron) in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. DOI PubMed
  5. RCTLopresti AL, Smith SJ, Marx W, Díez-Municio M, et al. (2025). An Examination into the Effects of a Saffron Extract (Affron) on Mood and General Wellbeing in Adults Experiencing Low Mood: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.. The Journal of nutrition. DOI PubMed
  6. RCTAmadieu C, Leyrolle Q, Farneti M, Anesi A, et al. (2025). Effect of saffron extract supplementation on mood in healthy adults with subclinical symptoms of depression: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study.. The American journal of clinical nutrition. DOI PubMed
  7. RCTLang L, Ditton A, Stanescu A, Jainani V, et al. (2025). A standardised saffron extract improves subjective and objective sleep quality in healthy older adults with sleep complaints: results from the gut-sleep-brain axis randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.. Food & function. DOI PubMed
Show 5 more references
  1. RCTDormal V, Suchareau M, Copine S, Simar L, et al. (2025). The Effects of Combined Scutellaria and Saffron Supplementation on Mood Regulation in Participants with Mild-to-Moderate Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
  2. Vakili R, Mokhtarpour A, Hosseini Ghaffari SA (2025). Functional Feed for Laying Hens: Application of Saffron Extract as Eco-Friendly Supplement With Cholesterol-Lowering Properties.. Veterinary medicine and science. DOI PubMed
  3. Mirfeizi SZ, Abdolahi N, Fatemi A, Aghaei M, et al. (2025). Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Saffron in Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.. Current rheumatology reviews. DOI PubMed
  4. Giannoulaki P, Kotzakioulafi E, Nakas A, Kontoninas Z, et al. (2024). Effect of Crocus sativus Extract Supplementation in the Metabolic Control of People with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
  5. Blasco-Fontecilla H, Moyano-Ramírez E, Méndez-González O, Rodrigo-Yanguas M, et al. (2022). Effectivity of Saffron Extract (Saffr'Activ) on Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Clinical Effectivity Study.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed