Skip to main content
SupplementScience

Saffron Extract Research & Evidence

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Evidence Level

Strong

Saffron has one of the strongest evidence bases among botanical mood supplements. Hausenblas et al. (2013) published a meta-analysis of 6 RCTs confirming saffron's significant antidepressant effects compared to placebo, with a large effect size. Multiple head-to-head trials by Akhondzadeh et al. (2004, 2005) demonstrated that 30mg saffron extract was as effective as 20mg fluoxetine (Prozac) for mild-to-moderate depression. Lopresti & Drummond (2014) specifically studied the affron extract and found 28mg daily improved mood, stress, and sleep quality in adults with self-reported low mood. The mechanism involves modulation of serotonin reuptake, GABA potentiation, and anti-inflammatory effects in the CNS.

Evidence by Condition

ConditionStudied DoseEvidence
Mood support / mild depression28-30mg standardized extract dailyStrong
Sleep quality28mg affron daily, taken in the eveningModerate
PMS symptoms30mg saffron extract daily through the luteal phaseModerate
Anxiety30mg dailyEmerging
Full Saffron Extract Guide

References

  1. (). Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Integrative Medicine. DOI
  2. (). 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
  3. (). Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Human Psychopharmacology. DOI
  4. (). 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