Skip to main content
Supplement ScienceSupplementScience

Types of Saffron Extract: Forms & Bioavailability

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

Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest For
affron (Standardized Extract, 3.5% Lepticrosalides)HighMood and sleep — most clinically validated form, effective at just 28mg daily
Standardized Saffron Extract (2% crocin)Moderate-HighGeneral mood support — common standardization used in many clinical trials at 30mg daily
Whole Stigma SaffronModerateTraditional use — less standardized, higher doses needed (up to 100mg daily)
Crocin IsolateHighTargeted antioxidant effects — isolated active compound, less studied for mood than whole extract

affron (Standardized Extract, 3.5% Lepticrosalides)

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Mood and sleep — most clinically validated form, effective at just 28mg daily.

Standardized Saffron Extract (2% crocin)

Bioavailability: Moderate-High. Best for: General mood support — common standardization used in many clinical trials at 30mg daily.

Whole Stigma Saffron

Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Traditional use — less standardized, higher doses needed (up to 100mg daily).

Crocin Isolate

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Targeted antioxidant effects — isolated active compound, less studied for mood than whole extract.

Find the best Saffron Extract for your needs
Ranked by form, bioavailability, and value
Full Saffron Extract Guide

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