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Types of Saffron Extract: Forms & Bioavailability

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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.

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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