Best Fit Profiles
- mild-to-moderate depression, mood support, and anxiety adjunct protocols
Mood support and mild antidepressant effects
Saffron
Multiple small RCTs show saffron extract comparable to low-dose antidepressants for mild-to-moderate depression. Active constituents crocin and safranal modulate serotonin reuptake and BDNF signaling. Evidence base is promising but trials are mostly small and short.
Evidence Level B
Evidence and Risk Labels
Evidence A/B/C reflects research maturity, and risk levels reflect monitoring needs. These labels support comparison, not diagnosis or treatment decisions.
See full scoring guideClinical Snapshot
- Effect Size
- Modest to moderate antidepressant effect in mild-to-moderate depression; comparable to low-dose SSRIs in some trials
- Safety
- Low Risk
Generally well tolerated at studied doses. Very high doses (5g+) may be toxic. Saffron supplements are expensive; product quality and standardization vary widely.
Research Dosing
This reflects common ranges and protocols used in published studies, not personal medical advice.
- Typical Daily Dose
- 30 mg standardized extract (15 mg twice daily)
- Timing
- Morning and evening with meals
- Protocol Duration in Studies
- 6-12 weeks in published trials
Most trials use 30 mg/day. Culinary saffron doses are far below therapeutic levels.