Rankings / Mood, Anxiety & Stress
Saffron extract (Crocus sativus)
Mood, Anxiety & Stress · Herbal (crocin/safranal)
Tier B+
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Saffron extract (Crocus sativus) as B+ (7.1/10) based on moderate evidence, med benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.
Multiple Iranian RCTs showed non-inferiority to low-dose fluoxetine/imipramine in mild-moderate depression.
Typical use: 28-30 mg/day standardized extract (saffron proprietary products) or 100-400 mg/day crude — OTC.
What this is
Multiple Iranian RCTs showed non-inferiority to low-dose fluoxetine/imipramine in mild-moderate depression. Tóth 2019 meta-analysis confirmed antidepressant effect. Also AD/MCI trials (Farokhnia 2014). Very expensive crop — contamination/adulteration common with cheaper saffrons.
Mechanism
Crocin and safranal — serotonergic/dopaminergic modulation; antioxidant; anti-amyloid activity; rivals SSRIs in mild-to-moderate depression trials
Dose & route
28-30 mg/day standardized extract (saffron proprietary products) or 100-400 mg/day crude
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30036891/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24359872/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6823346/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36902200/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40735481/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does Saffron extract (Crocus sativus) work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Saffron extract (Crocus sativus) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of B+ (7.1/10). Multiple Iranian RCTs showed non-inferiority to low-dose fluoxetine/imipramine in mild-moderate depression.
- Is Saffron extract (Crocus sativus) safe?
- Saffron extract (Crocus sativus) has a low risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Saffron extract (Crocus sativus)?
- 28-30 mg/day standardized extract (saffron proprietary products) or 100-400 mg/day crude
- How does Saffron extract (Crocus sativus) work?
- Crocin and safranal — serotonergic/dopaminergic modulation; antioxidant; anti-amyloid activity; rivals SSRIs in mild-to-moderate depression trials
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.