Rankings / Cognitive — Nootropics
Saffron extract (Crocus sativus)
Cognitive · Herbal (crocin/safranal)
Tier B
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/
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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.