Saffron, derived from the stigmas of Crocus sativus, is one of the most extensively studied herbal supplements for mood and emotional well-being. Research suggests that its key bioactive compounds, safranal and crocin, may support healthy mood balance, with multiple clinical trials indicating benefits for mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms and anxiety relief comparable to some conventional options. Studies also point to promising effects on PMS-related emotional and physical discomfort, appetite regulation, sexual function in both men and women, and certain aspects of eye health, particularly related to age-related changes. Standardized extracts such as affron have been used in much of the recent clinical research, helping ensure consistent levels of active compounds across studies. While findings are encouraging, saffron research is still evolving, and individual responses may vary.
Compare this supplementResearch suggests that saffron and its active compounds — particularly crocin and crocetin — may offer protective ben...
View studies →Research suggests that saffron may offer anxiety-relieving benefits, with a 2018 systematic review of randomized cont...
View studies →Research suggests that the single study linked here does not directly investigate saffron for appetite control. The a...
View studies →Research suggests that the two studies linked here do not directly examine saffron as a treatment or support for depr...
View studies →Research suggests that saffron may support sexual function in women, with one randomized controlled trial of 50 women...
View studies →Research suggests that saffron and its active compounds — including crocins, crocetin, and safranal — may have releva...
View studies →Research suggests that saffron may offer some benefit for PMS symptom relief, though the evidence remains preliminary...
View studies →These are commonly referenced dosage ranges for this supplement. They are not medical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
| Form | Dose range | Frequency | Studied for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 30 mg | Daily | PMS relief | Used in RCTs for premenstrual syndrome symptom reduction |
| Extract | 14–28 mg | Twice daily | Anxiety relief and mood support | Common in clinical trials using split dosing of standardized saffron extract |
| Extract | 20–30 mg | Daily | Appetite control and weight management | Studied in clinical trials for satiety and snacking reduction |
| Extract | 30 mg | Daily | Depression support and mood support | Most consistently used dose in RCTs for depression, often as standardized extract (e.g., affron or similar) |
| Extract | 30 mg | Daily | Eye health and age-related macular degeneration support | Used in clinical trials examining visual function in AMD patients |
| Extract | 30 mg | Daily | Libido and sexual function | Used in RCTs for sexual dysfunction, including antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction |