Saffron for Depression: What 34 Trials Show, and Why the Results Split
Pooled trials find saffron lowers self-rated depression scores, but clinician-rated scales did not move in the largest review, and two large single trials were funded by an extract maker.
By Kymata Health Editorial Published Last checked
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Key takeaways
From 10 sources- A 2026 meta-analysis of 34 trials (1,769 adults) found saffron lowered self-rated depression scores (Beck Depression Inventory, 4.39 points) but not clinician-rated depression scores1.
- Results varied widely between trials (I² 92.3%), and the authors called for higher-quality studies1.
- In 8 head-to-head studies, saffron and SSRI antidepressants did not differ significantly on depression scores, with fewer adverse events on saffron2.
- The largest saffron trial to date, by its authors' account (202 adults, 28 mg a day for 12 weeks) was sponsored by Pharmactive Biotech, which makes the extract tested, and found a modest effect with a large placebo response4.
- Saffron has a reported bleeding case with rivaroxaban, lowered blood pressure at 400 mg a day, and high doses are linked to uterine stimulation in pregnancy679.
What this article covers
1 evidence profileThe evidence, graded
Pulled from the trial tables in our evidence profiles. Grades follow our evidence-grading policy.
Graded findings
2 rows- CGrade CSelf-reported mood and anxiety scoresMixed Saffron lowered self-reported depression (BDI, 14 trials, -4.39) and anxiety (BAI, 6 trials, -5.06) scores, but clinician-rated scales (HDRS, HARS) and mood profile (POMS) did not change.Saffron · Meta-analysis · n=1,769 · 2026 · PMID 41693488
- DGrade DShort-term safety measuresNo effect No gross clinical changes. The 400 mg dose lowered standing systolic and mean arterial pressure; red cells, hemoglobin and platelets dipped slightly and sodium, urea and creatinine rose, all within normal ranges.Saffron · RCT · n=30 · 2008 · PMID 18693099
The short answer
Saffron has been tested in 34 placebo-controlled trials for mood, and pooled results lean positive on self-rated scales1. The catch is consistency: in the largest review, clinician-rated depression and anxiety scales did not change, and results varied widely from trial to trial1.
The trials studied adults with low mood, subclinical symptoms or depression, in trials lasting at least 4 weeks; the single trials described below ran 8 to 12 weeks145. They do not show that saffron can stand in for an antidepressant someone already takes.
What the pooled trials found
A 2026 GRADE-assessed meta-analysis pooled 34 randomized placebo-controlled trials with 1,769 participants, each lasting at least 4 weeks1. Saffron lowered Beck Depression Inventory scores by 4.39 points (14 trials, 817 people) and Beck Anxiety Inventory scores by 5.06 points (6 trials, 339 people)1.
There was no significant effect on the clinician-rated Hamilton depression or anxiety scales or on the Profile of Mood States1. Heterogeneity was very high (I² 92.3% and 94.8%), the authors rated certainty as moderate, and they said the lack of clinician-rated effects calls for high-quality trials1.
A 2025 meta-analysis compared saffron with SSRIs directly. Across 8 studies the difference in depressive symptoms was not significant (SMD 0.10, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.29), and saffron groups had fewer adverse events (risk difference -0.06)2. A non-significant difference is not proof the two work equally well, and the authors asked for larger trials2.
A 2025 network meta-analysis of 192 trials (17,437 patients, 44 nutraceuticals) reported that saffron alone outperformed antidepressant treatment in its model (SMD 0.69, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.04)3. Network estimates combine direct and indirect comparisons, so they are a weaker basis than head-to-head trials3.
The biggest single trials
In what its authors call the largest saffron trial to date, 202 adults aged 18 to 70 with subclinical depressive symptoms took a saffron extract (28 mg a day) or placebo for 12 weeks4. Depression scores on the DASS-21 improved more with saffron (a 2.92-point difference, Cohen's d 0.39), and 72.3% vs 54.3% reached a clinically meaningful drop4. Other secondary outcomes showed no between-group difference, and the authors flagged large placebo responses4.
An 8-week add-on trial gave the same extract (14 mg twice daily) or placebo to adults whose depression persisted on an antidepressant; 139 of 160 enrolled gave usable data5. Clinician-rated scores fell 41% vs 21% (p = 0.001), but self-rated scores fell 27% vs 26% (p = 0.831)5. That is the opposite of the pattern in the 2026 meta-analysis, which is part of why the overall picture is uncertain15.
Who paid for the research
The two single trials described above both tested affron, an extract made by Pharmactive Biotech Products. The 2025 trial was sponsored by Pharmactive, two of its authors were Pharmactive employees, and the lead author runs a contract research organization funded by nutraceutical companies4. Europe PMC lists a grant from Pharmactive for the 2019 add-on trial510.
The 2025 network meta-analysis authors declared no conflicts of interest3. The abstracts of the 2026 and saffron-vs-SSRI meta-analyses do not state a funding source12.
Who should be careful
- People on blood thinners: a 64-year-old man taking rivaroxaban developed nosebleeds and bleeding gums after adding a saffron supplement; the authors advised avoiding the combination and called for larger studies7.
- People on drugs cleared by the CYP1A2 enzyme (caffeine was the probe): 6 days of saffron infusion lowered a CYP1A2 index by about 13.7% in 34 volunteers, significantly only in men8.
- People on blood pressure medicines: 400 mg a day for one week lowered standing systolic blood pressure in a small safety study6.
- People already taking an antidepressant: the add-on trial gave saffron alongside antidepressants for 8 weeks, which is too short and small to rule out interactions, so it belongs in a conversation with the prescriber5.
- Pregnancy: a 2026 review links higher doses or occupational exposure to uterine stimulation and a higher miscarriage risk9.
Quick answers
Common questions
3 answersHow much saffron was used in the trials?
How long before saffron works?
Is saffron as good as an SSRI?
Small head-to-head trials found no significant difference, but that is not the same as proving equivalence, and the authors called for larger trials2.
Keep reading
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Where to buy Saffron
Products from brands we partner with that contain Saffron. Check the amount per serving against the doses studied, and the label for other ingredients.
Saffron products from partner brands
2 products Paid links · we earn a commission- Quick pickBotanic ChoiceBotanic Choice Saffron, 30 vege capsules
1 vege capsule: 30 mg saffron extract (min. 0.3% safranal); label directions 1 capsule daily
$14.00one-timeChecked Oct 12, 2026 - HerbsProNOW Foods Saffron, 50 mg, 60 Veg Caps
1 veg capsule: 50 mg saffron stigma extract (standardized to min. 10% total crocins)
$21.24one-timeChecked Oct 14, 2026
References
10 sources. Numbers in the text link here.
Sources cited in this article
10 sources- 1Effect of saffron on depression, anxiety and mood disorder: a GRADE assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 randomized controlled trialsNutr Neurosci, 2026 · PMID 41693488
- 2Effect of Saffron Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsNutr Rev, 2025 · PMID 38913392
- 3Comparative efficacy and tolerability of nutraceuticals for depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysisPsychol Med, 2025 · PMID 40314175
- 4An Examination into the Effects of a Saffron Extract (Affron) on Mood and General Wellbeing in Adults Experiencing Low Mood: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialJ Nutr, 2025 · PMID 40414301
- 5Efficacy of a standardised saffron extract (affron) as an add-on to antidepressant medication for the treatment of persistent depressive symptoms in adults: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyJ Psychopharmacol, 2019 · PMID 31475623
- 6Safety evaluation of saffron (Crocus sativus) tablets in healthy volunteersPhytomedicine, 2008 · PMID 18693099
- 7Bleeding Complication in a Patient with Concomitant Use of Rivaroxaban and Saffron Supplement: A Case ReportCardiovasc Hematol Disord Drug Targets, 2022 · PMID 35440328
- 8Effects of short-term saffron (Crocus sativus L.) intake on the in vivo activities of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in healthy volunteersFood Chem Toxicol, 2019 · PMID 31082462
- 9Saffron and Pregnancy: Cultural Practices, Beliefs, and Safety Evidence: An Integrative ReviewJ Evid Based Integr Med, 2026 · PMID 42186868
- 10Europe PMC record for PMID 31475623 (grant: Pharmactive Biotech Products, SL)Europe PMC, 2019
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