Evidence explainerSaffron

Saffron Supplement Side Effects: A Blood-Pressure Dip and Little Long-Term Data

Saffron extracts were well tolerated in short trials. The one dedicated safety study found small changes at 400 mg a day, and longer-term data are missing.

By Kymata Health editorial teamPublished October 9, 2026Last reviewed October 9, 2026

Medical review pending. Written by our editorial team from the studies cited below; a credentialed clinician has not reviewed it yet. Educational only, not medical advice.

Key takeaways

  • In a 7-day study of 30 healthy adults, 200 or 400 mg/day of saffron caused no gross clinical changes [1].
  • The 400 mg dose lowered standing systolic and mean arterial blood pressure [1].
  • Red cells, hemoglobin and platelets dipped slightly and sodium, urea and creatinine rose, all within normal ranges [1].
  • A 2022 sleep meta-analysis reported no serious adverse events [2].
  • Long-term safety has not been established [1].

The evidence, graded

Pulled from our monograph evidence tables. Grades follow our evidence-grading policy.

  • Grade DNo effectShort-term safety measuresSaffron · RCT · n=30 · 2008 · PMID 18693099No 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.
  • Grade CImprovedSleep quality and durationSaffron · Meta-analysis · n=431 · 2022 · PMID 36141931Sleep quality (SMD 0.89, very low-quality evidence) and sleep duration (SMD 0.57, moderate-quality evidence) improved versus placebo; the reduction in insomnia severity was not significant.

The safety study

A 2008 placebo-controlled study gave 30 healthy adults (5 men and 5 women per group) saffron stigma tablets at 200 or 400 mg/day for 7 days [1]. There were no gross clinical changes [1].

At 400 mg/day, standing systolic and mean arterial pressure fell, and small shifts in blood counts and kidney markers stayed within normal ranges [1].

What longer trials report

In a 2022 meta-analysis of sleep trials, no serious adverse events were reported [2]. In a 2026 meta-analysis of 34 trials, self-reported mood and anxiety scores fell, but clinician-rated scales did not change and results varied widely [3].

Who should be careful

Because 400 mg/day lowered blood pressure in the safety study, people on blood-pressure medicines should check with a pharmacist first [1]. Anyone pregnant, breastfeeding or managing a chronic condition should talk to a clinician before adding saffron.

For the sleep evidence, read saffron for sleep.

Quick answers

Can saffron lower blood pressure?

At 400 mg/day for a week, standing systolic pressure fell in healthy adults [1].

Is saffron safe for kids?

The safety study enrolled healthy adults only, so our sources do not address children [1].

How long can saffron be taken?

The dedicated safety study lasted 7 days; long-term safety has not been established [1].

Keep reading

Full monographs

Related articles

Browse the full Supplement & Nutrient Encyclopedia or all supplement articles.

References

  1. [1]Safety evaluation of saffron (Crocus sativus) tablets in healthy volunteers. Phytomedicine, 2008. PMID 18693099
  2. [2]Effects of saffron supplementation on improving sleep quality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Sleep Med, 2022. PMID 35325766
  3. [3]Effect of saffron on depression, anxiety and mood disorder: a GRADE assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 randomized controlled trials. Nutr Neurosci, 2026. PMID 41693488

Saffron and other dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist before starting a supplement, especially if you take prescription medicines. This page has no product or affiliate links.