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Saffron (Eye)

Crocin-rich saffron studied for AMD and visual function.

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Overview

Crocin-rich saffron studied for AMD and visual function.

Natural sources
  • Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)
  • Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)
  • Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice
Common forms
  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Forms & variants of Saffron

Different chemical forms of Saffron behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.

Mechanism of action

Crocin protects retinal photoreceptors from oxidative stress.

Pathways
  • · Crocin protects retinal photoreceptors from oxidative stress

Effects on the body

Supports
ERG function in early AMD

Organ system effects

Eye

Saffron (Eye) concentrates in ocular tissues (macula, retina, lens) where it contributes to photoprotection or antioxidant defense.

Evidence-based benefits

Improves ERG function in early AMD

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Saffron (Eye) is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
  • · Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
  • · Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users
Rare
  • · Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction (rash, itching, swelling)
  • · Sleep disturbance if taken late in the day
Serious
  • · Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing

Drug interactions

Prescription medications (general)
Always disclose Saffron (Eye) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
minor

Safety & non-supplemental interactions

Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

Avoid if you are
  • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
  • ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)

Supplement interactions

Pairs well with
  • A high-quality multivitamin
    Covers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
    Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.
Avoid combining with

No specific avoidances listed.

Dosing & bioavailability

Typical dose
20 mg saffron
Best form
Most evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
Timing
Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With food?
Either

Where to buy

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

Scientific evidence8Show studies
RCTInvest Ophthalmol Vis Sci · 2010

Saffron in early AMD

Falsini B, et al.

3-month DB-RCT in 25 AMD patients.

Key findings

Improved retinal flicker sensitivity vs placebo.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Saffron (Eye) — Improves ERG function in early AMD

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Saffron (Eye) Improves ERG function in early AMD" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Saffron (Eye) and "Improves ERG function in early AMD". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Saffron (Eye) — randomized controlled trial

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Saffron (Eye) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Saffron (Eye) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Saffron (Eye) — meta-analysis

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Saffron (Eye) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Saffron (Eye) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Saffron (Eye) — pharmacokinetics

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Saffron (Eye) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Saffron (Eye) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Saffron (Eye) — safety adverse events

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Saffron (Eye) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Saffron (Eye) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Saffron (Eye) — dose response

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Saffron (Eye) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Saffron (Eye) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

Google Scholar: Saffron (Eye) — clinical evidence

Live Scholar search

Cross-database citation index for Saffron (Eye) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

Key findings

Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

Open study
Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

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