Saffron
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Saffron. Culinary spice with antidepressant effects comparable to SSRIs in mild-moderate depression.
How it works. Inhibits serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine reuptake; modulates HPA axis.
What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces mild-moderate depressive symptoms (strong).
How much to take. Typical dose: 28–30 mg standardized extract. Daily.
Side effects and interactions. 2 medication interactions listed. Serious: Toxic >5 g/day.
Stacking. Pairs well with Curcumin. Avoid combining with Pregnancy (>5 g).
Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.
Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.
Community. Experiences from people who have tried Saffron. Anecdotes are not medical advice.
Saffron. Culinary spice with antidepressant effects comparable to SSRIs in mild-moderate depression.
What it is
Dried stigmas of Crocus sativus, standardized to crocins and safranal.
Also called
Food sources
Goals
How it works
Inhibits serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine reuptake; modulates HPA axis.
Pathways
- Monoamine reuptake inhibition
- NMDA antagonism
Effects
- +Mood supports
- ↓Premenstrual symptoms decreases
What the research supports
Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.
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Side effects & interactions
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea (at high doses)
Serious
- Toxic >5 g/day
Medication interactions
Possible additive serotonergic effect.
Mild platelet effects.
Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.
Combines with
Pairs well
- CurcuminSynergistic antidepressant effects in trials.
Avoid combining
- Pregnancy (>5 g)Uterine stimulant at high doses.
Forms
Key studies
9 studies cited in total.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Saffron and "Reduces mild-moderate depressive symptoms". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Saffron and "Reduces PMS symptoms". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Saffron and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Discussion
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