Saffron and Reduced Depression Symptoms

Research synthesisLow evidenceModerate effect3 studies · 3 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of saffron on depressive symptoms, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate, and predominantly moderate. Doses typically around 30 mg per day, and effects observed across clinical and child populations. Median study duration was 56 days (8 weeks).

Effective dose range: 30 mg per day
Studied populations: adults with depressive disorders, children and adolescents

Caveats: Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary.

Generated Jun 3, 2026

Doses used in studies

mg/day: 30 (median 30, IQR 30–30) — 1 study

Time to effect

Median: 8 weeks · IQR 8 weeks–8 weeks · Range 8 weeks–8 weeks — Reported in 1 of 3 studies

3 of 3 papersPopulation:

Therapeutic Potential of Saffron Extract in Mild Depression: A Study of Its Role on Anhedonia in Rats and Humans.
- 2025-01-04
- RCT
- Phytotherapy research : PTR 39(3)
- - Eleonora Corridori
  - Sara Salviati
  - Maria Graziella Demontis
  - Pamela Vignolini
  - Chiara Vita
  - Andrea Fagiolini
  - Alessandro Cuomo
  - Pietro Carmellini
  - Carla Gambarana
  - Simona Scheggi
- PubMed: 39754520
- DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8424
2 Insights on
- Reduced Depression Symptoms
- High evidence
- Clinical
In depressed patients, an 8-week saffron add-on therapy induced a global improvement in depressive symptoms
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Significant
Yes
The Role of Saffron in the Treatment of Depression: A Literature Review.
- 2026-03-03
- Review
- Cureus 18(3)
- - Luigi Dimech
- PubMed: 41939549
- DOI: 10.7759/cureus.104594
1 Insight on
- Reduced Depression Symptoms
- Low evidence
across placebo-controlled trials in mild-to-moderate depression, saffron, most commonly administered at 30 mg per day for approximately six weeks, has been associated with clinically meaningful reductions in depressive symptom severity, typically measured using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes
Dose
30 mg per day
Medicinal Plants for Child Mental Health: Clinical Insights, Active Compounds, and Perspectives for Rational Use.
- 2025-08-28
- Review
- Children (Basel, Switzerland) 12(9)
- - Giovanna Rigillo
  - Joan M C Blom
  - Arianna Cocchi
  - Valentina Martinucci
  - Francesca Favaro
  - Giulia Baini
  - Giorgio Cappellucci
  - Fabio Tascedda
  - Marco Biagi
- PubMed: 41007011
- DOI: 10.3390/children12091142
6 Insights on
- Reduced Depression Symptoms
- Low evidence
- Children
Herbal products showing clinical promise include Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Crocus sativus L., Ginkgo biloba L., Hypericum perforatum L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Melissa officinalis L., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Passiflora incarnata L., Pinus pinaster Aiton, Valeriana officinalis L., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes

Saffron and Reduced Depression Symptoms

Therapeutic Potential of Saffron Extract in Mild Depression: A Study of Its Role on Anhedonia in Rats and Humans.

The Role of Saffron in the Treatment of Depression: A Literature Review.

Medicinal Plants for Child Mental Health: Clinical Insights, Active Compounds, and Perspectives for Rational Use.