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Does Saffron Help with Anxiety? Evidence from Clinical Trials

A user asks whether saffron effectively reduces anxiety. The assistant reviews two clinical trials: one showing significant benefit in Parkinson's patients (100 mg/day) and another finding no effect in healthy adults with subclinical depression. The evidence is mixed and inconclusive.

  • Does saffron actually help with anxiety, or is there not enough evidence to support it?

  • What the Evidence Says About Saffron and Anxiety

    Based on Pillser's research database, there are currently 2 clinical trials examining saffron's effects on anxiety, and the results are mixed1.

    The Studies

    1. A 2026 randomized controlled trial in Parkinson's disease patients (n=92) using 100 mg/day of saffron found a statistically significant reduction in anxiety compared to placebo. The adjusted mean difference was −4.75 (95% CI: −8.30 to −1.20; p = 0.009), indicating a moderate beneficial effect2.

    2. A 2025 randomized controlled trial in healthy adults with subclinical depressive symptoms found no significant effect of saffron extract on anxiety symptoms compared to placebo3.

    Bottom Line

    The evidence is suggestive but not conclusive. Saffron may help reduce anxiety in specific clinical populations (e.g., people with Parkinson's disease), but it did not outperform placebo in generally healthy adults with mild mood symptoms. With only one study showing benefit and one showing a neutral result, more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.

    If you're considering saffron for anxiety, keep in mind:

    • The positive study used 100 mg/day of saffron.
    • The mixed results mean individual responses may vary.
    • Saffron is generally well-tolerated, but it's always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you take other medications.

    Footnotes

    1. Pillser research database, Saffron and Reduced Anxiety. ↩

    2. "The effect of saffron supplementation on indices of oxidative stress, inflammation, mental health, and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease," Pillser, 2026. ↩

    3. "Effect of saffron extract supplementation on mood in healthy adults with subclinical symptoms of depression," Pillser, 2025. ↩

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