Saffron and Reduced Depression Symptoms

Research synthesisLow evidenceMixed effect size4 studies · 4 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 4 studies, all reported beneficial effects of saffron on reduced depression symptoms, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The highest-quality evidence (a systematic review with an evidence score of 5) found moderate beneficial effects and a favorable risk-benefit profile compared to standard treatments. Study durations and doses were not consistently reported, and no specific population segment was identified.

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 4 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Additionally, 3 of the 4 studies are reviews with low evidence scores (1), and study details (dose, duration, sample size) are largely unreported, limiting the reliability of comparisons.

Generated Aug 2, 2026

Safety in these studies

Overall tolerabilityReportedSerious adverse event
Recent studies support the use of saffron for depression; however, its toxicological profile raises safety concerns.
from: Medicinal Plants Used for Anxiety, Depression, or Stress Treatment: An Update.
Overall tolerabilityReported
Randomized controlled trial (RCT) findings reveal that while interventions like saffron and vitamin D show promise, significant limitations persist, including inconsistent efficacy, limited long-term safety data, and potential interactions with perinatal physiology.
from: Supplementary approaches to perinatal depression: a review of pathogenesis, herbal interve
Overall tolerabilityReported
Overall, 45% of studies reported positive findings with fewer adverse effects compared with conventional medications.
from: Herbal medicine for depression and anxiety: A systematic review with assessment of potenti

4 of 4 papers

Herbal medicine for depression and anxiety: A systematic review with assessment of potential psycho-oncologic relevance.
- 2018-02-21
- Systematic Review
- Phytotherapy research : PTR 32(5)
- - K Simon Yeung
  - Marisol Hernandez
  - Jun J Mao
  - Ingrid Haviland
  - Jyothirmai Gubili
- PubMed: 29464801
- DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6033
2 Insights on
- Reduced Depression Symptoms
- High evidence
- Highly Cited
Based on available data, black cohosh, chamomile, chasteberry, lavender, passionflower, and saffron appear useful in mitigating anxiety or depression with favorable risk-benefit profiles compared to standard treatments.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes
Supplementary approaches to perinatal depression: a review of pathogenesis, herbal interventions, and dietary supplements.
- 2025-05-21
- Review
- Frontiers in psychology 16
- - Quancheng Yang
  - Yi Lv
  - Shenrong Gao
  - Yu Zhang
  - Xuejia Zhai
- PubMed: 40491948
- DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1529339
2 Insights on
- Reduced Depression Symptoms
- Low evidence
RCT findings reveal that while interventions like saffron and vitamin D show promise
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Significant
Yes
Medicinal Plants Used for Anxiety, Depression, or Stress Treatment: An Update.
- 2022-09-15
- Review
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 27(18)
- - Maša Kenda
  - Nina Kočevar Glavač
  - Milan Nagy
  - Marija Sollner Dolenc
- PubMed: 36144755
- DOI: 10.3390/molecules27186021
3 Insights on
- Reduced Depression Symptoms
- Low evidence
St. John's wort is effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Significant
Yes
Saffron and its active ingredients against human disorders: A literature review on existing clinical evidence.
- 2022-08-01
- Review
- Iranian journal of basic medical sciences 25(8)
- - Seyedeh Farzaneh Omidkhoda
  - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- PubMed: 36159329
- DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2022.63378.13985
6 Insights on
- Reduced Depression Symptoms
- Low evidence
This substance has clinically revealed significant protective effects against various types of depression
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes

Saffron and Reduced Depression Symptoms

Herbal medicine for depression and anxiety: A systematic review with assessment of potential psycho-oncologic relevance.

Supplementary approaches to perinatal depression: a review of pathogenesis, herbal interventions, and dietary supplements.

Medicinal Plants Used for Anxiety, Depression, or Stress Treatment: An Update.

Saffron and its active ingredients against human disorders: A literature review on existing clinical evidence.