Research synthesisModerate evidenceSmall effect3 studies · 3 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful
Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial small-to-moderate effects of saffron supplementation on reducing tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), with all 3 reaching statistical significance. The most studied dose was 100–200 mg/day, and effects were observed in clinical populations including people with type 2 diabetes and ICU sepsis patients. The median study duration was 46 days, but effects were seen as early as 7 days and as late as 84 days.
- Effective dose range: 100-200 mg/day
- Studied populations: people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obese women with type 2 diabetes, ICU sepsis patients
Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. 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). Effects were observed in specific clinical populations; generalizability to healthy individuals is unclear.
Generated Jul 18, 2026