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Saf7.5
Saffron Research
Likely helps
207 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Likely helps
Saffron appears to help in 9 of 10 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2004–2026 with a typical study size of 66 participants.
Based on 207 studies · 46 meta-analyses · 102 RCTs · 26,086 total participants
Confidence
High confidence
What the studies found
9helped1unclear· 197 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Depression & moodSignificant improvement in depressive symptoms · 4-8 weeks
Cognitive functionNeuroprotective crocin supports learning and memory · 4-8 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational12 studies
Sleep & insomniaModest sleep improvement · 4 weeks · Crocin and safranal promote relaxation and sleep onset · 2-4 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational11 studies
Safety profile
Mostly mechanism / observational11 studies
Women's healthMay help reduce menstrual discomfort and PMS symptoms · 1-3 cycles
Mostly mechanism / observational10 studies
Cholesterol & lipids
Mostly mechanism / observational10 studies
Men's vitality
Mostly mechanism / observational9 studies
Heart & blood pressure
Mostly mechanism / observational8 studies
Vision & eye healthCrocin protects retinal cells and improves visual function · 4-8 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational7 studies
Weight management
Mostly mechanism / observational7 studies
Focus & attentionImproves attention and processing speed in clinical trials · 4-8 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational5 studies
By the numbers
Pulled from 58 studies with measurable effects
Likely real effects
63%
across studies
People studied
26k
typical study: 66 people
Strongest designs
148
46 pooled, 102 randomised
Showed benefit
90%
9/10 studies
How long studies ran
1–4 weeks
2
1–3 months
4
3+ months
1
Populations Studied
Various patient populations3
Patients with depression and anxiety2
Adults with mild-to-moderate depression2
General population2
Active research area
115 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2026
200420152026
1Depressive disorder symptomsMeta-AnalysisCited 1×n=17,437 · very large study2025
This extensive systematic review and NMA of nutraceuticals for treating depressive disorders indicated a number of nutraceuticals that could offer benefits, either as adjuncts or monotherapies.
Cheng YC et al. · Psychological medicine (2025)
Adjunctive nutraceuticals consistently showed better efficacy than antidepressants (ADT) alone in outcomes including SMD, remission, and response.
This extensive systematic review and NMA of nutraceuticals for treating depressive disorders indicated a number of nutraceuticals that could offer benefits, either as adjuncts or monotherapies.
2ADHD symptomsSystematic ReviewCited 3×n=118 · medium study2024
The results manifested an efficient role of saffron as either an adjuvant therapy to MPH or a single therapy against ADHD, without significant safety issues.
Seyedi-Sahebari S et al. · Journal of attention disorders (2024)