Saffron for Depression
Spice from the stigmas of Crocus sativus; its crocin and safranal compounds inhibit serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline reuptake, with small trials showing effects on mild-to-moderate depression comparable to low-dose SSRIs.
Saffron for Depression
1 of 2 results reported a benefit, from 1 published study.
1 review of trials · the chart counts everything measured
- 1 reported a benefit
- 1 unclear
Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.
- Depression symptomsMixed results1 review of trials · no comparable figure reported1 of 2 results reported a benefit2014 study ↗
These are the figures the studies reported, not a prediction for any one person. Where several studies measured the same thing in the same unit, we show a simple average and say so. Every result is listed below.
See every resultThe connection
Major depression, persistent low mood and related conditions.
Also known as: Crocus sativus
Saffron × Depression: at a glance
Every published result for this pair, extracted and audited.
These charts count reported findings from published studies, grouped by reported benefit and study design. Study design is not a certainty grade.
Saffron / Depression: reported findings; one study may contribute several findings.
What the evidence shows
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Benefit | 1 |
| Unclear | 1 |
Study designs behind these findings
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Systematic review | 2 |
- Studies
- 1
| Study | Outcome | Reported result | Uncertainty (as reported) | Study duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. (PMID 25384672) | Depressive symptoms (placebo-controlled trials) | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. (PMID 25384672) | Depressive symptoms (vs antidepressant medication) | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
Study results, as reported by the publications
Every measured outcome, one row per finding - numbers exactly as reported. Units are preserved where supplied; missing units are not inferred.
| Study and type | Reported sample and duration | Outcome measured | Reported result | What studies found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMID 25384672 2014 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: Not reported | Depressive symptoms (placebo-controlled trials) | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 25384672 2014 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: Not reported | Depressive symptoms (vs antidepressant medication) | Not reported | Unclear |
Saffron × Depression: the evidence base
Hand-selected PubMed studies, linked to the originals.
Ordered by strength of evidence, then result direction.
01Effect of Saffron Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsShafiee A, et al. · Nutrition reviews · 2025PMID 38913392 ↗02Efficacy of Pharmacological Interventions in Milder Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisUrata M, et al. · Neuropsychopharmacology reports · 2025PMID 40014460 ↗03Comparative efficacy and tolerability of nutraceuticals for depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysisCheng YC, et al. · Psychological medicine · 2025PMID 40314175 ↗04New horizons for the study of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its active ingredients in the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders: A systematic review of clinical evidence and mechanismsHan S, et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2024PMID 38424688 ↗05Nutraceuticals in Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic ReviewBozzatello P, et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2024PMID 38732043 ↗06A systematic review on the impact of nutrition and possible supplementation on the deficiency of vitamin complexes, iron, omega-3-fatty acids, and lycopene in relation to increased morbidity in women after menopauseWylenzek F, et al. · Archives of gynecology and obstetrics · 2024PMID 38935105 ↗Community experiences
Contributors volunteered; this does not establish treatment effectiveness or population incidence.
Reported changes
No publishable community breakdown is available. This does not establish that no reports exist.