How Saffron Can Improve Your Mental and Eye Health

Saffron, a widely used spice and colorant derived from the Crocus sativus (C. sativus) plant, contains compounds that researchers have explored to help treat depression, anxiety, eye issues, and more. However, more research is necessary to determine saffron's efficacy and safety.

Side effects are possible with saffron, including an increased chance of bleeding. Your healthcare provider may advise you not to take it if you have certain medical conditions or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.

Fasil Tiru / Getty Images

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.

In clinical studies, saffron relieved depressive symptoms better than placebo (a substance with no medicine). In fact, saffron seemed to relieve depressive symptoms in a similar way as prescription antidepressants, such as Prozac (fluoxetine) and Celexa (citalopram). And saffron was effective for depression by itself or in combination with antidepressants.

These results are positive. However, further extensive research with higher-quality, larger, and longer-term studies is necessary to better assess saffron's effects and safety. Future studies should also include a more diverse group of participants.

In clinical studies, saffron was more effective at relieving anxiety symptoms when compared to placebo. Although promising, additional high-quality research with longer-term studies is still needed.

In clinical studies, saffron was used in people with the following eye conditions:

In general, these eye conditions are major causes of blindness throughout the world.

The results showed saffron to be beneficial in this review article. However, further extensive high-quality research with larger and longer-term studies is still necessary to better understand saffron's effects.

The FDA placed saffron on its generally recognized as safe (GRAS) list when used in food as:

There are only a small number of studies regarding saffron's safety.

However, common side effects may include:

Possible serious side effects may include the following:

If you're having a severe allergic reaction or if any of your symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911 and get medical help right away.

A healthcare provider may advise against saffron if any of the following applies to you:

Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.

While there are some studies on saffron in humans, high-quality clinical trials are still necessary. For this reason, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage to use saffron for any condition.

The specific dose may vary based on the dosage form and medical condition. If you use saffron, follow a healthcare provider's recommendations or label instructions.

More information about the safety, toxicity, and overdoses of saffron in humans is needed. But in general, there are reports of toxicity at doses above 5 grams (g) per day.

If you're having mild toxicity from saffron, symptoms may include:

If you're experiencing severe toxicity from saffron, symptoms may include:

If you suspect you're experiencing life-threatening side effects, seek immediate medical attention.

There is limited information about possible medication interactions with saffron. Possible interactions are mainly based on the potential uses or side effects of saffron:

It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

Storage instructions may vary for different products. Carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container.

The optimal storage condition for most medicines and supplements is a cool and dry place. You should also keep your medications tightly closed and out of the sight and reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet.

Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Avoid putting unused and expired products down the drain or in the toilet. Visit the FDA website to know learn and how to discard all unused and expired medications.

You can also find disposal boxes in your area.

Ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to dispose of your medications or natural products.

If you plan to travel with saffron, become familiar with your final destination's regulations. The U.S. Embassy & Consulates might be a helpful resource.

Ask a healthcare provider how to travel with your medications or natural products, if necessary.

Saffron comes from Crocus sativus (C. sativus), which is naturally available as a plant. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) generally categorizes saffron or C. sativus as spice in foods. The FDA also placed saffron on its GRAS list when used as a flavoring or coloring agent.

Saffron is likely commonly available in capsule form. Other dosage forms of saffron may also include:

But some of these other dosage forms might be in combination with other ingredients. You may also see vegetarian options.

Your specific product will depend on your preference and what you hope to get regarding effects. Because each product may work a bit differently, depending on the form, following a healthcare provider's recommendations or label directions is essential.

Saffron comes from the Crocus sativus (C. sativus) plant and may support mental and eye health. Since more research on saffron is necessary, conclusions cannot yet be drawn on its effectiveness. It's important not to delay the diagnosis and treatment of your medical conditions. Before using saffron, involve a healthcare provider, pharmacist, or registered dietitian nutritionist to help you safely achieve your health goals.

Saffron is available in a few different dosage forms—with capsules potentially being the most common.

Saffron contains protein, fiber, and vitamins.

To safely take natural products—like saffron—inform your healthcare providers and pharmacists about any medication changes. This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medicines, and supplements.

This information can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. They can also ensure that you’re giving saffron a fair trial at appropriate doses.

Srivastava R, Ahmed H, Dixit RK, et al. Crocus sativus L.: a comprehensive review. Pharmacognosy Review. 2010;4(8):200-208. doi: 10.4103%2F0973-7847.70919

Marx W, Lane M, Rocks T, et al. Effect of saffron supplementation on symptoms of depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition Reviews. 2019;77(8):557-571. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuz023

Heitmar R, Brown J, Kyrou I. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in ocular diseases: a narrative review of the existing evidence from clinical studies. Nutrients. 2019;11(3):649. doi: 10.3390/nu11030649

Food and Drug Administration. Substances added to food (formerly EAFUS).

Bostan HB, Mehri S, Hosseinzadeh H. Toxicology effects of saffron and its constituents: a review. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences. 2017;20(2):110-121. doi: 10.22038%2Fijbms.2017.8230

ul Gani Mir T, Wani AK, Singh J, et al. Therapeutic application and toxicity associated with Crocus sativus (saffron) and its phytochemicals. Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine. 2022;4:100136. doi: 10.1016/j.prmcm.2022.100136

National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary supplement label database: saffron.

National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary supplement label database: Crocus sativus.

Moshiri M, Vahabzadeh, Hosseinzadeh H. Clinical applications of saffron (Crocus sativus) and its constituents: a review. Drug Research. 2015;65(06):287-295. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1375681

National Kidney Foundation. 10 signs you may have kidney disease.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is von willebrand disease?

Food and Drug Administration. Where and how to dispose of unused medicines.

National Association Boards of Pharmacy. Drug disposal.

USEmbassy.gov. Home.

Augustyn A. Saffron. Encyclopedia Britannica.

United States Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central: Crocus sativus.

United States Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central: saffron.

National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. A guide to herbal remedies.

By Ross Phan, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, BCPSRoss is a writer for Verywell and has years of experience practicing pharmacy in various settings. She is also a board-certified clinical pharmacist, the founder of Off Script Consults, and director of the PharmacyChecker international verification program.