Supplement · Sleep, stress & mood
Saffron extract
Also known as: Crocus sativus
A spice extract with reasonably encouraging trials for low mood.
- Evidence
- Silver· human data
- Sources cited
- 1
- Last reviewed
- 22 July 2026
Saffron is a culinary spice whose standardised extract has been studied for mood, with a more encouraging evidence base than many mood supplements.
Several trials suggest saffron can improve symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression, in some cases comparably to low-dose antidepressants, and it appears in mood and PMS formulas. Studies are still relatively small; it should not replace treatment for significant depression, which is a medical matter.