Table of Contents
Saffron is the dried stigma of the Crocus sativus plant native to the Middle East. And is the world’s most expensive culinary spice largely due to the way it must be grown and harvested (by hand).
As a nootropic, Saffron has been used for thousands of years as an anxiolytic, sedative, and antidepressant.[i]
Today, Saffron supplementation is used to help manage appetite, for energy and stamina, anxiety, and is a very effective natural antidepressant medication.
Recent studies show Saffron as effective as some popular prescription antidepressants. And can even help alleviate the sexual dysfunction caused by these drugs.
I first became aware of the dietary supplement Saffron when researching this ingredient included in Performance Lab Vision.
And then noticed in the last year that it was appearing on shelves as a standalone supplement in the ‘brain health’ section of local vitamin and health food shops.
Here we’ll explore how Saffron benefits your brain.
Saffron helps:
- Anxiety & depression: The main active Saffron constituent crocin & safranal inhibits the uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain which helps improve mood.
- Alzheimer’s & dementia: Saffron inhibits the deposit of amyloid-β which is associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Saffron also inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine (acetylcholinesterase) just like the current medication (donepezil) approved to treat Alzheimer’s.
- Neuroprotectant: Crocin and safranal which are unique carotenoids in Saffron make it a potent antioxidant. Scavenging free radicals which reduces inflammation, preventing apoptosis, and protecting brain cells and mitochondria.[ii]
Overview
Saffron (Crocus sativus) as a nootropic is the dried crimson stigma of the C. sativus flower cultivated primarily in Iran.
The earliest reference to Saffron goes back to around 2,300 BC from Sargon, founder of the Akkadian empire. Sargon was born in a village on the shores of the Euphrates called Azupiranu (city of Saffron).[iii]
Since then, documentation of Saffron use over the last 4,000 years for at least 90 illnesses has been uncovered.
Saffron takes a long time to germinate from seed and 3 years for the plant to flower. Once it blooms in mid-Autumn, the flowers must be picked carefully by hand within 1 – 2 weeks.
Each Crocus sativus plant produces 3 – 4 flowers per season. Each flower produces a 3-pronged style, each prong terminating in a vivid crimson stigma. Saffron is the dried stigma of Crocus sativus.
This labor-intensive production method makes Saffron the most expensive culinary spice in the world.
Saffron contains the metabolites crocin, picrocrocin, safranal, and the antioxidants lycopene and zeaxanthin as well as Vitamin B12 all which provide its medicinal value.[iv]
As a nootropic, Saffron may be used for major depressive disorder, PMS symptoms, post-partum depression, memory, appetite suppression, and preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
How does Saffron work in the brain?
Saffron boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Saffron boosts mood. Recent studies suggest that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Nerve Growth Factor, and cAMP Response Binding Protein (CREB) all play a role in anxiety and depression.
Further research shows that Saffron has a significant effect on BDNF, NFG and cAMP levels in the brain.[v] Which likely explains why Saffron is so effective in treating teenage anxiety and depression.
One study in 2018 had 80 participants aged 12 – 16 years with anxiety and depression try Saffron extract (Affron®) 14 mg or a placebo for 8 weeks.
The study concluded that Saffron extract was effective in relieving the symptoms of separation anxiety, social phobia and depression compared to placebo.[vi]
Researchers in the psychology department at Murdoch University in Perth conducted a systematic analysis of every clinical trial they could find for high-quality, randomized, double-blind studies using Saffron, a placebo and antidepressant meds as controls in humans (not animals).
The team concluded that clinical trials support the use of Saffron for the treatment of mild to moderate depression.[vii]
- Saffron for preventing Alzheimer’s. One of the most common symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients is depression.
And doctors commonly prescribe antidepressants for treatment. Including drugs like sertraline (Zoloft®).[viii] Despite the fact that these meds don’t work for Alzheimer’s disease and come with a host of side effects.[ix]
An alternative treatment is obviously needed. So researchers set up a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 46 Alzheimer’s patients. The patients were given 15 mg of Saffron twice daily or placebo for 16 weeks.
The results of this trial showed Saffron produced a significantly better reduction in behavioral and psychological symptoms than placebo. And concluded, “Saffron is both safe and effective in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s”.[x]
The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil (Aricept®) is also prescribed to Alzheimer’s patients. For increasing acetylcholine which has been found to be low in these patients.
A 22-week, randomized, double-blind trial with 54 Alzheimer’s patients was conducted to compare donepezil with Saffron. Patients received either 15 mg of Saffron twice per day or 5 mg of donepezil twice per day for the extent of the trial.
This phase II study found Saffron extract was as effective as donepezil in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. But Saffron did not produce the side effect of vomiting.[xi]
How things go bad
Depression is a growing health problem. With over 10% of Americans taking prescription antidepressants. Of whom 90% experience at least one adverse effect. Ranging from sexual dysfunction to convulsion to bleeding disorders.
Antidepressant use can result in:
↓ Abnormal bleeding
↓ Agitation, aggression, anxiety, and delirium
↓ Confusion, convulsions and even death
↓ Decreasing memory, delusional thinking
↓ Hallucinations, headaches, and heart attacks
↓ Insomnia, lethargy, nightmares, and panic attacks
↓ Sedation, impaired driving, slow speech
↓ Sexual dysfunction, priapism
↓ Panic attacks, paranoia, suicidal thoughts, violent behavior
↓ Serotonin Syndrome, withdrawal symptoms
A growing database of studies and user reviews show that Saffron helps treat depression without the risky side effects of prescription antidepressants.
Saffron has also been shown to be effective with other conditions for which antidepressants are prescribed. Including anxiety, Alzheimer’s, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
We even have reports of Saffron reversing the sexual dysfunction caused by using prescription antidepressants.
Saffron benefits
To experience Saffron’s nootropic value you’ll need to use more than a sprinkling of the spice from your local supermarket.
Studies show Saffron could be an alternative to some popular antidepressant meds.[xii] And for anxiety.[xiii]
Another study with 18 – 45-year-old women suffering from post-partum depression showed Saffron effective in reducing depression.[xiv]
And a group of women aged 18 – 45 dealing with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) found that Saffron was effective in relieving depression during two menstrual cycles (cycles 3 and 4).[xv]
Saffron is a smooth muscle relaxant and helps lower blood pressure. Likely because of its inhibitory effect on histamine H1 receptors, stimulatory effect on ß2-adrenoceptors, and antagonist effect on muscarinic receptors.[xvi]
Saffron inhibits acetylcholinesterase which increases acetylcholine in your brain. Improving brain signaling and helping learning and memory.[xvii]
Saffron inhibits the deposition of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) fibrils which has been implicated in Alzheimer’s.[xviii]
Several human studies show Saffron as effective as some popular antidepressants in treating mild to moderate anxiety and depression.[xix]
Some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease originate from under-utilization of dopamine in the substantia nigra area of the brain. Studies show Saffron helps protect the substantia nigra dopamine neurons associated with Parkinson’s.[xx]
Newly published studies show Saffron helps protect your eyes from ultraviolet blue light radiation (UV-B). And flicker sensitivity from glaring monitors and headlights.[xxi]
Saffron improves the oxygen and nutrient supply required for healthy eyes. By boosting blood flow in the retina and choroid of your eyes.[xxii]
How does Saffron feel?
Many neurohackers report supplementing with Saffron has helped them stop eating junk food, avoid nighttime snacking, and they’re no longer obsessed with thinking about food all the time.
Saffron has been proven to help with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Vision may be sharper. And you can see a line or two further down the Snellen chart at your next eye appointment.
Glare from headlights during nighttime driving and flicker from monitors is no longer a problem.
You may experience an improvement in mood when supplementing with Saffron. No longer over-reacting, and work-related stress now feels like you are again in control.
Many neurohackers report an increase in energy and better libido with Saffron.
Feeling tired and emotional is a thing of the past. You’re back to your bright, positive, happy self!
Saffron Randomized Clinical Trials and Research
Many studies have been conducted from a placebo controlled clinical trial, pilot clinical trial and randomized controlled trials examining saffron as a nootropic. Clinical research into the efficacy of Saffron is encouraging. But trial lengths have typically been limited to 4 – 6 weeks. And sample sizes are relatively small (30 – 40 people).
And keep in mind of the potential for bias because most clinical trials with humans have been conducted in Iran. Which produces nearly 90% of saffron for the world market. But these are still high-quality studies.
Saffron as good as Prozac
A double-blind, randomized trial with 40 adult outpatients suffering from major depression was conducted at the University of Tehran. The study compared Saffron petals with fluoxetine (Prozac®) for the treatment of depression.
Patients were given 15 mg of Saffron petals in the morning and evening, or 10 mg fluoxetine morning and evening for 8 weeks.
The study concluded that Saffron petals were as effective as fluoxetine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. The remission rate was 25% in both groups with no significant differences in side effects.[xxiii]
Saffron for Alzheimer’s Disease
There is increasing evidence to suggest that Saffron could be used in the management of Alzheimer’s Disease.
In one Iranian study, 54 adults aged 55 year or older with Alzheimer’s participated in a 22-week, double-blind trial. Patients were randomly assigned 30 mg per day of Saffron (15 mg twice per day) or 10 mg per day of donepezil (Aricept®) (5 mg twice per day).
The study found that Saffron was as effective as the drug donepezil in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s after 22 weeks.[xxiv]
Other research shows that Saffron may inhibit the aggregation of amyloid-β in the human brain and may therefore be useful in Alzheimer’s.[xxv]
46 patients with Alzheimer’s volunteered for a 16-week, double-blind trial. Patients were randomly assigned 15 mg of Saffron twice per day or a placebo for the 16-week study.
After 16 weeks, Saffron produced a significantly better outcome on cognitive function than placebo.
The study concluded, “This double-blind, placebo-controlled study suggests that at least in the short-term, Saffron is both safe and effective in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.”[xxvi]
Saffron for ADHD
A randomized double-blind study was conducted with 54 children 6-17 years old who were diagnosed with ADHD.
The children received 20 – 30 mg methylphenidate or 20 – 30 mg Saffron per day for 6 weeks. Symptoms were assessed using the Teacher and Parent Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) at baseline and weeks 3 and 6.
The researchers found no significant difference in reduction of ADHD symptoms between the two groups. And concluded, “Short-term therapy with saffron capsule showed the same efficacy compared with methylphenidate.”[xxvii]
Saffron Recommended Dosage
Recommended dose of Saffron is 25 – 30 mg twice per day for mild to moderate depression.
Clinical studies have evaluated doses ranging from 20 – 400 mg per day of Saffron.
Dosages up to 1.5 g per day of Saffron are thought to be safe.[xxviii] With toxic effects reported for 5 g doses.
As with many nootropics, more is NOT better when using Saffron. Some research shows that dosages above 1.5 g of Saffron can be extremely toxic.
Saffron Side Effects
Genuine Saffron is non-toxic and well-tolerated by most people when used at the recommended dosage.
Some reported side effects of Saffron include headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and mania (esp. if you are bipolar). Saffron can aggravate asthma symptoms.
5 g of Saffron are associated with toxic effects. And very high doses of Saffron (10 – 20 g) can be deadly.
No drug interactions have been reported. But interactions with anti-aggregating drugs are theoretically possible.
Do NOT use Saffron if you have a bleeding disorder.
Type of Saffron to buy
Saffron as a nootropic is typically sold in capsules.
Most individual Saffron supplements on the market are standardized (for 0.3% safranal) usually with 88.5 mg ‘Saffron extract’.
For nootropic use, look for supplements guaranteed to contain a patented version of Saffron extract. Otherwise, you’ll not likely experience the cognitive benefits of this nootropic for reasons I’ll go into in a minute.
NOTE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Affron®: Manufactured by PharmActive Biotech Products in Madrid, Spain and not easily found in Saffron products sold in the USA. But here’s one by Natural Factors: Affron Saffron Extract (Amazon)
(Satiereal®: Made by PLT Health Solutions in Morristown, NJ and included in select Saffron products like this one by Life Extension: Optimized Saffron (Amazon)
Safranal®: Manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich and included in some Saffron supplements like this one by 1 Body: Saffron 8825 (Amazon)
Saffron is also included in much smaller amounts in some vison/eye formulas. While extremely effective for vision health, it’s not enough for much cognitive benefit.
For example, Performance Lab Vision contains 1 mg of Saffron extract. Which I’ve found very effective for reducing glare from computer screens and headlights during nighttime driving. And reducing eye fatigue from monitor flicker. But the dosage in this supplement is too low for any real cognitive benefit.
Keep in mind that Saffron is the most valuable medicinal food plant on the planet. Which makes it a primary target by unscrupulous marketers for adulteration.
Common adulterants include mixing Saffron with things like beet, pomegranate fibers, and red-dyed silk fibers to decrease the cost of Saffron.
Sometimes the flowers of other plants, including safflower, marigold, arnica and tinted grasses are fraudulently mixed with genuine Saffron stigmas.
The common mislabeling of turmeric (curcuma longa) as “Indian saffron”, “American saffron”, or “Mexican saffron” can easily be mistaken as genuine Saffron.
When Saffron is used for therapeutic purposes such as a nootropic supplement, adulteration will make it completely useless or even harmful.[xxix]
Before you buy your Saffron supplement make sure you check that it’s a reputable supplement manufacturer who tests all their raw ingredients and encapsulated product.
This is a classic case of discounted or cheap Saffron is not a bargain. But something else entirely. Buyer beware!
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Saffron 25 – 30 mg twice a day
I recommend using Saffron as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Saffron on its own. So to get its benefits you must take it as a supplement.
Saffron is especially helpful for suffering from anxiety and depression. Studies show Saffron to be as effective as some popular antidepressants but without the side effects.
If you are currently using antidepressants, Saffron may help alleviate the sexual dysfunction caused by these drugs.
Saffron seems to be an effective way to control appetite. No snacking between meals and you’re no longer obsessed about food.
Saffron has the added benefit of more energy and stamina to help you through your day.
You can safely take up to 200 mg of Saffron daily if needed. But dosed 100 mg at a time. Be familiar with the associated side effects of higher doses of Saffron.
For nootropic use, choose a patented form of Saffron supplement such as the ones I’ve described above under “Type of Saffron to Buy”.
Saffron is also a very effective vision supplement. Driving at night is easier on your eyes. And the flicker caused by screens and monitors won’t leave you with eye fatigue later in the day.
For a great vision supplement, I highly recommend Performance Lab Vision.
For nootropic benefit look for genuine, verified pure Saffron or Saffron extract (standardized to 0.3 or 0.1% safranal).
Join The Discussion - 216 comments
Pawel
April 6, 2022
Hi David,
What is recommended dose of saffron for ADHD?
Most of the product has 0.3% safranal and EXTRACT 88.5 mg while speaking about 25-30mg do you mean extract? or Safranol?
If safranal, then I would like to ask you a question, how is this extract of 88,5 mg has 25-30mg of Safranol, they would need to use 10g of saffron to make one pill which could contain 30mg of Safranol, as I have ADHD I would like to know the correct dose I should take.
Also, I would like to mention that I was taking saffron
Double Wood Supplements – Saffron extract
At one moment I was taking 3 pills 2 times a day and I was feeling incredible effect but with a dose of 2 pills a day not much.
Could you clarify this dose me, please?
David Tomen
April 6, 2022
Pawel, I am referring to the recommended dosage of 25-30mg Saffron extract. NOT Safranal. I realized most Saffron extracts on the market are around 88 mg which is high but it’s not toxic. Any higher than that is not recommended.
The same dosage would apply to ADHD as well. 10 – 20 grams of Saffron would be extremely expensive and would kill you.
Jman
March 19, 2022
Hello
Do you think you can mix Saffron + PharmaGABA?
David Tomen
March 19, 2022
Yes you can use both.
Benjamin
March 11, 2022
Hi David! So basicly Saffron is the only natural Ritalin without prescription right?
I fired 2 psychiatrist, hope third one will diagnose my ADD properly. Thank you!
David Tomen
March 13, 2022
Benjamin, Saffron is the closest to the mechanism of action of Ritalin. But it is not a direct replacement for it. Ritalin will be more potent.
Sarah
March 3, 2022
Hi David,
Thank you for your fantastic site.
I have the Double Wood Saffron Extract, which I chose because it contains one of the patented versions you mentioned. But reading the label again I’m confused. It says each capsule contains:
Saffron Extract (Std. to 0.3% Safranal) 88.5mg.
So does that mean that only 0.3% of the 88.5mg – i.e. a tiny amount – is Safranal? Confused!
Sarah
David Tomen
March 3, 2022
Sarah, safranal is one of the main active components found in Saffron. But you need very little of it to be effective. Any Saffron extract (standardized to 0.3 or 0.1% safranal) will work. And Double Wood is a trustworthy company as well. Sounds like you got the right supplement. And 85 mg total is a little more than my recommendation of 25 – 30 mg twice a day. With your supplement you would take it once per day.
Karine Berube
April 27, 2022
When I look into Canada product there’s is AOR Saffron. I know they are normaly good quality products.
In their Saffron products they said :
Crocus sativus extract (2% safranal)
It is not .2 % but 2%
I am a bit mix up here, is it too much or good ?
And were we can buy Saffron strang/stigmas to put in hot water that are real one ? Thanks to you !
David Tomen
April 27, 2022
Karine, safranal is the main active compound found in Saffron which is what you want. It is 5 grams (not mg) of Saffron which are associated with toxic effects. And very high doses of Saffron (10 – 20 g) can be deadly.
Karine Berube
April 28, 2022
I forgot to say that it is 15 mg of Crocus sativus extract (2% safranal)
Happy to have found out it is good !
Thanks you so so much !
Ed
January 10, 2022
Hi David,
Just wanted to give a disclaimer for everyone reading this thread:
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES take Saffron Extract with PEA (Phenylethylamine). I tested the waters with combing a mere 50mg of PEA with 88.3mg saffron extract (standardized 0.3% safranal), where I took the saffron 8 hours earlier. After about 10 minutes, I had a full blown panic attack. I felt like I had taken an overdose of amphetamines along with a red bull. My heart rate skyrocketed and I felt like I was going to die. Luckly, I had Xanax on hand, and took 0.5mg. The comination of the Xanax and a walk outside brought me back to ground level about 30 minutes later.
Additional information: I was in a fasted state (approx. 23 hours since last meal), and had eaten nothing that would cause a “cheese” effect. Also, I had taken 400mg of PEA x3 daily with all of my other supplements besides saffron the day before, with no adverse side effects.
My reaction suggests suggests that PEA should not be taken with Methylphenidate, since Saffron acts very similarly. And I would also be even more hesitant when taking it with amphetamines of any kind, since they actively cause the release of neurotransmitters instead of simply preventing their re-uptake – the overstimulation I fear could be unbearable.
sharon
January 5, 2022
I’m not sure if you are saying the common standardized extract of saffron 88.5 mg is good or not. I have some of that on hand but if it’s not going to work, I’ll buy something else. Thanks for the great information!
Gary Smith
November 19, 2021
Hi David, I just reread your two articles on anxiety. I have recently realized via therapy that my anxiety plays a much larger role than depression. As such I think it is the cause of many of my health conditions, particularly the insomnia.
Your article mentions that supplements that increase seratonin like 5-HTP and L-Tryptophan are not good for anxiety. Does saffron increase seratonin? I have been taking two 85 mg of saffron each night for sleep. Thanks.
David Tomen
November 29, 2021
Gary, serotonin in excess may cause problems like anxiety. That cannot happen by using Saffron.
Jman
November 10, 2021
Hello
I have seen some write that Saffron increases Serotonin, but you don’t. What is right?
David Tomen
November 12, 2021
Jman, Saffron does not physically increase levels of serotonin in the brain. Only L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP does that.
But Saffron affects the levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin by decreasing the activity of acetylcholine esterase and inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase in the brain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5787996/
Sushmita
April 28, 2022
David,
Since Saffron does not increase serotonin physically, can we add 5HTP with it.
If yes what dosage would be good for anxiety. We currently take 28mg of saffron. I am looking at a supplement “Cerevive”. Will that help?
David Tomen
April 28, 2022
Sushmita, 5-HTP 50 or 100 mg should not be a problem with Saffron. But don’t be surprise if 5-HTP quits working after 4 – 6 weeks. If that happens use L-Tryptophan instead.