People mainly take Saffron for mood, anxiety, energy. Based on 115 first-hand reports and 88 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #37 of 1,974 overall.
Of reports that state an outcome, 62% are positive.
Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.
3+ meta-analyses or systematic reviews and 10+ randomized controlled trials in humans. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.
Conclusion: Saffron demonstrates promise in improving ADHD symptoms, with an acceptable safety profile. Future well-designed multicentral studies are suggested.
PubMed 37864351 ↗Conclusion: Research conducted so far provides initial support for the use of saffron for the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. Further research is required to expand our understanding of the role and actions of saffron in major depression.
PubMed 25384672 ↗Conclusion: Saffron could be a potential SSRI alternative to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms with fewer adverse events. Further research with larger sample sizes and in diverse populations is warranted to validate these findings and explore potential moderators of treatment response.
PubMed 38913392 ↗Conclusion: Saffron was non-inferior to conventional drugs for treating cognitive disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, and it exhibited good tolerance with few side effects. Saffron may exert protective roles for neurological and psychiatric disorders and represents a relatively favorable and safe treatment.
PubMed 38424688 ↗As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.
How often each side effect came up across all reports.
Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.
“After two weeks of taking I started feeling amazing, the depression was almost no existent anymore. But now its back again.”
“Saffron was recommended to me aswell”
“I've tried pelvic floor therapy, maca root, ashwagandha (had huge crash on that so be careful) ginkgo biloba, and saffron.”
“I am positive after repeated 4 weeks twice a week repeat doses, I am getting the same reaction...I am getting a very powerful effect similar to low dose amphetamine”
“Vitamin D, Boron, Zinc, Selenium, Iodine, Jiagoulan, Saffron, magnesium are my favourites.”
User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate