Saffron (Crocus sativus)

Tier 1 — strong evidence · Depression · Anxiety · Cognition

Saffron stigma extract (Crocus sativus) demonstrates antidepressant activity comparable to fluoxetine in mild-moderate depression. The 2025 Cheng network meta-analysis (192 trials, 17,437 patients, PMID 40314175) identified saffron as one of only four nutraceutical monotherapies with efficacy SUPERIOR to standard antidepressants (SMD 0.69, 95% CI 0.34–1.04). Standard dose is 30 mg/day of standardised extract for 6–12 weeks. Tolerability is comparable to placebo. Caution with serotonergic drugs (SSRI, MAOI, tramadol) — additive serotonin syndrome risk.

Dose: 28–30 mg/day standardised saffron extract (min 2% safranal + crocin)