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Saffron (Crocin)Evidence & Dosage

Depression studies, mood enhancement, and eye health

Studies last updated

Evidence at a glance

Total studies
1,000
With abstract
49
Meta / Systematic / RCT
123
Highly cited
50
Publication years
1991–2026

Saffron (Crocin) in the context of Mental

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Top studies on Saffron (Crocin)

Ranked by influential-citation count and publication year.

  1. Protective role of antioxidant supplementation for depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

    J Affect Disord2023n=52Meta-Analysis99 influential citations

    <h4>Background</h4>New research supports an integrated approach to treating depression, and lifestyle modifications should be a regular component of both preventative and treatment programs. Therefore, in order to investigate the…

    Finding: The subgroup analyses by scale type and country remained significant for the positive effects on depressive and anxiety states.

  2. Effect of saffron supplementation on oxidative stress markers (MDA, TAC, TOS, GPx, SOD, and pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance): An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials.

    Front Med (Lausanne)2023n=934Systematic Review71 influential citations

    Introduction This study aimed to perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of saffron supplementation on oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total…

  3. Saffron: The Golden Spice with Therapeutic Properties on Digestive Diseases.

    Nutrients2019Systematic Review64 influential citations

    Saffron is a natural compound that has been used for centuries in many parts of the world as a food colorant and additive. It was shown to have the ability to mitigate various disorders through its known anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant…

  4. Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action.

    Hum Psychopharmacol2014n=6Systematic Review58 influential citations

    <h4>Background</h4>Saffron, a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, has now undergone several trials examining its antidepressant effects and, in a recent meta-analysis, was confirmed to be effective for the treatment of major…

  5. Effect of Saffron Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

    Nutr Rev2025n=8meta58 influential citations

    CONTEXT: Saffron, a natural remedy with potential antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, has gained attention as a potential therapeutic option. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the comparative…

    Finding: The authors conclude that saffron could be a potential SSRI alternative to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms with fewer adverse events.

  6. Effects of Crocin on Diabetic Maculopathy: A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial.

    Am J Ophthalmol2018n=101RCT53 influential citations

    <h4>Objective</h4>Diabetic macular edema (DME) is one of the most important sight-threatening complications in patients with diabetes. Owing to neuroprotective properties, crocin, as the main constituent in saffron, is thought to be useful…

  7. Effect of crocin of Crocus sativus L. on serum inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

    Br J Nutr2023n=57RCT51 influential citations

    Different factors, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation and apoptosis, affect the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as a progressive disease characterised by permanent…

  8. Crocin ameliorates neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in mice with Alzheimer's disease by activating PI3K/AKT pathway.

    Brain and behavior2024n=68E50 influential citations

    Crocin has a good prospect in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective effects remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Crocin and its underlying…

  9. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

    J Integr Med2013n=2Meta-Analysis49 influential citations

    <h4>Background</h4>Due to safety concerns and side effects of many antidepressant medications, herbal psychopharmacology research has increased, and herbal remedies are becoming increasingly popular as alternatives to prescribed…

    Finding: Saffron supplementation significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared with placebo in adults with major depressive disorder.

  10. A systematic review of the potential herbal sources of future drugs effective in oxidant-related diseases.

    Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets2009n=46Systematic Review46 influential citations

    <h4>Objective</h4>This review focuses on the medicinal plants growing and having history of folk medicine in Iran and found effective as anti free radical damage in animal or human.<h4>Design</h4>Embase, Scopus, Pubmed, Web of Science,…

Frequently asked

What does the evidence say about Saffron (Crocin)?
The subgroup analyses by scale type and country remained significant for the positive effects on depressive and anxiety states.
What dosage was studied?
• Antioxidant supplementation (including magnesium, zinc, selenium, CoQ10, tea and coffee, and crocin) (Not reported) • Oral saffron supplementation; included saffron and crocin trials (Saffron 30-1,000 mg/day; crocin 15-30 mg/day) • Saffron and saffron components (crocin, crocetin, safranal) (Varies by cited study; rat microbiome pilot used ~120 mg/day in drinking water; one in-vitro study used 0.04%, 2%, and 10% saffron)
Are there safety considerations for Saffron (Crocin)?
• Not reported • No adverse events were reported in the excerpt. • Saffron is not recommended for use by pregnant women due to possible embryo-development interference. • Ethanol saffron extracts were reported to show no toxicological effects in aged male rat liver.

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