Saffronextract
Saffron comes from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, the most expensive spice in the world by weight.
Crocus sativus L.
28–30 mg of extract a day.
What it is
Beyond cooking, it has been used for mood since traditional Persian medicine. Its active compounds are crocin and safranal; in laboratory studies they act on serotonin and dopamine.
What it is used for
The quiz suggests it when your answers justify it. It usually appears with these goals:
What the evidence says
Trials in people that point the same way, but still few, small or funded by the manufacturer.
Small trials show effects on mood and on premenstrual mood swings compared with placebo.
| Year | What was studied | What was found | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | The most relevant for Dosis | 12-week RCT in 202 adults with mild depressive symptoms: 28 mg of saffron a day improved the low-mood score compared with placebo. On the other measures, such as stress or general wellbeing, there were no differences. (One of the authors works for the extract’s manufacturer.) | Lopresti et al.Journal of Nutrition |
| 2019 | The broad meta-analysis | Review of 23 studies: a large positive effect on symptoms of low mood and anxiety compared with placebo. The authors themselves detected publication bias, so the real effect is probably smaller. | Marx et al.Nutrition Reviews |
What to look for on the label
- A standardised extract (safranal and crocins) at the dose used in trials. affron® is a Spanish extract.
Precautions
- If you take antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs), triptans or anticoagulants, or have bipolar disorder, ask first.
- High doses of saffron are not safe in pregnancy.
Where to find it
Products whose label meets what this profile asks for: form, dose per serving and nothing that contradicts it. Three at most: quality of the active comes first and, among the best, we look for one option in each price range. We choose by composition, not by who pays. The shops are European or ship to Europe.
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ThorneShips from the US: check delivery and customs€€€High endThorne
Saffron (Safr'Inside™)
30 mg of extract per capsule
For the reference dose1 capsuleView at Thorne (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria. Safr’Inside™ extract, with its own trials at 30 mg.
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VegaveroShips from Germany€€Mid rangeVegavero
Saffron extract
15 mg of standardised extract (3.5% lepticrosalides) per capsule
For the reference dose2 capsules: 30 mgView at Vegavero (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
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HSNShips from Spain€BudgetEssential Series
affron® saffron extract
30 mg of affron® per capsule
For the reference dose1 capsuleView at HSN (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
We link to the shop; we do not sell anything. Today we earn no commission on any link. If we ever do, the link will say so and the selection will not change: the label decides. Labels checked on 2 November 2026; check the one on the pack before you buy. All these shops deliver to the EU; some of their pages open in Spanish. How we are funded.
Nearby in the library
Is it for you?
The quiz decides from your answers, not from a profile.
Profile reviewed on 3 November 2026. Sources: EFSA, Regulation (EU) 432/2012 and published studies. Image: Saffron (Crocus sativus). Coloured engraving by C.B. Hemerich after T. Robinson, 18th century. Wellcome Collection, public domain.
General information based on published scientific evidence and EU law. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, and are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
Do not exceed the daily dose stated on each product. If you take medication, have a medical condition or have any doubts, ask your doctor or pharmacist.