Remedy · root & spice

Saffron: what the evidence says about mood and PMS

A costly spice that is also one of the more-studied herbal extracts for mood. Trials in mild to moderate depression and PMS are encouraging but small, regional and prone to publication bias.

By the editors of Alimentotherapy Last reviewed October 19, 2026 4 min read Not medical advice

Saffron

Crocus sativus

Best-supported use: Self-rated mood symptoms in mild to moderate depression

EvidenceModeratebest use

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The short answer

In a 2026 meta-analysis of 34 randomized trials, saffron extract lowered self-rated depression and anxiety scores compared with placebo, though clinician-rated scales did not change Mahmoudi 2026. We grade the self-rated mood evidence moderate, not strong, because an earlier review found signs of publication bias and a lack of regional diversity in the trials; depression itself needs a clinician, not a spice Marx 2019.

The evidence, use by use

Each claim graded on human studies only. How we grade

Use	Grade	What the research found
Self-rated mood symptoms in mild to moderate depression	Moderate	Across 14 trials (817 people), saffron lowered Beck Depression Inventory scores by about 4.4 points more than placebo, with moderate GRADE certainty, but clinician-rated Hamilton scores did not differ. An earlier meta-analysis of 23 trials found evidence of publication bias. Mahmoudi 2026; Marx 2019
Anxiety symptoms	Limited	Six trials (339 people) showed lower Beck Anxiety Inventory scores, but results varied a great deal between trials and clinician-rated anxiety scores did not change. Mahmoudi 2026
Premenstrual symptoms (PMS)	Limited	A meta-analysis of randomized trials found PMS symptoms improved with saffron. In one double-blind trial, 15 mg twice a day for two cycles eased PMS symptom scores more than placebo. Mohammadi 2026; Agha 2008
Period pain	Limited	The same meta-analysis found a smaller, borderline reduction in period pain (the confidence interval nearly reached zero). Mohammadi 2026

What saffron is

Saffron is the dried stigma of the saffron crocus flower, widely used in food for its color, taste and aroma Bostan 2017, and used as a medicine for millennia, including for depressed moodSchmidt 2007. Its main studied compounds are crocin and safranal Bostan 2017. A pinch in rice or a stew is a food amount; the trials on this page used standardized extracts in capsules, at fixed doses in milligrams.

Mood: what the trials found, and their limits

Saffron has been tested in many small randomized trials in adults with mild to moderate depression, both on its own and added to antidepressants. The pooled results look better than for most herbs:

A 2019 meta-analysis of 23 trials found a large effect on depressive and anxiety symptoms compared with placebo, and when added to antidepressants. It also found evidence of publication bias and a lack of regional diversity, and called for more trials Marx 2019.
A 2026 meta-analysis of 34 placebo-controlled trials (1,769 participants) found lower scores on the self-rated Beck Depression Inventory (14 trials) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (6 trials), with moderate GRADE certainty. There was no significant effect on the clinician-rated Hamilton scales, and the authors say this gap underscores the need for high-quality trials Mahmoudi 2026.
Trials comparing saffron head to head with SSRI antidepressants found no significant difference in symptom reduction, and fewer side effects with saffron Shafiee 2025. With only eight trials, no significant difference is not the same as proof that the two work equally well.

Safety

Depression is a medical condition. Do not stop or swap an antidepressant for saffron, and do not add saffron to one without asking your prescriber. If you have thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988 (the US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or your local emergency number now.

PMS and period pain

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, women aged 20 to 45 with regular cycles and long-standing PMS took 15 mg of saffron twice a day (30 mg a day) or placebo for two menstrual cycles. Saffron eased total premenstrual symptom scores and depression ratings more than placebo Agha 2008. A later meta-analysis found improvement in PMS symptoms and a smaller, borderline effect on period painMohammadi 2026. See our menstrual comfort page for other options and what the evidence says about them.

Safety: fine as a spice, more care as a supplement

A 2026 systematic review of 102 clinical trials estimated that about 17.5% of people taking saffron preparations reported an adverse effect, most often mild, self-limiting stomach problems. It also flagged potentially significant adverse events at higher doses or with long use, and advised clinical monitoringHasheminasab 2026. In a small safety study in healthy volunteers, 400 mg a day for a week lowered standing blood pressure and slightly changed some blood counts and kidney values, within normal ranges Modaghegh 2008.

Pregnancy is the main concern. An integrative review found that higher doses, or heavy occupational exposure, have been linked to uterine stimulation and a higher risk of miscarriage, while low doses have been studied only near term in relation to labor Alshdefat 2026.

For cooking threads, or a standardized extract if your clinician agrees, iHerb lists saffron threads and extracts.

Before you try it: safety and interactions

Who should avoid it or ask first

You are pregnant or trying to conceive: avoid supplement doses.
You take an antidepressant or other psychiatric medicine: ask your prescriber before adding saffron.
You take blood pressure medicine: higher doses lowered blood pressure in a safety study.

Possible side effects

Stomach upset and other mild gastrointestinal effects, the most common complaints in trials.
Lower blood pressure at higher supplement doses.
Potentially significant adverse events at high doses or with long use.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Higher doses have been linked to uterine stimulation and miscarriage, so pregnant women should avoid saffron supplements; the small amounts used in cooking are a different matter but are still best discussed with your midwife or doctor. Safety in breastfeeding has not been established. Alshdefat 2026; Hasheminasab 2026; Modaghegh 2008

Medicine interactions

We found no well-documented medicine interactions for saffron at food amounts. That is not proof there are none: tell your pharmacist about any herb or supplement you take.

Check another food or medicine in the interactions list.

Common questions

Does saffron help with depression?

Trials suggest saffron extract can lower self-rated depression scores in mild to moderate depression: a 2026 meta-analysis of 34 trials found a drop on the Beck Depression Inventory, but not on clinician-rated scales. Depression needs a clinician; do not replace or add to an antidepressant without your prescriber.

How much saffron was used for PMS?

In a double-blind trial, women took 15 mg of saffron twice a day (30 mg a day) for two menstrual cycles and had lower PMS symptom scores than on placebo. That is a standardized capsule dose, not a cooking pinch.

Is saffron safe in pregnancy?

Not as a supplement. A 2026 review linked higher doses and heavy occupational exposure to uterine stimulation and a higher risk of miscarriage. Ask your midwife or doctor before using saffron beyond ordinary cooking amounts.

Sources

Primary research and government sources, each checked on the date this page was reviewed.