The 6 Best Saffron Supplements for Stress Relief
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If you like to cook, you’re likely familiar with saffron, a spice commonly used in India, Morocco and Iran. These delicate red threads (called stigmas) come from the crocus sativus flower, which only blooms for one week each year.
Because they must be hand-plucked, the stigmas are quite expensive. At more than $100 per ounce, they’ve earned the nickname “red gold.” As a supplement, saffron is a superfood. It has been studied for a variety of uses, especially as a possible treatment for mood disorders like depression.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive buyer’s guide for saffron supplements. You’ll learn about the benefits, what to look for when purchasing and what to avoid. On top of that, we’ve showcased our picks for the top six brands.
This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
Our Picks for Best Saffron Supplements:
- Best Overall Saffron Supplement: California Gold Nutrition Saffron Extract
- Best for Eye Health: Life Extension MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron
- Best Organic Saffron Supplement: Pure Synergy Radiant Mood
- Best Vegan Saffron Supplement NOW Foods Saffron
- Best Saffron Supplement for Stress Relief: Solgar Ashwagandha and Saffron
- Best Saffron Supplement Gummies: Olly Hello Happy
Best Overall Saffron Supplement: California Gold Nutrition Saffron Extract
Key features & specs
- Saffron per serving: 28 milligrams
- Certifications: Third-party tested by Advanced Botanical Consulting & Testing, Inc.; Manufactured in a cGMP Registered Facility
- Key ingredients: Saffron extract
- Subscription: Monthly for 30% off
- Sweeteners: N/A
- Best for: Anyone looking for a high-quality saffron supplement
- Price per serving: $0.43
Part of the iHerb family of brands, California Gold Nutrition takes quality very seriously. It third-party tests all of its products for purity and potency—and it posts those test results on its website for consumers to review.
This particular California Gold product contains pure saffron extract in the form of affronⓇ, a trademarked form of Saffron stigmas. In one study, people who took affronⓇ for four weeks saw a decrease in negative moods, anxiety and stress.
Not only does the California Gold brand use a research-tested version of saffron, but it also uses the exact dose (28 milligrams) from those studies.
Take one capsule daily, with or without food.
On the iHerb website, the supplement has earned 4.6 stars out of five, based on 677 ratings. As one reviewer said, “I'm usually gloomy and cranky for no reason, but just a few days after taking this supplement, I noticed a huge difference in my mood. I became lively and positive. I'm sticking to this!”
Pros:
- Research-tested ingredient and dose
- Does not contain gluten, GMOs or soy
- Suitable for vegetarians, vegans
Cons:
- At $0.43 a serving, this is one of the more expensive saffron supplements
Best for Eye Health: Life Extension Macuguard Ocular Support with Saffron
iHerb
Key features & specs
- Saffron per serving: 20 milligrams
- Certifications: Non-GMO LE certified
- Subscription: N/A
- Key ingredients: Saffron extract (20 milligrams), lutein (10 milligrams), zeaxanthin (four milligrams), mixed carotenoids (1.24 milligrams), black currant extract (2.2 milligrams)
- Sweeteners: Maltodextrin
- Best for: People interested in eye health, budget-conscious shoppers
- Price per serving: $0.31
Life Extension is a heavy-hitter in the supplement world. The Fort Lauderdale-based company has been around for 40 years, publishes a monthly health magazine and staffs a team of naturopaths, nutritionists and nurses who answer customer questions and dispense wellness advice for free.
This particular Life Extension supplement targets eye health. A lesser-known benefit of saffron: It may help to slow the progression of age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration. In addition to saffron, the Life Extension product also includes 10 milligrams of lutein and four milligrams of meso-zeaxanthin and trans-zeaxanthin, all important plant chemicals that benefit eye health.
The company instructs users to take one soft gel daily, with food.
On Amazon, the supplement has 4.6 stars out of five, based on 1486 ratings. There, plenty of customers share tales of how the supplement has helped them to turn around a range of eye problems. As one person wrote, “My husband's eyeglass prescription actually improved after taking this for 1.5 years...first time EVER and he is 65.”
Related Post: The Best Vitamins for Eye Health
Pros:
- Packaged with important eye-health nutrients
- Free of gluten and GMOs
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Some customers have complained about the size of the pills
Best Organic Saffron Supplement: Pure Synergy Radiant Mood
Pure Synergy
Key features & specs
- Saffron per serving: 125 milligrams
- Certifications: Certified Oregon Tilth organic, Certified Non-GMO, Certified B Corporation
- Subscription: Ships monthly for 15% off
- Key ingredients: Saffron extract, gardenia fruit extract, English lavender flower, Albuzua julibrissin wild bark and flower extracts, lemon balm extract, magnolia bark extract, rugose rose flower extract
- Sweeteners: N/A
- Best for: Environmentally conscious shoppers
- Price per serving: $1.70
The Synergy Company is all about pure, environmentally-friendly ingredients. In addition to being organic, its supplements are made in the USA, on a wind-powered facility in Moab, Utah. The Nutrition Business Journal awarded Synergy the “Organic Excellence Award” and “Environment Sustainability Award.”
Synergy’s pure saffron extract supplement is certified organic by Oregon Tilth, a non-profit that’s been around since 1974—long before USDA began offering its own organic stamp.
In addition to saffron, the Synergy supplement is loaded with other substances thought to boost mood. According to the experts at Mount Sinai, lemon balm may reduce stress and anxiety. Magnolia bark extract has been shown to help reduce fatigue in people undergoing high amounts of stress. Gardenia fruit extract may protect against depression.
Users should take two capsules daily, with or without food. Ideally, split up the dose, taking one capsule in the morning and the other in the evening.
On the manufacturer’s website, customers seem pleased with the product. One wrote, “This product rounds out my mood nicely. In particular, I feel less of the negative impacts of daily stresses, etc. The most notable benefit however is its effect on my sleep. I have noticed a profound impact on my ability to get good consistent quality sleep since using this product.”
Pros:
- Certified organic, from an environmentally-conscious company
- Free of GMOs, gluten and dairy
- Kosher and vegan
Cons:
- At $1.70 per serving, this is one of the more expensive saffron supplements
Best Vegan Saffron Supplement: NOW Foods Saffron
NOW Foods
Key features & specs
- Saffron per serving: 50 milligrams
- Certifications: Produced in a GMP-certified facility, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, UL Brand Certified
- Subscription: N/A
- Key ingredients: Saffron from crocus stigmas
- Sweeteners: N/A
- Best for: Vegetarians and vegans
- Price per serving: $0.33
A family-owned company, NOW is committed to producing natural products that are sourced from nature. Though NOW doesn’t use third-party testing, it does routinely audit its suppliers to ensure its manufacturing and processing procedures are safe and effective. It also regularly tests its own products for purity and potency.
We like that this supplement is vegan-friendly. Though saffron is a plant—and therefore naturally vegan—some supplements use small amounts of animal products to create their capsules and preserve ingredients. Two common fillers: Gelatin (derived from animal byproducts) and glycerin, which often comes from animal fat. The capsule for the NOW product is made from microcrystalline cellulose hypromellose, a type of fiber that comes from wood pulp.
Users should take one capsule twice a day with food. Store in a cool, dry place.
On the iHerb website, the supplement has earned 4.7 stars out of five, based on 285 ratings. As one customer wrote, “I have been suffering from various suboptimal mental states including depression and extreme irritability. This product puts me in a mellow state where I am better able to take on life’s challenges. Things don’t get on my nerves like they used to and it makes me a much more positive person to be around. No side effects or withdrawal symptoms and I only need half a capsule. Will buy again.”
Pros:
- Vegan
- Manufactured without yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nuts
- Certified organic and Non-GMO
Cons:
- Requires two daily capsules
Best Saffron Supplement for Stress Relief: Solgar Ashwagandha and Saffron
Solgar
Key features & specs
- Saffron per serving: 28 milligrams
- Certifications: N/A
- Subscription: N/A
- Key ingredients: affronⓇ and KSM-66Ⓡ Ashwagandha
- Sweeteners: N/A
- Best for: People interested in research-tested ingredients for mood
- Price per serving: $.75
Solgar prides itself on creating science-baked formulations that meet high quality standards.
Like the California Gold supplement mentioned earlier, Solgar uses affronⓇ, a trademarked form of saffron stigmas that has undergone scientific testing. Then it combines it with 600 milligrams of KSM-66Ⓡ Ashwagandha, another trademarked herb that has been used in scientific research. When taken separately, both herbs have been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and anxiety. Scant research has looked at whether there’s an added benefit of taking the two together, in one pill.
Users should take one tablet, daily.
Pros:
- Contains a research-tested version of saffron
- Free of gluten, wheat, soy, yeast, sugar, salt, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors
Cons:
- Contains milk, making it unsuitable for vegan consumers
- At $0.75 per serving, this supplement is on the pricier side
Best Saffron Supplement Gummies: OIly Hello Happy
Olly
Key features & specs
- Saffron per serving: 30 milligrams
- Nutrition facts: 20 calories, four grams carbohydrate, three grams sugars, 2,000 IU vitamin D, 30 milligrams saffron
- Certifications: NSF-certified, Certified B Corporation
- Subscription: Monthly at 15% off
- Key ingredients: Saffron
- Sweeteners: Glucose syrup, beet sugar, orange juice concentrate
- Best for: People who struggle to swallow pills
- Price per serving: $0.66
Olly is a powerhouse in the chewable world. It has also taken on mental health as a company mission, offering grants that fund mental health and suicide awareness programs.
In addition to saffron, this supplement contains 2,000 International Units of vitamin D. Though many people swear by vitamin D for mood and sleep, the research on the mood-enhancing benefits is mixed.
If artificial colors and flavors are a concern, know that the Olly gummies use real food instead of artificially made chemicals. The coloring comes from carrots and black currants, for example. All the ingredients are NSF-certified, which means they’ve been independently tested to meet rigorous quality standards.
Chew two gummy worms daily, with or without food.
Related Post: Are Gummy Vitamins Effective?
Pros:
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Gluten-free
- Free shipping for orders over $59
Cons:
- Contains sugar and gelatin
What Is Saffron?
Look inside a crocus, and you’ll notice several thin red threads (called stigmas) poking from the flower’s center.
Those stigmas offer the raw material for saffron supplements. The delicate stigmas must be picked by hand. It takes 1,000 flowers to produce just five grams of saffron, making the spice one of the most expensive in the world. It’s often used in Iranian, Moroccan and Indian cooking.
Health Benefits of Saffron
Saffron contains four active ingredients: crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin and safranal. They’re naturally rich in health-promoting plant chemicals thought to offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the body. Those effects are thought to lead to benefits in the following areas:
Related Post: Best Turmeric Supplements
Depression
A pooled analysis of nine randomized clinical trials determined that saffron supplements offered significant antidepressant protection when compared to a placebo (sugar pill). A second analysis of five randomized clinical trials arrived at the same conclusion, pointing to saffron as a potent mood enhancer.
Sleep
Saffron may improve sleep by affecting brain chemicals involved in relaxation. When study participants took 15.5 milligrams of saffron extract daily for six weeks, their sleep quality improved. In a separate study, it was determined that 14 milligrams were just as effective at improving sleep as higher doses.
Related Post: The 10 Best Sleep Aids
Premenstrual syndrome
Though more research is needed, it appears saffron may ease some of the symptoms of PMS. Women who took 15 milligrams of saffron twice a day for six months reported reduced PMS symptoms and depression, found one randomized, controlled trial.
Heart protection
Saffron’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are thought to protect the blood vessels from free radicals, reducing the risk of heart disease. The herb may also help reduce blood pressure, offering additional heart protection.
Eye health
As with the heart, saffron’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects can protect the eyes. Research shows that, when combined with standard treatment, the supplements may help to slow age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and retinal dysfunction.
Memory
Research into saffron’s effects on cognitive function and memory is still in the earliest stages, with studies mostly only involving Petri dishes and animals. Though human studies are needed, it appears saffron may help reduce oxidative stress in the brain as well as protect against the build-up of plaque that is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
Precautions When Taking Saffron
When used as a spice, saffron is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration. That said, the FDA does not regulate saffron when used in supplements. To decide if saffron is safe for you, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare pro, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking prescription medications.
Related Post: The Best Prenatal Vitamins
How to Choose the Best Saffron for You
Because dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you’ll want to look for reputable brands that have been third-party tested, certified for using good manufacturing practices (GMP) and/or certified by outside organizations that have tested the product to ensure it contains what’s claimed on the packaging.
On top of that, look for dietary supplements that match your personal values and lifestyle. For example, if organic foods are important to you, you’ll want to look for supplements that come with the Oregon Tilth or the USDA Organic stamp of approval.
What to Avoid in a Saffron Supplement
Ideally, check in with your healthcare provider before taking saffron or any other dietary supplement. Based on your current state of health as well as any prescription medications you’re taking, your doctor can help you to determine possible red flags.
How We Chose the Best Saffron Supplement
When we review supplements, quality always tops our list of must-haves. Whenever possible, we include brands that have been certified for purity and quality by an outside organization such as ConsumerLab.com, NSF International or US Pharmacopeia. We also look for companies that are Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) certified. That ensures the company uses FDA quality standards.
In this review, we also tried to include a diverse array of products to make it easier for consumers to find the supplement that works best for them.
Saffron Supplement FAQs
Does saffron help with weight loss?
Research has shown that saffron may serve as an appetite suppressant and cravings reducer.
It influences neurotransmitters involved in appetite regulation. When study participants took 176.5 milligrams of saffron extract twice daily for eight weeks, their snacking decreased and they lost more weight than those who took a sugar pill. This, however, was a very small study of only 31 people, and it was funded by Inoreal, Ltd., a company that manufactures saffron supplements.
Related Post: Best Supplements for Weight Loss
How much saffron extract should I take?
Studies have looked at dosages ranging from 14 to more than 100 milligrams. When making decisions about supplements, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider and follow the manufacturer’s directions on the packaging.
Is it safe to take saffron every day?
Though saffron is considered safe, it’s always a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider before taking this or any other supplement. This is especially important if you are taking prescription medicines.
Is saffron extract FDA-approved?
No. Unlike prescription drugs, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does approve supplements before they go to market.
How long does it take to see results from saffron?
In research, study participants used saffron for around six to eight weeks. That said, results may vary from one person to another.
Takeaway: Are Saffron Supplements Worth It?
Though saffron supplements tend to be somewhat pricey, they also come with the backing of rigorous science. This is especially true if you’re seeking a supplement to help with sleep or mood. That said, before taking saffron or any other new supplement, it’s important to check in with your doctor.
