3Medicinal

Saffron extract

Also sold as Crocus sativus

Emerging evidence for low mood and PMS symptoms.

TrustedSupp Tier System™ · Tier 3Take as a defined course

Check before you startThis one has documented interactions with medication classes where the consequences are serious. If you take any prescription medicine, run it past a pharmacist before starting.

Evidence strength

52/100Moderate

WEAKLIMITEDMODERATESTRONGVERY STRONG

What the evidence supports: mild depression and PMS in emerging trials.

This scores how well-supported the claim above is — not how much benefit you personally would get. A high score on a narrow claim does not extend to everything the product is marketed for.

How long to take it

Course-based, six to eight weeks to judge effect.

Who it's actually for

Mild low mood or PMS, with realistic expectations and no psychiatric medication.

Safe upper limit

Unverified

No formal limit; 30 mg daily in trials. Very high doses of saffron are toxic

Doses far above supplement levels are genuinely toxic and can cause bleeding and miscarriage.

No source or citation attached yet.

Interactions to know about

Antidepressants — SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tricyclics
Blood thinners / antiplatelets — Warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, aspirin
Blood pressure medication — Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors

Other supplements:

Run your full list through the interaction check.

Practical notes

One of the most expensive spices by weight — check for adulteration and third-party testing.
Avoid in pregnancy.
Possible serotonergic effect; don't stack with antidepressants.