Saffron

Names in Different Languages

English	Saffron
Urdu	زعفران
Hindi	केसर
Farsi	زعفران
Unani	Zafran
French	Safran
German	Safran

Traditional Uses

In Persian, Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, saffron (kesar, zafran) has been used for centuries for mood, sleep, digestion, skin and fertility, and as a prized cooking spice, dye and perfume; in Ayurveda it is a warming, rejuvenating spice taken in milk.

Modern Research

Saffron has unusually strong human evidence for a spice: more than 40 human studies exist. A 2025 meta-analysis of 9 randomised trials found no significant difference from SSRIs for depression and anxiety, with fewer side effects, and a sleep meta-analysis of 8 trials found improved sleep scores. Caveats: many early depression trials were small (30-40 per arm) and came from a single Iranian research group, and several recent trials were funded by an extract manufacturer. Evidence for fertility and skin is limited to small or exploratory trials, and saffron is not a treatment for diagnosed depression.

Uses

• Mood and sleep support (extract trials)
• Skin support (traditional, limited trial evidence)
• Fertility support (small trials, men)
• Cooking spice (kesar milk, rice dishes)

Benefits of Use

• Mood support: a 2025 meta-analysis of 9 trials found saffron comparable to SSRI antidepressants for mild to moderate depression, with fewer side effects
• Sleep support: a meta-analysis of 8 trials found improved sleep quality scores, and a 2025 trial found better self-reported and objectively measured sleep at 30 mg/day
• Skin support: a 12-week trial in women aged 50-70 found improved self-esteem and sleep-related impairment at 28 mg/day, but no significant change in self-rated appearance or estimated facial skin age; traditional skin use is not proven in trials
• Fertility support: small trials report improved sperm motility and count in men, but the evidence is limited and not conclusive

Safe Dose & Overdose (mg/g)

Side Effects

• Dry mouth, nausea, dizziness and headache at studied doses
• Drowsiness, tiredness and appetite changes
• Stomach pain and diarrhoea
• Allergic reactions (rare); avoid in pregnancy at medicinal doses, as high doses can stimulate uterine contractions

Interactions

• Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs): may add to serotonergic effects and raise the risk of serotonin syndrome
• Blood-pressure medicines: may add to blood-pressure-lowering effects
• Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin): may increase bleeding risk
• Sedatives: may add to drowsiness

Sources

• Drugs.com Saffron Dosing and Toxicology
• The Healthy RD Saffron Benefits 2026 Research
• PMC Saffron Extract Trial in Women 50-70 (2026)
• Kashmiril Too Much Saffron Toxicity Guide