Saffron (Crocin / Safranal)
The world's most expensive spice — and for good reason. Its active compounds crocin and safranal have surprisingly robust evidence for improving mood and supporting eye health.
Benefits
- +May improve symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression (comparable to some SSRIs in small trials)
- +Supports eye health — may protect against macular degeneration
- +Powerful antioxidant
- +May enhance memory and cognitive function
- +Supports healthy mood and emotional well-being
Dosage & Cost
Affron® is a well-studied patented extract. The expensive price of raw saffron is why standardized extracts are the way to go. Sticking to 100 mg or less keeps you safe.
Side Effects
- !Generally safe at supplement doses (30–100 mg)
- !Toxic at very high doses (>5 g) — but supplements are nowhere near this
- !May lower blood pressure
- !Can interact with serotonin medications — mention to your doctor
- !May affect appetite negatively
Food Sources
- • Saffron threads (Crocus sativus) — the stigmas of the saffron crocus flower
- • Used in paella, risotto, and many Mediterranean dishes
- • So expensive that supplementation (concentrated extract) is far more practical
References & Links
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This page is for informational purposes only. The information here has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). No supplement discussed on this page is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement.