--- title: "Saffron Extract — Evidence, Benefits & Where to Buy | Magellan" description: "Saffron Extract — Saffron is the dried red stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, long used as a culinary spice and in traditional medicine; its principal…" url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/119.md" canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/119.html" html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/119.html" type: "product" section: "Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers" evidence_grade: "Moderate evidence" evidence_tier: "moderate" citations: 24 product_id: 119 price_usd: 19.95 updated: 2026-09-02 author: "Gabriel Radu, DO" author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765." publisher: "Magellan Longevity" content_format: "markdown" license: "Educational content — not medical advice" --- # Saffron Extract [Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/1.md) › Saffron Extract **HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/p/119.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/product/119 ## Key facts | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Product | Saffron Extract | | Category | [Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/1.md) | | Evidence grade | Moderate evidence (B) | | Peer-reviewed citations | 24 | | Typical listed price | $19.95 (check the live price) | | Where to buy | [Search Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Saffron%20Extract&tag=magellanlong-20) | | Catalog ID | 119 | ## What it is Saffron is the dried red stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, long used as a culinary spice and in traditional medicine; its principal bioactive constituents are the carotenoids crocin and crocetin and the volatile compound safranal. Standardized saffron extracts (marketed under names such as affron and Safr'Inside) have been studied mainly for mood and, more recently, for sleep and for early age-related macular degeneration. Proposed mechanisms include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, modulation of serotonin and melatonin synthesis, and neuroprotective effects in the retina, pathways relevant to mood, sleep-wake regulation and visual function. ## Its role in longevity Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses report that saffron (commonly about 20-30 mg/day for mood and 14-100 mg/day in sleep studies, over 4-8 weeks) reduces symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression versus placebo and performs comparably to SSRI antidepressants in head-to-head trials with fewer adverse events, and modestly improves subjective sleep quality and insomnia severity, with some trials also showing objective changes such as increased evening melatonin or greater EEG delta power. Early randomized trials in age-related macular degeneration report improved retinal function and modest visual-acuity gains. However, trials are generally small, short and often industry-funded or single-center; some sleep outcomes are null (for example, a saffron-containing nutraceutical blend did not beat placebo on actigraphy); meta-analytic evidence for insomnia is rated very-low-to-moderate quality; and independent large-scale replication of the mood findings is lacking. Reported tolerability is good over these short studies, though long-term data are limited, adulteration makes extract standardization important, and saffron is not a replacement for prescribed treatment. This evidence describes the saffron compound and its standardized extracts and mechanisms in general, not this specific commercial product. ## Evidence grade: Moderate evidence - **What the grade means:** Curated grade based on the human and mechanistic evidence for this compound. - **Dose used in studies:** 20–30 mg/day standardized extract (sleep studies used ~14–28 mg/day) - **What this grade does not say:** Meta-analyses of small RCTs show saffron beats placebo for mild-to-moderate depression and performs comparably to SSRIs with fewer side effects; sleep benefits are modest and some trials are null. Trials are short (4–12 weeks), often small and single-center, large independent replications are lacking, and it is not a replacement for prescribed treatment. ## Where it comes from without a bottle Food, exercise and behaviour routes to the same pathway, each with its citation. | Natural source | How it works | Citation | | --- | --- | --- | | Saffron threads (the spice) | Saffron supplements are concentrated extracts of the same dried stigmas you cook with. A pinch of culinary saffron steeped in rice, tea, or milk delivers the crocin and safranal compounds — just at lower, less standardized doses than a capsule. | Food and Chemical Toxicology 2013 [PMID 24275090](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24275090/) | | Cooking saffron (crocin & safranal) | The bioactives credited with saffron's mood effects — crocin, crocetin, safranal — are the very pigments that color and flavor your food, so culinary saffron is the natural, whole-spice route to them. | Phytotherapy Research 2024 [PMID 38446350](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38446350/) | ### What those papers actually say 1. **Saffron threads (the spice)** Food and Chemical Toxicology 2013 · [PMID 24275090](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24275090/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.fct.2013.11.016](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2013.11.016) > saffron, the dried stigma of the plant Crocus sativus L. has been extensively used as a spice and food colorant 2. **Cooking saffron (crocin & safranal)** Phytotherapy Research 2024 · [PMID 38446350](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38446350/) · [DOI 10.1002/ptr.8169](https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8169) > Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus L., which has been used for centuries as a coloring and flavoring agent ## In the news - **Exploring saffron's potential for mood and sleep disorders: Study** — NutraIngredients 2026 [Read it](https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2026/06/23/exploring-saffrons-potential-for-mood-and-sleep-disorders-study/) > Supplementing saffron extract for 12 weeks was associated with improvements in depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and sleep-related impairment, according to a study. ## The research Peer-reviewed studies on the active compound. Quotes are verbatim from the cited abstract. Research describes the active mechanism and is not a claim about this specific product. ### Cited studies 1. **Evidence: improves sleep latency, duration** Nutrients 2021 · [PMID 33925432](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33925432/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu13051473](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051473) > saffron extract could improve sleep duration and quality 2. **affron a novel saffron extract improves mood in healthy adults over 4 weeks** Complement Ther Med 2017 · [PMID 28735826](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28735826/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.06.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2017.06.001) > saffron increased mood, reduced anxiety and managed stress without side effects 3. **Effect of Saffron Versus SSRIs in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials** Nutr Rev 2025 · [PMID 38913392](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38913392/) · [DOI 10.1093/nutrit/nuae076](https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuae076) > Saffron could be a potential SSRI alternative to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms 4. **Significant Effect of Crocin on the Gene Expression of MicroRNA-21 and MicroRNA-155 in Patients with Osteoarthritis.** Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol 2022 · [PMID 35822682](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35822682/) · [DOI 10.18502/ijaai.v21i3.9805](https://doi.org/10.18502/ijaai.v21i3.9805) > The current treatment aims to alleviate pain and inflammation and improve the quality of life. 5. **Immunoregulatory Effects of Krocina™, a Herbal Medicine Made of Crocin, on Osteoarthritis Patients: A Successful Clinical Trial in Iran.** Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol 2020 · [PMID 32615659](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32615659/) · [DOI 10.18502/ijaai.v19i3.3453](https://doi.org/10.18502/ijaai.v19i3.3453) > Osteoarthritis (OA) is the major cause of joint pain and disability. 6. **Effects of saffron supplementation on improving sleep quality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.** Sleep Med 2022 · [PMID 35325766](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35325766/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.sleep.2022.03.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2022.03.001) > The pooling of the effect sizes showed that saffron group achieve a notable treatment effect on PSQI (MD: -2.14; 95% CI: -2.86 to -1.42; P < 0.01), ISI (MD: -2.63; 95% CI: -3.70 to -2.55; P < 0.01) and RSQ (MD: 7.05; 95% CI: 1.48 to 12.62; P = 0.01) compared with placebo group. 7. **Crocus Sativus for Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.** Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022 · [PMID 36141931](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36141931/) · [DOI 10.3390/ijerph191811658](https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811658) > Although there is limited evidence of a very low- to moderate-quality, Crocus sativus may benefit people with insomnia. 8. **The effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on mental health parameters and C-reactive protein: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.** Complement Ther Med 2019 · [PMID 31987241](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31987241/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102250](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102250) > This meta-analysis demonstrated that saffron intake significantly reduced BDI, BAI and PSQI scores, but did not affect HDRS-D, HARS-A scores and CRP levels. 9. **Nutritional interventions and sleep quality in obese individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.** Sleep Breath 2025 · [PMID 41120739](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41120739/) · [DOI 10.1007/s11325-025-03508-8](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-025-03508-8) > Eleven RCTs involving 637 participants demonstrated that compared with the controls, the nutritional intervention significantly improved sleep quality (OR = 2.52, 95% CI [1.57, 4.03], P = 0.000). Specific interventions, such as saffron supplementation (OR = 11.10, P = 0.000), showed varying degrees of effectiveness. 10. **Effects of saffron on sleep quality in healthy adults with self-reported poor sleep: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.** J Clin Sleep Med 2020 · [PMID 32056539](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32056539/) · [DOI 10.5664/jcsm.8376](https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.8376) > Based on data collected from 55 participants, saffron was associated with greater improvements in ISI total score (P = .017), RSQ total score (P = .029), and PSD sleep quality ratings (P = .014) than the placebo. 11. **An investigation into an evening intake of a saffron extract (affron®) on sleep quality, cortisol, and melatonin concentrations in adults with poor sleep: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-dose study.** Sleep Med 2021 · [PMID 34438361](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34438361/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.sleep.2021.08.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2021.08.001) > Compared to the placebo, saffron supplementation was associated with greater improvements in sleep quality ratings (primary outcome measure), mood ratings after awakening, the ISQ total score, and ISQ-insomnia classifications. 12. **Effect of a saffron extract on sleep quality in adults with moderate insomnia: A decentralized, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.** Sleep Med X 2025 · [PMID 40698027](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40698027/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.sleepx.2025.100147](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleepx.2025.100147) > Among 150 completers, saffron extract led to a greater reduction in insomnia symptoms (AIS) than the placebo (between-group adjusted mean difference= -0.95 [95 % CI: -1.79, -0.11],< .05). 13. **A standardised saffron extract improves subjective and objective sleep quality in healthy older adults with sleep complaints: results from the gut-sleep-brain axis randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.** Food Funct 2025 · [PMID 40762630](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40762630/) · [DOI 10.1039/d5fo00917k](https://doi.org/10.1039/d5fo00917k) > In summary, four-weeks saffron supplementation improved both subjective and objective sleep quality in older adults with sleep complaints, and modulated gut microbiota composition, particularly increasing short-chain fatty acids producing bacteria. 14. **Effect of crocetin on quality of sleep: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.** Complement Ther Med 2018 · [PMID 30477864](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30477864/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.09.003](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.09.003) > Delta power was significantly increased with crocetin compared with placebo. There were no significant differences in the other sleep parameters, including sleep latency, sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and wake after sleep onset. 15. **Evaluation of sedative effects of an intranasal dosage form containing saffron, lettuce seeds and sweet violet in primary chronic insomnia: A randomized, double-dummy, double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial.** J Ethnopharmacol 2020 · [PMID 32736046](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32736046/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113116](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113116) > The mean ISI scores in week 8 decreased significantly for the intervention group (P = 0.001) and also the placebo group (P < 0.01) when compared with baseline. 16. **An Examination into the Effects of a Saffron Extract (Affron) on Mood and General Wellbeing in Adults Experiencing Low Mood: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.** J Nutr 2025 · [PMID 40414301](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40414301/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.05.024](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.05.024) > In exploratory analyses across various strata and assumptions, improvements in sleep disturbances (β: -2.72 points; 95% confidence interval: -4.99, -0.46 points; Cohen's d = 0.44) were identified in a subset of participants with a greater severity of sleep disturbance. 17. **Saffron improves life and sleep quality, glycaemic status, lipid profile and liver function in diabetic patients: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial.** Int J Clin Pract 2021 · [PMID 33960081](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33960081/) · [DOI 10.1111/ijcp.14334](https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcp.14334) > The saffron group showed more significant improvements in PSQI scores than the placebo group, such that at the post-intervention analysis, only the saffron group achieved a "good" sleep band. 18. **Effect of a nutraceutical combination on sleep quality among people with impaired sleep: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.** Sci Rep 2024 · [PMID 38580720](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38580720/) · [DOI 10.1038/s41598-024-58661-z](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-58661-z) > Among adults with impaired sleep, a nutraceutical combination did not improve objective or subjective sleep parameters more than a placebo infusion. 19. **An examination into the mental and physical effects of a saffron extract (affron®) in recreationally-active adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.** J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2022 · [PMID 35813851](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35813851/) · [DOI 10.1080/15502783.2022.2083455](https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2022.2083455) > Based on data collected from all participants, there were no statistically significant between-group differences in changes in any of the outcome measures. 20. **Effects of Supplementation with the Standardized Extract of Saffron (affron) on the Kynurenine Pathway and Melatonin Synthesis in Rats.** Antioxidants (Basel) 2023 · [PMID 37627614](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37627614/) · [DOI 10.3390/antiox12081619](https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12081619) > Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and cortisol increase the metabolism of tryptophan through the kynurenine pathway and reduce its availability for the synthesis of melatonin and serotonin, which may cause alterations in mood and sleep. 21. **The Effects of Combined Scutellaria and Saffron Supplementation on Mood Regulation in Participants with Mild-to-Moderate Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.** Nutrients 2025 · [PMID 40077679](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40077679/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu17050809](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050809) > The results confirmed the beneficial effects of saffron extract on depressive and anxious symptoms, as well as its role in improving sleep quality. 22. **The Efficacy of Saffron in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Depression: A Meta-analysis.** Planta medica 2019 · [PMID 30036891](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30036891/) > A meta-analysis of randomized trials found saffron significantly better than placebo and not significantly different from standard antidepressants for mild-to-moderate depression. 23. **Saffron therapy for the treatment of mild/moderate age-related macular degeneration: a randomised clinical trial.** Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie 2019 · [PMID 30343354](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30343354/) > In a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial (n = 100), saffron 20 mg/day for 3 months improved visual acuity and multifocal ERG latency in mild-to-moderate AMD, with benefits additive to AREDS supplements. 24. **Influence of saffron supplementation on retinal flicker sensitivity in early age-related macular degeneration.** Investigative ophthalmology & visual science 2010 · [PMID 20688744](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20688744/) > In a randomized trial (n = 25), saffron 20 mg/day for 3 months improved focal electroretinogram amplitude versus placebo in early AMD. ## Where to buy [Search Amazon for Saffron Extract](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Saffron%20Extract&tag=magellanlong-20) — affiliate search link. ## Structured data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"ItemPage","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/119.html#page","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/119.html","name":"Saffron Extract","description":"Saffron is the dried red stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, long used as a culinary spice and in traditional medicine; 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Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases. Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).