---
title: "Effect of Saffron Versus SSRIs in Treatment of Depression and…"
description: "Saffron appears to be as effective as SSRIs for depression and anxiety, with fewer side effects."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38913392.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38913392.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38913392.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d38913392"
journal: "Nutr Rev"
year: 2025
pmid: "38913392"
doi: "10.1093/nutrit/nuae076"
citations: 1
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"
---

# Effect of Saffron Versus SSRIs in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Nutr Rev |
| Year | 2025 |
| PMID | [38913392](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38913392/) |
| DOI | [10.1093/nutrit/nuae076](https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuae076) |
| Study key | d38913392 |

## Takeaway

Saffron appears to be as effective as SSRIs for depression and anxiety, with fewer side effects.

## The question

What is the comparative effectiveness of saffron versus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating depression and anxiety?

## Hypothesis

Saffron, a natural remedy, may have comparable antidepressant and anxiolytic properties to SSRIs.

## Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted by searching PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database up to April 31, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing saffron with SSRIs in adults with depression or anxiety were included. Random-effects meta-analysis calculated standardized mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RRs) for binary outcomes.

## Results

Meta-analysis of 8 studies on depression showed a nonsignificant difference between saffron and SSRIs in reducing depressive symptoms (SMD = 0.10). Four studies on anxiety also showed a nonsignificant difference between saffron and SSRIs in reducing anxiety symptoms (SMD = 0.04). Participants receiving saffron experienced fewer adverse events compared to the SSRI group (risk difference: -0.06).

## Conclusion

Saffron may be a potential alternative to SSRIs for reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms, with the added benefit of fewer adverse events.

## Limitations

Further research with larger sample sizes and diverse populations is needed to validate these findings and investigate factors influencing treatment response.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> Saffron could be a potential SSRI alternative to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms

## Effectiveness of Saffron vs. SSRIs in Reducing Symptoms

| Measure | Standardized Mean Difference |
| --- | --- |
| Depression (SMD) | 0.1 |
| Anxiety (SMD) | 0.04 |

*Standardized Mean Differences (SMD) indicate the difference in symptom reduction between saffron and SSRIs. A value close to zero suggests similar effectiveness.*

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Saffron Extract | Moderate evidence | [Saffron Extract](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/119.md) |

## Reference

1. **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

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Saffron Extract](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/119.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Evidence: improves sleep latency, duration](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s119.md)
- [affron a novel saffron extract improves mood in healthy adults over 4 weeks](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d28735826.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. 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).