saffron

Saffron is a spice made from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, traditionally used to season and color food. In dietary supplements it is sold as an extract or powder, on its own or blended with other ingredients. The U.S. FDA considers saffron Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) when used as a spice or color additive in foods, but that food status says nothing about whether concentrated supplement doses do anything for health.

The U.S. Department of Defense's Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS) program states there is currently not enough evidence on the effectiveness and long-term safety of saffron used in dietary supplements. OPSS notes that a review of the literature found saffron extract (about 20-100 mg, taken for 10 days to several weeks) could be effective for reducing symptoms of depression, but adds that larger, more well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm this. For the other marketed uses (anxiety, weight, eye health, general well-being), OPSS says little reliable information is available about either safety or effectiveness. No dedicated NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, NCCIH, or MedlinePlus health-topic page exists for saffron, so independent, rigorous evidence beyond this single government summary is limited.

There is no established or officially recommended supplement dose for saffron. Depression studies cited by OPSS used saffron extract in roughly the 20-100 mg per day range over 10 days to several weeks, but this is a research observation, not a proven or approved regimen, and OPSS notes that safety beyond about 26 weeks has not been established. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting saffron, especially if you have a health condition, take medication, or are thinking of using it in place of a prescribed treatment.

OPSS reports that small doses of saffron extract (less than about 100 mg) taken short-term appear to be well tolerated, while large amounts (around 5 grams or more) can be toxic. People who are pregnant should not use saffron in amounts beyond those normally found in food, because it may stimulate the uterus. Long-term safety (beyond about 26 weeks) has not been established, so saffron should not be assumed safe for extended use.

OPSS reports that side effects including nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, dizziness or vertigo, headache, and bloody urine have been reported, especially with large doses. Very high amounts can be poisonous. Individual reactions vary, so stop use and seek medical advice if you feel unwell.

The cited U.S. government source (OPSS) does not list specific drug interactions for saffron, and authoritative interaction data is limited. Because reliable interaction information is lacking, you should not assume saffron is free of interactions. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any supplements you take, particularly if you also take prescription medication such as antidepressants, so they can check for possible interactions with your treatment.