A large randomised trial reinforces the benefits of saffron on mood

What is saffron (Crocus sativus)?

Saffron is a spice derived from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L., a herbaceous plant of the Iridaceae family native to the Mediterranean basin and Western Asia. Used for centuries in the world's cuisines to colour and flavour dishes, this rare and precious condiment – sometimes referred to as ‘red gold’ – also has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine.

Supposed to ‘bring cheerfulness and wisdom’, it has been coveted since ancient times for its tonic, digestive and balancing properties, thanks to its many bioactive compounds: crocins, safranal, etc. Today it is particularly popular in the field of mental health for its ability to promote good emotional balance, encourage relaxation and maintain a positive mood (1).

Saffron and mental health: an association confirmed by a randomised trial

Although saffron has long enjoyed a reputation as a 'natural antidepressant', the scientific evidence rigorously supporting this hypothesis is still fragmentary, limited by small sample sizes, short study durations and uneven methodologies (2).

With a view to providing more solid support for this theory, in 2025 a team of Australian and Spanish researchers conducted a randomised, double-blind trial on an unprecedented scale (the largest to date) to assess the benefits of saffron on several aspects of mental health, including mood and sleep (3). In the experiment, 202 adults aged between 18 and 70 with depressive symptoms were given either 28 mg of Crocus sativus extract (Affron®) or a placebo daily for 12 weeks.

After 3 months of supplementation, the supplemented subjects showed a clear improvement in markers of emotional well-being. 72.3% of them even showed a ‘clinically significant’ reduction in the DASS-21 scale score (which assesses levels of depression, anxiety and stress), with a reduction of more than 7 points. At a more marginal level, significant effects were also noted on sleep disorders in some participants. No serious adverse effects were reported.

It is important to note that this study establishes a statistical association, not a correlation. The authors also stress that it provides ‘promising’ answers, but that they are not definitive.

How can saffron's benefits for mood be explained?

At present, the effects of saffron on emotional stability are mainly attributed to two of its compounds: safranal and crocins.

Research suggests that crocins act as inhibitors of the reuptake of dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin, the neurotransmitters involved in motivation and mood. These chemical messengers thus persist longer in the synaptic cleft – the zone of contact and exchange between neurons – which increases their availability in the brain (4). It should be noted that serotonin is a precursor of melatonin, which regulates the circadian rhythm; this may partly explain the positive effects observed on sleep disorders (5).

Crocins are also thought to improve the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which encourages neuronal plasticity, i.e. the creation and consolidation of connections between neurons (6). This process indirectly promotes better adaptation to stress and greater emotional resilience. Their potential antagonistic role on NMDA receptors for glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system, has also been suggested (7).

Finally, saffron's active metabolites – crocin, but also crocetin, safranal and picrocrocin – are also thought to modulate several apoptotic, oxidative and inflammatory signalling pathways (NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2, etc.), which are deregulated in some depressive subjects (8).

Saffron supplementation: the key to emotional well-being?

Stabilising your mood and improving your mental well-being starts with establishing good daily habits: eating a varied, balanced diet, getting enough sleep, getting regular exercise, cultivating personal fulfilment, and generally maintaining a healthy lifestyle (9-10).

Without replacing these measures, saffron-based supplements support this quest for better emotional balance, and are all the more effective when they include synergistic nutrients in their formulation, such as:

• magnesium, a mineral that contributes to normal psychological function by regulating the stress response (11)
• vitamin B6, a cofactor in the synthesis of key mood neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine and GABA, supporting normal functioning of the nervous system (12)
• L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, renowned for its soothing and relaxing effects (13)

The SaffronMag Relax Complex supplement combines saffron, highly bioavailable magnesium bisglycinate, vitamin B6 and L-theanine in a comprehensive synergy to restore serenity, relaxation and emotional harmony.