Saffron

Saffron may help to treat several health conditions, including depression, asthma, insomnia, and baldness. Preliminary research suggests that some of the compounds in saffron may have anti-cancer activity, stimulate the secretion of stomach acids, and lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Although saffron is a "natural" substance, it may still cause side effects, such as anxiety, nausea, and drowsiness.

 

What Is Saffron?

Saffron is an expensive spice that is made from the saffron crocus flower. It is also used as an herbal supplement that is claimed to be helpful for a variety of conditions, including depression, asthma, insomnia, baldness, and many other problems.
 
(Click Benefits of Saffron for more information on what saffron is used for, including additional uses.)
 

How Does Saffron Work?

It is not exactly clear how saffron works. It seems there are a few different active compounds in it. Early research indicates that some of the compounds in saffron may have anti-cancer activity, may stimulate the secretion of stomach acids, and can stimulate the contraction of smooth muscles (such as the uterus). Compounds in saffron may also have some effects on lowering cholesterol and triglycerides.
 

Is Saffron Effective?

Saffron might be effective at treating depression, although further research is needed to confirm the findings of early studies. There is not enough evidence to rate the effectiveness of saffron for other uses.
 
(Click Does Saffron Work? for more information.)
 

Dosing Information for Saffron

A safe and effective saffron dose for medicinal use has not been established. Therefore, make sure to follow the specific instructions for your particular saffron product.
 
(Click Saffron Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Saffron

Many people believe that natural products, such as saffron, do not have side effects. However, many natural products cause side effects, some of which can be quite serious. Saffron can cause side effects such as:
 
  • Anxiety
  • Appetite changes
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea and vomiting.
     
(Click Saffron Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Saffron

It is not known if saffron interacts with other supplements or medications (see Saffron Drug Interactions).
 

Is Saffron Safe?

A normal use of saffron in food is safe for most people. It is less clear if medicinal uses of saffron are equally as safe. Some people are more likely to experience problems than others. You should talk with your healthcare provider before taking saffron if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Saffron Safety for more information, including any available warnings and precautions with saffron.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Saffron?

Saffron poisoning can be quite dangerous and may cause symptoms such as:
 
  • Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
  • Vomiting
  • A spinning sensation (vertigo)
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Blood in the urine
  • Bleeding, such as nosebleeds
  • Loss of life.
     
If you think you may have taken too much saffron, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Saffron Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Saffron Be Stored?

Refer to the label of your individual saffron supplement for information on how best to store it. Keep saffron and all other medications or supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;