Saffron Research Library
Saffron has been part of daily life and tradition for thousands of years. Today it is also being studied by researchers around the world. This page collects some of that research so you can read it at the source.
Please read this first:
- This page is for education only. It is not medical advice.
- Much of this research is early, uses specific saffron extracts and amounts, and does not show that any food or drink will have the same effect.
- Nothing here means SAFFRONiQ products diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition.
- If you have a health condition, are pregnant or nursing, or take medication, talk with your doctor before adding saffron to your routine.
Everyday mood and wellbeing
Researchers have studied saffron extracts in healthy adults and in people reporting low mood. Results so far are promising but not settled.
- Saffron extract in healthy adults over 4 weeks: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28735826/
- Saffron extract, mood and response to everyday stressors in healthy adults: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33598475/
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 trials on saffron and mood measures: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41693488/
Evening routine and rest
Some studies have looked at saffron extracts and sleep quality in adults.
- Saffron extract and sleep quality in adults: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34438361/
Attention and focus
Saffron has been studied in small clinical trials related to attention, including in children. This research is early and should only be discussed with a doctor.
- Systematic review of saffron and attention research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37864351/
Healthy aging and cognition
Researchers are studying saffron in relation to memory and cognitive aging. Early findings are mixed and ongoing.
- Systematic review of randomized trials on saffron and cognition: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33167948/
Eye wellness
Saffron's crocin is a carotenoid, related to lutein and zeaxanthin. Researchers have studied it in relation to the retina and age-related eye conditions.
- Narrative review of clinical studies on saffron and the eye: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30889784/
- Randomized clinical trial on saffron and the retina: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30343354/
Vitality
Saffron has a long history as a symbol of romance. Researchers have also studied it in relation to sexual wellbeing.
- Systematic review and meta-analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31516855/
Early laboratory research
Saffron compounds are being studied in laboratory and cell research, including cancer research. This is very early research, not results in people.
- Narrative review of laboratory research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37389090/
The bigger picture
- An overview of saffron research across many health outcomes: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34419735/
- Saffron in Avicenna's Canon of Medicine (history): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22815242/
Want to explore more? Search "saffron" on PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=saffron) or ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?term=saffron).
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. SAFFRONiQ products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.