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Saffron Supplements

Supplements made with saffron extracts have been the focus of many small clinical studies for depression and anxiety, sleep, and cognition. But are they effective, and which saffron supplements deliver the right dose and best quality? See what ConsumerLab's independent testing and review revealed.

Saffron Supplements Review

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CL Answer

Does saffron really improve vision or prevent age-related macular degeneration?

Taking saffron may be beneficial in the early stages of age-related macular degeneration and for eyesight.

Saffron and Rep Capsules Against White Background

News Release

February 13, 2023

Saffron Supplements Vary Widely in Key Compounds, According to ConsumerLab Tests

  White Plains, New York, February 13, 2023 — Saffron extracts are promoted to treat mood, improve cognition and vision, and even reduce appetite.

Product Review

Vision Supplements Review (with Lutein, Zeaxanthin & AREDS2 Formulas)

Find the Best Vision Supplement Based Our Tests

CL Answer

What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?

Best natural supplements for depression and anxiety, including the evidence for fish oil, vitamin D, probiotics, and herbal supplements for depression such as curcumin (from turmeric) and saffron.

Best Supplements for Depression and Anxiety -- sad young woman sitting on couch, looking toward the window

Clinical Update

4/09/2024

Fake Saffron

Recent tests of saffron supplements by researchers at a U.S. university found most products contained "no saffron compounds." For details and to see what ConsumerLab found in its own tests, see our Saffron Supplements Review, which includes our two Top Picks for saffron.

Clinical Update

4/09/2024

Saffron for Fatty Liver?

Did taking a saffron supplement decrease liver fat in people with fatty liver disease? Find out what a recent study showed in our Saffron Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among saffron supplements.

Clinical Update

7/07/2023

Saffron for Stress?

Can saffron reduce stress and anxiety? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our Saffron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among saffron supplements.

Also see: Do any supplements help relieve stress?

CL Answer

Which supplements can help me sleep and which cause insomnia?

Find out which supplements may improve sleep, including melatonin, L-tryptophan, and magnesium, and which may make sleeping more difficult.

Supplements for Sleep -- woman awake in bed

Recalls & Warnings

December 12, 2022

FDA Warns Saffron USA for Promoting Teas to Treat Insomnia, Osteoporosis & Cancer

On September 23, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to Saffron USA LLC following inspection of the company’s website which found statements about its Allergy Blend, Chamomile Tea Petals, Diabetic Support Blend, Orange Blast Tea, and Saffron Loose Tea products to be drug ...

CL Answer

I take warfarin (Coumadin), an anticoagulant drug. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

Find out which supplements should be avoided when taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin (Coumadin), including vitamin K, St. John's wort, and curcumin.

Warfarin Supplement Interactions -- bottle of pink warfarin tablets

Clinical Update

5/24/2022

Saffron and Blood Thinners

Saffron may interact with blood-thinning medications such as rivaroxaban (Xarelto), according to a recent report. Get the details in our updated answer to the question: Are there supplements I should avoid when taking apixaban (Eliquis) or similar blood thinner drugs like Xarelto?

Clinical Update

2/18/2020

Saffron for Better Sleep?

A recent, preliminary study suggests that saffron may help with sleep. Get the details plus information about other supplements that may help or interfere with sleep, in our answer to the question: Which supplements can help me sleep?

Clinical Update

4/30/2019

Saffron for Vision

Saffron, which contains carotenoids, may improve visual acuity in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) according to a recent study. For details, see the ConsumerTips section of the Vision Supplements Review. Also see which vision supplements most closely resemble the ideal formula to slow the progression of AMD.

Clinical Update

2/07/2021

Saffron for Mood?

Does saffron extract improve mood in people feeling down and anxious or stressed? See what a new study found in our article about Supplements for Depression and Anxiety.

Clinical Update

5/01/2021

Saffron for Sleep?

Can saffron extract improve sleep in people with mild to moderate insomnia? See what a new study found in our updated answer to the question: Which supplements can help me sleep and which cause insomnia?

Clinical Update

9/04/2021

Saffron for Better Sleep?

Can taking saffron extract improve sleep in people with insomnia? See what a recent study found in our updated article about Supplements and Sleep.

CL Answer

What supplements should I stop taking before surgery?

Info on which supplements to avoid before surgery due to increased risk of bleeding or interference with anesthesia.

Supplements to stop before surgery - operating room

CL Answer

Do any supplements help relieve stress?

Are there actually supplements for stress relief and panic attacks? Learn more about holy basil, fish oil, L-theanine, and ginseng.

CL Answer

Are there supplements I should avoid when taking apixaban (Eliquis) or similar blood thinner drugs like Xarelto?

Learn about supplement interactions with apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and other blood thinner drugs in the direct factor Xa inhibitors class.

Eliquis Supplement Interactions -- box of Eliquis

Recalls & Warnings

December 01, 2021

FDA Warns Seller of Saffron Supplements

On November 18th, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Saffron Health Sciences following a review of the company's website, social media, and Amazon product listings, which found statements made about the company's products Crocin Rich, Crocin Rich II, and Crocin Rich ...

CL Answer

Which supplements and lifestyle changes improve sleep, and which cause insomnia?

Find out which vitamins may help you sleep and learn if any vitamins or supplements can cause insomnia.

CL Answer

Which supplements help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer?

Find out which supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, including folate, fiber, selenium, and vitamin D.

Supplements and Colorectal Cancer Risk -- colon cancer diagnosis form and supplements

CL Answer

Do any supplements help with COVID-19? Do supplements like vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, or herbals work?

Find out if natural remedies & supplements for coronavirus such as zinc, vitamin C, garlic, or elderberry help to prevent or treat COVID-19.

Supplements for Coronavirus (COVID-19)? -- mask and pills

Recalls & Warnings

November 09, 2023

FDA Warns Biorica International for Cholesterol, Kidney & Cancer Claims

On August 4, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Biorica International Corp. following review of the company’s websites and social media, which found statements about the company’s Plaquex Oral Supplements to be drug claims, which are not permitted for dietary supplements.

Recalls & Warnings

December 29, 2022

EarthLab, Inc. Warned for Promoting Curcumin, Elderberry to Treat Pain & Flu

On November 10, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to EarthLab, Inc., dba Wise Woman Herbals following inspection of the company’s website which found statements about the company’s products to be drug claims because they suggest the products can prevent or treat disease.

Recalls & Warnings

March 01, 2023

Seller of Dr. Miller’s Herbal “Detox” Teas Warned by FDA for Drug Claims

On February 3, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Jackson Health & Wellness Clinic after inspection of the company’s website found statements about the company’s Dr. Miller’s Holy Tea, Dr. Miller’s Super Holy Tea, Dr. Miller’s Ultimate Tea, Dr.

Recalls & Warnings

May 04, 2023

FDA Warns MedoLife for Promoting Homeopathic Products to Treat COVID-19, Cancer

On April 19, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Medolife Rx D/B/A MedoLife Corp., AELIA Inc. and Queanta Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

May 24, 2023

Seller of Echinacea, High Blood Pressure Products & More Warned for Drug Claims

On May 12, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to H.E.A.L.

Recalls & Warnings

March 09, 2022

FDA Warns Seller of Magnesium, CBD, Herbal Extracts & More

On February 9, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bea Lydecker’s Naturals, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

December 22, 2021

FDA Warns Seller of Liquid Magnesium, B-12, Berberine & More

On December 9, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Wholly Liquid Nutritional Supplements LLC because it found statements on the company's website and social media about its products, including SpiroLaze, BioLaze, LiquiLaurin, VIT-B12, DeStress, and Omega Plus, to be ...

Recalls & Warnings

August 16, 2023

FDA Warns Hekma Center, LLC for Promoting Products to Treat Anemia, Diabetes, Depression, & More

On June 2, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Hekma Center, LLC following review of the company’s website and social media, which found statements about the company’s Natural Supplements for Anemia, Lymf (Galium aparine), Natural Supplements for Cardiomyopathy, Magic1 (Moringa ...