Saffron results differed between self-reported symptoms and other mood scales
Pooled trials found lower self-reported depression and anxiety scores, but no statistically significant effects on clinician-rated scales or the mood scale assessed.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Saffron supplementation reduced self-reported depression and anxiety scores compared with placebo in this review. Results were not statistically significant on clinician-rated depression and anxiety measures or the broader mood measure. The evidence therefore suggests possible improvement on particular measures, without establishing consistent improvement across the different ways mental health was assessed.
This abstract-based summary cannot show how noticeable the questionnaire differences were to participants. The review rates evidence certainty as moderate, and results varied widely between studies.
What researchers found
Self-reported depression score (BDI)
The weighted mean difference is the average between-group difference in BDI score points. Negative values mean lower scores with saffron than placebo. Trials lasted at least 4 weeks; results varied substantially.
What the positive results measure
The positive results came from questionnaires completed by participants. These scores describe reported symptoms. A lower average depression score does not establish that depression resolved or show how noticeable the change was for an individual.
Why the null results matter
The clinician-rated measures did not show statistically significant benefits. This does not prove an absence of effect; it means the pooled trials did not demonstrate improvement on those particular measures.
The original publication
Effect of saffron on depression, anxiety and mood disorder: a GRADE assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 randomized controlled trials.
Mahmoudi R, Mohammadi-Sartang M, Servatyari K et al.
Nutr Neurosci · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41693488
- Record checked
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