In a new study published in Pharmacopsychiatry, Crocus sativus L. versus citalopram in the treatment of major depressive disorder with anxious distress: a double-blind, controlled clinical trial, saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has been shown to have both antidepressant and antianxiety effects. It’s also anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant.
In this study patients received either saffron or an SSRI called citalopram/Celexa:
66 patients with major depressive disorder accompanied by anxious distress were randomly assigned to receive either saffron (30 mg/day) or citalopram (40 mg/day) for 6 weeks.
The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) were used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment during the study.
60 participants finished the study and they all showed significant improvement in depression and anxiety scores, with no significant difference in effectiveness or side effects from either the saffron or citalopram.
The authors make this conclusion:
The present study indicates saffron as a potential efficacious and tolerable treatment for major depressive disorder with anxious distress.
A 2014 systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action of saffron found that:
saffron’s antidepressant effects potentially are due to its serotonergic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuro-endocrine and neuroprotective effects
This means that saffron could potentially be used in place tryptophan or 5-HTP if you score high on the low serotonin section of the amino acid questionnaire (anxiety, worry-in-the head, obsessiveness, negativity and depression, irritability, PMS, afternoon and evening cravings and insomnia) and yet do not seem to benefit from either of these two amino acids.
And you’ll be getting the added antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuro-endocrine and neuroprotective effects.
If you do well with tryptophan and/or 5-HTP, I suspect that using a small amount of saffron together with these amino acids could enhance the effects.
Saffron: GABA is one of the mechanisms of action
Update: Dec 20, 2024
I’m adding this section about GABA as a result of saffron coming up in a question in the GABA Quickstart 2.0 program this week. One of the participants asked me this question: “I’m seeing a lot of new Saffron supplements stating that it helps with GABA. Your thoughts on this?”
According this this 2022 paper, Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): A Source of Nutrients for Health and for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric and Age-Related Diseases
Investigations have shown that aqueous saffron extracts and its constituent safranal exert anxiolytic effects similar to that of diazepam, probably through their interaction with the benzodiazepine binding site at the GABAA receptor.
In addition, studies have demonstrated that crocins alleviated the obsessive compulsive behavior in rats through an antagonistic action at the 5-HT2C receptor site.
This is a subtype of the 5-HT2 serotonin receptor site and further supports the impacts saffron has on serotonin.
Another paper, also published in 2022, lists GABA as one of the mechanisms of action, in addition to its effects on monoamines (serotonin and dopamine) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA).
Additional resources when you are new to using GABA and other amino acids as supplements
As always, I use the symptoms questionnaire to figure out if low serotonin or low GABA or other neurotransmitter imbalances may be an issue.
If you suspect low levels of any of the neurotransmitters and do not yet have my book, The Antianxiety Food Solution – How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood, and End Cravings, I highly recommend getting it and reading it before jumping in and using amino acids on your own so you are knowledgeable. And be sure to share it with the practitioner/health team you or your loved one is working with.
There is an entire chapter on the amino acids and they are discussed throughout the book in the sections on gut health, gluten, blood sugar control (this is covered in an entire chapter too), sugar cravings, anxiety and mood issues.
The book doesn’t include product names (per the publisher’s request) so this blog, The Antianxiety Food Solution Amino Acid and Pyroluria Supplements, lists the amino acids that I use with my individual clients and those in my group programs.
If, after reading this blog and my book, you don’t feel comfortable figuring things out on your own (i.e. doing the symptoms questionnaire and respective amino acids trials), a good place to get help is the GABA QuickStart Program (if you have low GABA symptoms). This is a paid online/virtual group program where you get my guidance and community support.
If you are a practitioner, join us in The Balancing Neurotransmitters: the Fundamentals program. This is also a paid online/virtual program with an opportunity to interact with me and other practitioners who are also using the amino acids.
Wrapping up and your feedback
I have yet to use saffron with my clients so I’d love to hear from you (so we all can benefit and learn from each other):
- Have you used saffron and found it to be effective for your anxiety and/or depression?
- If you’re a practitioner, have you used it with patients or clients?
- Have you found 30 mg a day to be the most effective dose and how quickly have you noticed benefits? What symptoms have improved the most?
- Have you combined saffron with tryptophan or 5-HTP?
- Have you combined saffron with GABA?
Feel free to post your questions below too.
What is a good source for saffron?
Hi Rose
I have yet to use a saffron supplement with clients but really like the products from Designs for Health. They have a product called Mood-Stasis™ which contains saffron and sceletium extracts, along with vitamin B12 and folate. One of the Mood-Stasis capsules has 30mg which is what was used in this study. Life Extension also has a saffron only product called Optimized Saffron.
Trudy, I tried to register at DFH but they required a practitioner code. Do you have one we can use?
Thanks!
I THOUGHT CITALAPRAM WAS AN ADDICTIVE DRUG. MY SON
WAS ON THIS BUT STOPPED IT ON HIS OWN SLOWLY 2YEARS
AGO. HE SUFFERS FROM ANXIETY AND PYROLURIA . I HAVE
BECOME PASSIONATE ABOUT ALL MODES OF NATURAL AND
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND HATE THE 5 MINUTE DRUG DEALERS
OF WESTERN MEDICINE. I NEED YOUR EXPERTISE TO BALANCE
MY SON.PLEASE HELP .
GRATEFULLY YOURS
MARIELLE.
Marielle
I’m sorry to hear about your son. I like to start with tryptophan or GABA trials (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/how-to-do-an-amino-acid-trial-for-anxiety/) depending on the symptoms on the amino acid questionnaire for quick results while we start to address diet, eating for blood sugar control, removing gluten and caffeine and sugar, addressing the gut etc
And with the pyroluria protocol clients often see results in the social anxiety area in a week or less.
This site has many blog posts with a wealth of information to help guide you. Or my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” has it all in one compact place.
Celexa has many side-effects (https://www.drugs.com/celexa.html) so I am surprised the study found none. It’s possibly due to the fact that it was of short duration.
I didn’t read that there were no side effects but that there were no significant differences in side effects between the citalopram and the saffron.
Hi Trudy, I’m from Australia and have been using a product from metagenics called Inflamood – which contains both saffron and tumeric. Literally changed my life. Not only did it help my mood – it also hugely helped my symptoms from Lupus.
Teresa
Thanks for sharing and what wonderful results! I’m going to share this feedback on the new blog
I’d love to hear how much you use and what time of the day you take it? How quickly did you start to notice improved mood and is it more improved low serotonin or improved low catecholamine symptoms or both (symptoms are listed here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/)?
How quickly did it help with Lupus symptoms? And have you made dietary changes too (like the AIP/autoimmune paleo diet)?
What made you decide to try the saffron/turmeric product? Have you tried 5-HTP/tyrosine or tryptophan/tyrosine and a turmeric only product instead of the saffron/turmeric combo and noticed any difference?
Hi Trudy, I have nearly come off my anti-depressant, & have been taking Felix 50mg (Saffron) instead of & with my anti-depressant. I suffer from anxiety. Unfortunately, as good as Saffron is, it has not taken away my anxiety, & I am now back on a low dose of anti-depressant. This is the second time I have tried to come off anti-depressants!
I wish there was something I could do to get off them!
Happy New Year Trudy!
Joy
Sorry to hear this – saffron is reported to support serotonin. Low serotonin causes mental anxiety, worry-in-the-head, obsessive thinking etc. If your anxiety is the low GABA physical-type anxiety saffron may not help – GABA, theanine, glycine or taurine may be best. If your anxiety is due to high cortisol then that needs to be addressed.
And I assume you’re addressing the basics like real food, no gluten, no sugar, no caffeine, gut health, stress, exercise etc and looking at all the possible root causes? (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/60-nutritional-biochemical-causes-of-anxiety/) As I said to Chris, as powerful as so many of these nutrients are it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking there is this one magical supplement and we can’t ignore everything else.
Finally the medication itself may be contributing to residual anxiety. Make sure you talk to your doctor about a taper similar to this https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/taper-from-antidepressant-tryptophan-amino-acids/
Thanks so much Trudy, I have been doing this on my own – tapering off my anti-depressant & using 50ml of Saffron, & what I need is someone to help me, because I am feeling scared & I need some sort of support (as everyone around me is saying – go back onto the anti-depressant). I need someone in Cape Town to help me! Do you know anyone here? In the meantime, your information is wonderful!
Joy
I’m afraid I don’t know someone in Cape Town that I can refer you to. I’d start with the South African Journal of Natural Medicine and see if you can find someone that way.
Trudy, thanks for those links. I had never heard about sceletium before and had not heard of any medicinal uses for saffron, very interesting. Since I have had such difficult times trying melatonin, 5-HTP and L-tryptophan (and GABA gives me a headache if I venture over a small dose) perhaps I will try the product out myself. I take no prescribed medications currently and have no desire to take any. For me thus far it’s nature’s medicine or nothing.
Chris
Yes the “South African endemic plant Sceletium tortuosum has a long history of traditional use as a masticatory and medicine by San and Khoikhoi people and subsequently by European colonial farmers as a psychotropic in tincture form. Over the past decade, the plant has attracted increasing attention for its possible applications in promoting a sense of wellbeing and relieving stress in healthy individuals and for treating clinical anxiety and depression.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23903032. It is marketed as Zembrin in South Africa so you’ll see this mentioned in some of the literature.
With regards to the Mood-Stasis, just keep in mind that for some people too much methylfolate can make you more anxious (we cover this in the Dr. Ben Lynch interview on season 3 of the Anxiety Summit https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-summit-methylfolate-anxiety/).
If you do decide to try saffron and/or sceletium I’d love to hear how you do.
And I assume you’re addressing the basics like real food, no gluten, no sugar, no caffeine, gut health, stress, exercise etc and looking at all the possible root causes? (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/60-nutritional-biochemical-causes-of-anxiety/) As powerful as so many of these nutrients are it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking there is this one magical supplement and we can’t ignore everything else.
Hi Trudy, I did a research paper this past summer on saffron for my herbal program I was in. The positive effects of saffron based on studies is very promising. The downside is that the pistils are very expensive and thus there are many fake products on the market and also others not containing the correct parts of the saffron plant. ( some studies show the petals may be effective for depression as well). It is very difficult in the US to find a quality product. I ordered many saffron pistils to do my own at home testing as I would like to make a saffron tincture for my clients. . I found that some companies mix real saffron threads with fake threads. In Europe, Australia and parts of Asia I think they have created saffron products and I belive (don’t quote me) the brand is saffr’activ but it’s not available in the US. I have tried the life Extension product (only on myself- I like to use myself..or family as guinea pigs first before using something new with clients!) the life extension product is touted more for weight loss and from using it I can tell you I cut back on snacking. Mood wise, while I don’t have major depression, due to some recent personal events I was a bit down and it did appear to help. Anxiety wise mine is mild but it did give me a sense of calmness. I am not sure the effects/results yet with others with more severe mood issues. But I think I may suggest it to clients, naturally along with dietary changes and additional support. I think saffron may be a good additional supplement. That being said, I plan to contact life extension so I can learn more about their saffron sourcing.
Karen
Thanks for sharing this very helpful information. I know this to be an issue with a number of products but due to the expense I’m not surprised to hear this is particularly a problem with saffron products. I know you’d support me in saying do you homework and use good product lines – which is why I mentioned DFH. I also plan to contact them about their sourcing but am very familiar with them and have learned to trust them over the 10 years I’ve been using their products.
Please do let me know what you hear from Life Extension. They also know have a good reputation but it’s always good to check.
Thanks too for your personal feedback on the Life Extension product – less cravings/snacking, helping when feeling down, increased calmness all point to it providing serotonin support. May I ask how much you used and how quickly you noticed benefits? And if you’ve used 5-HTP and/or tryptophan in the past and how it compares?
I also like to try products out myself so will try and find a reputable product here in Australia and will report back.
For the life extension saffron product I used 1 capsule (88.25 mg each) 2x p/day. I want to talk with the company as I agree it is a reputable brand but in addition to sourcing, I want to know how they came to that amount since studies show a lower dose is effective. There is still not a great deal of research on saffron and b/c it can impact serotonin levels I don’t think at this time anyone on an SSRI should take saffron. In my research I compared saffron to SJW for depression and overall saffron appears to be more effective and does not have the side effects SJW can have for some. I have tried 5-HTP in past, not tryptophan and saffron was more effective for me personally. I noticed saffron effects in about 5 days. I personally in my practice lean towards herbs for anxiety and depression vs amino acids and base it on the individual. I will let you know what feedback I hear from life extension. I hope this info helps you and your clients! Keep up the great work Trudy!
Karen
I was also surprised at the high amount in the product and would use the same precautions with SSRIs as I do with 5-HTP and tryptophan. Although we now know that some practitioners don’t find this to be and issue, there is some research on tryptophan being used with SSRIs and there is no study showing serotonin syndrome when they are used together. But as always folks on SSRIs need to be working with the prescribing doctor and keeping him/her in the loop.
Thanks for the feedback on SJW (St Johns Wort for other blog readers) and your observations comparing it to 5-HTP. Noticing effects in 5 days is great but much longer than the amino acids where you can see effects in 5 minutes.
Hi,
I ave been reading here because of my anxiety and depression; nothing wildly overwhelming, just requires addressing, ya know?
Anyway, I wanted to steer you into a bit of useful information regarding St. Johns Wort. My anxiety and depression was triggered by an event with my left eye so I am sensitive to any references to eye health. If you search the web using St. Johns Wort and macular degeneration, (cateracts), you will find an alarming number of articles implying that the SJW can be a contributing factor. It is known for its side effect of photo sensitivity with the skin, and over the past 10 or 20 years that same mechanism seems responsible for chemical changes in the macula of the eye due to this sensitivity. I can’t get a positive answer from my opthalmologist, of course, but he does not reccomend its use where this condition could be present or a tendency to it. With the vitreous problems I am having in my left eye, I’m taking warnings like that as gospel. Using Saffron now and praying for it’s success. Have a blessed day! Greg Staples
Coyne product called FELIX is pure saffron check it out. Scientifically proven products
The LE product has a low dose but was the 30mg quoted in the study a similar extract, so we can compare apples and apples? I don’t know…
I have been taking saffron 30mg a day from a very reputable brand but have noticed instead of the lovely calmness, after 3 days my irritability has been off the chart! Why would this be?
Any reply from LE?
I called and asked about it’s use for depression and at what dose. I also inquired about standardization but never received any info even though I have a professional acct.
Hi Trudy and others:
I have not tried Saffron as yet, but it is good to hear about it.
For Joy, and those trying to get off anti-depressants, I am having success in tapering my Effexor and have gone down from an initial 225 mg. to 150 1 day and 75 for 3 days. Now I will go to 75 mg. every day for a week or two and hopefully off. Next, I will tackle getting off Lorazepam. I am down from 1mg. 3X a day to 1 in the am and 1/2 at night. I had been off sugar but have slipped over the holidays. I do supplement with DPA, Gaba Calm, and 5 HTP, which are all beneficial for me.
What I wanted to let you know as well as I have been vaping hemp CBD from Dr. Phillip Blair for a month and it has helped tremendously with my anxiety and I also am not irritated anymore when I cut the Effexor dose. I was concerned about vaping, but it is just fine. I was unable to afford the Elixinol liposome I tried. He has a starter kit that includes the vape pen and hemp oil. It is very affordable and I highly recommend it if cost is a factor and you want to try CBD as well as the other wonderful things you teach about Trudy. Happy New Year!
Wendy
Thanks for sharing and glad to hear you are doing well with the hemp CBD. I just want to make a mention of this as a caution for you and for anyone else reading this: these medications are best tapered very very very slowly. Please see the Ashton taper protocol for lorazapam here http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/bzsched.htm: starting with 2mg 3 x day it can take 36-68 weeks
Thank you for this article Trudy!
I purchased the Life Extension brand to use for memory issues after hearing its discussed on an Alzheimer’s summit, but have only taken it a few times. They mentioned there is an added active in that formula for blood sugar/food cravings.
After hearing you speak on a summit, have been experimenting with different aminos. GabbaCalm(very helpful for anxiety both social claustrophobia and ADD like inability to stay focused at work w/anxiety). Have not been doing consistent scheduled times of day enough with the others: 5HTP, Tryptophan, L-Glutamine and plain Gabba powder to get a definitive report. I tend to forget to take them until the anxiety hits.
The past month my diet has been off restrictions (sugar dairy grain) so I am starting fresh with super clean diet and will try the saffron 2/x daily w/out aminos and report back.
Looking forward to hearing what you and Karen find out on ingredients from manufacturers.
Thank you so very much for the work you do!
Karla
Yes research shows it to reduce excessive snacking behavior (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26165367) I would assume it does this via serotonin support in a similar way 5-HTP and tryptophan help reduce afternoon and evening carb cravings/snacking.
I’d love to hear how you do with the saffron but do like my clients to use what has worked well in the past so I’d continue with GABA Calm. Consistency is key and keeping a log helps
Good evening Trudy,
I have been reading most of the blogs and learning what works, what doesn’t and any issues. I have been getting all my information from the blogs and waiting for you to start up your one on one program again. I saw where you said patience need to work with their medical practitioners especially when dealing with SSRI’s and benzodiazepines. My issue with working with my practitioner is I tried to talk to him about it and got a very negative response. When I tried to show him your book and the research I had done he pretty much huffed and told me to go ahead and try it if I want to. No support, no encouragement and no help. So now I don’t know what to do, what to look for and how to get off several antidepressants and a benzodiazepine. Should I look for a new practitioner? I’ve talked with my PCP and he admitted this is out of his comfort zone but is referring me to an endocrinologist. Most naturopaths don’t take insurance and I am not in a position to afford it any other way. Do you have any suggestions for this issue? I have your book but have not had a chance to read it all. I also bought the Tryptophan and GABA but have been afraid to use them since I am doing this almost entirely on my own. I do believe that I have already put in a request for when you start up your one on one again.
Thank you so much for everything you do to help everyone.
Julie
I’m afraid to say I’d look for a new practitioner who is open to working with you on this. Many of them are open and willing to learn or you may find someone who is already knowledgeable. I would share this blog post too https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/taper-from-antidepressant-tryptophan-amino-acids/
We’re hoping to start up with the one on ones later this month.
I buy pure saffron from eBay mons vitae in Greece. It is excellent and v potent. I got quite addicted and was taking too much. It definitely helps with anxiety (I only discovered this after researching it because I was experiencing total relaxation for once) and is very expensive, but I’m going to experiment and start with one strand in periods of high stress. This needs to be a well kept secret or Big Pharma and/or the EU ( same difference) will get it banned. Like every other natural unpatentable plant or naturally occurring element.
How do you take it and how much? Example: with food or away from food, once in AM and again in PM, etc. Many thanks!
I have been on tryptophan and melatonin for about 4-1/2 months. I have searched and searched this blog for information on how to know when and how to stop these. It seems to help but not always or reliably.
I have a high number of positives on the pyroluria questionnaire, and zinc tally tastes like water. Therefore, I have been on b6, b complex, and zinc 30mg for a few weeks. I always go very slowly increasing doses, because I have chronic insomnia and I don’t want to make it worse. I have increased to zinc 60 mg every other day, but my sleep seems worse. I am not sure if I ever fell asleep last night.
I am in the same boat as others when it comes to not being able to afford a naturopath or working with any of your counselors (Texas, Medicare, on SS).
Can you please post general info on how to know when to quit tryptophan and how to do it?
Dear Trudy,
I thought you and your readers might find this article interesting. As someone who is low serotonin and doesn’t tolerate many serotonin aimed meds or supplements,(probably because of my mast cell disease), I found this article very illuminating.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2017.00048/full
Robin
Thanks for sharing this interesting paper. I’m posting the conclusion here for other blog readers: “This review shows the complex influences of serotonin on immune cells. So far, we don’t know and understand all underlying mechanisms, but it gets clearer, that the neurotransmitter and the peripheral hormone serotonin plays an important role in immunity and in inflammatory and immunomodulatory diseases. No matter if the serotonin derives from platelets, mast cells, T-cells, or even from neurons. For example, it influences diseases like gut inflammation, allergic asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and neuroinflammation such as ALS and autism. In the recent years, we could observe the anti-inflammatory effects of antidepressant (influencing serotonin levels in the body) in clinical practice that are, for example, mediated via macrophage modulation. Serotonin seems to be a promising new target when it comes to modulating immune responses.”
With reference to your mast cell comment, just making sure you know about Yasmina’s low histamine work https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-summit-histamine-anxiety-depression-schizophrenia/
Thanks Trudy—
I am aware of her work. Alison Vickery http://alisonvickery.com.au and Lisa Klimas http://www.mastattack.org are also providing the public with helpful information on mast cells/histamine.
By the way, I trialed 1 cap of the Life Extension brand of saffron and became very triggered. Kind of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. It induced terrific burning in my skin about 12 hours after ingestion. It did help my slow GI motility and was energizing. But I was literally on fire and flushing. I believe when I burn this way it is a tnf-alpha cytokine event. But, It may have been something with the kynuerine pathway as well. Trying to understand what was going on, I googled serotonin and the immune system and found the above article.
I think people like me with too many mast cells are low serotonin for a reason.
Robin
That’s quite a reaction and strange because there are a few studies indicating that saffron seems to have an anti-histamine effect (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26468456). Could it be an allergic reaction to the saffron?
I’m curious how you respond to tryptophan and 5-HTP since you mentioned low serotonin? and if you’ve tried very tiny amounts in a trial?
Thanks for the additional histamine resources
Hi Trudy–
I’m one of these people who don’t respond typically. I get burning skin with the Lidtke tryptophan. I can tolerate a tiny amount of 5-Htp but not on a regular basis, it triggers heart palpitations and some burning. I get vascular effects with GABA and CBD oil as well. So, I had my fingers crossed for the saffron. All in all, these products have an initial positive effect and delayed troubling symptoms, some kind of rebound/metabolizing issue that ignites or keeps the inflammatory cycle from resolving in a timely manner.
Something is wrong with my copper/iron metabolism (I’m low copper plasma, low copper serum low ceruloplasmin, and very low normal ferritin). My genetics suggest something is probably off with my BH4 production. I have a personal theory if I could improve my BH4 levels, I’d feel bettter. I try to do it by eating foods rich in folate.
For a future post, if you have any ideas about how to improve BH4 production or work with a copper deficiency I’d love to read it.
Trudy–
PS if saffron is some how related to the ragweed family, then yes, my fierce response is IgE related.
Hi Trudy, I used to work a lot with herbs, making tinctures mostly, but also using in so many ways. I have been dealing with high oxalate poisoning for two years so far and still dumping heavily. I must be very careful with herbs now. I’m wondering if saffron is high in oxalates because I do have some and would like to try it. I do use 5htp and l-theanine, ashwaghanda “extract” which is lower in oxalates than the raw form, and the same goes for holy basil, but I take that more for stabilizing mast cells. Thank you<3D
Dolores
According to Susan Owens and TLO/Trying Low Oxalates saffron is low oxalate. It seems there may also be benefits when it comes to oxalates. I recently came across this paper: Protective effects of the aqueous extract of Crocus sativus against ethylene glycol induced nephrolithiasis in rats https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4616248/
It’s interesting that you say ashwaghanda and holy basil are lower in oxalates when in extract form. Is this because it’s a lower dose when it’s extracted? Do you react to the raw form of these herbs? I ask because according to Susan Owens and TLO/Trying Low Oxalates both these herbs are also listed as low oxalate
in regards to your comments on wanting to know if Saffron worked as an antidepressant. Well i bought it to use as a tea, i tried it in cooking, i put a few strands in with other teas as i had read it was supposed to help with digestion, was not thinking of it as an antidepressant, so I didn’t really notice any difference but maybe i wasn’t using enough. I bought a small bottle cost $15 and use it for tea. Would be too expensive to use alot of it. It nicely colors the water orange. Don’t know if this helps you.
Trudy your wisdom and dedication are really commendable! I have had sooo many conflicting opinions as to why I have depression and now anxiety it’s hard to know what to do as going on 6 years nothing has really changed … One finding that I has been particularly hard to figure out how to manage is a folate intolerance diagnosis by Dr. Mensah of Mensah Medical in IL. That along with candida leave me with literally only about 4 things I can eat. The brain fog has left me unable to get through all the things to read here let alone remember- help! I’m in NH do you have any recs for integrative health practitioners in NH or MA?
Robin
Dr. James Greenblatt is in MA
Hello. I tried a supplement for the eyes that included saffron and I found no difference but actually felt eyesight got worse within that time. I’ve yet to try is for other issues.
Hi Trudy
This is a very interesting study. For a couple of years I have been suffering from anxiety issues, and it gets worse when PMSing.
I also use Saffron but as a spice for essence or to enhance the taste. but did not occur to me to use it for healing purposes. Now, that I learnt this I definitely would be interested to try.
Although there are few questions to be addressed before i start :
1) consume 10-15mg instead?
2) different ways to consume besides tea/recipes
3) to be followed for how many days?
4)can I take a break in between, recommended days?
5) what happens after I stop consumption? will the symptoms return?
Has anyone figured out what the effective dose was in general with the LE product for anxiety and depression relief?
It had no benefit for my depression at 1/day.
LE has not done studies for depression/anxiety that I know of.
I called last year and that is what I was told.
5-HTP can be used along with most antidepressants. Never heard of anyone having serotonin syndrome with it, BUT MY EXPERIENCE IS LIMITED>
St John’s wort has a warning but I know a psychiatrist who was on Stanford faculty then who was prescribing it along with SSRIs. He told me he had never seen a bad reaction.
Kratom elevates mood and relieves anxiety and pain. I have taken it with anti-depressants without problems and others are also.
With MAO inhibitors like Parnate, vomiting can occur at the typical 1/2 Tbsp dose.
It only lasts 10seconds.
In my case this problem went away when I made tea with kratom, instead of swallowing the powder; 3 times the amount was needed in tea (strained after boiling for 15 min) to get any benefit.
I rarely take Kratom, and when I do it is for pain relief (opioid addicts can stop taking them with kratom)
See Am. Kratom Association website for info on Kratom. SOME STATES MADE SALES ILLEGAL based on incorrect info from the FDA and posted info online I assume.
Kratom is safe in my opinion and no more addictive than TV – less than coffee!
Just found this old(er) post.
I have been gradually adding tumeric powder to foods – it is lots cheaper than saffron.
Does it have the same anti-anxiety properties?
Thank you.
Peace, Love, Blessings, Health and Happiness
to everyone and their families –
always but especially during the coronovirus
Hi Trudy
I tried a product from BrainMD – serotonin mood support. I could not replace my generic lexapro with it – maybe I needed to transition differently but it said not to take it with prescription. Without the prescription and just that it was 2 weeks of hell. It has satiereal saffron extract in it and I definitely noticed the appetite suppressant piece. I am working on losing covid weight so that helped. I have purchased a product from Luma that is saffron and so far it seems to help. Surprised I never heard of it before. I checked with BrainMD since it was in their product but the didn’t have anything else with that specific saffron in it.
I have used saffron only for cooking certain dishes and always keep some in my kitchen cupboard. I know it has some therapeutic benefits but that was not the reason I used it.
Niloufer
Wonderful! We’d love to hear how you use it in cooking and some examples of dishes
Hi Trudy
The antidepressant effect of saffron was the subject of my research dissertation for my Masters of Science degree in 2019. I would love to share of summary of the research with you, which BANT recently published in their eNews. Let me know if this would be useful.
Kind regards
Rachel
Rachel
Wonderful and yes please! I did reply to the email you also sent.
Hello Rachel,
This is wonderful to hear that you did your dissertation on saffron. I researched saffron for depression in herbal school. I am now in school for my Ph.D. and am still pondering my dissertation. I am still very much interested in saffron’s impact, primarily since only several studies exist to my knowledge. Did you run a quantitative study? My issue with doing an analysis is how do I get funding for the supplement that I want to use. If you wouldn’t mind sharing your experience with this research, that would be wonderful. (my email-hope okay to post on here- is karen@trufoodsnutrition.com)
I use various amino acids daily (tyrosine, theanine, etc.) and I find a combined supplement containing both saffron and 5-HTP to work really well for me. The saffron suppresses my appetite naturally (I usually intermittent fast daily) and combined with 5-HTP, it makes me more happy/joyful. I also sleep much better at night when I take it in the morning.
Jennifer B
Thanks for sharing and good to hear. I’d love to hear which product and how much you use? What time of the day do you take it – only in the morning? When did you start to notice improved sleep and feeling more happiness/joy?
Have you tried 5-HTP and tyrosine instead of the saffron/5-HTP combo and noticed any difference? And what made you decide to try the saffron product?
I’m going to share this feedback on the new blog
Does saffron help with libido
BI
This 2019 paper, Effects of saffron (Crocus sativus) on sexual dysfunction among men and women: A systematic review and meta-analysis, states “saffron was effective in improving sexual dysfunction and its dimensions among participants, although the significance of this effect varied in terms of different aspects of sexual dysfunction.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6727438/. Much of the research is related to sexual dysfunction as a result of being on antidepressants.
I am aware of the values of saffron. But it is very costly here in India and is almost out of reach for an average middle-class family like ours. Can you suggest some alternatives to Saffron to be easily found and economical in India? I am from Pune, Maharastra, India.
Chittranjan
Thanks for sharing. Can you share what saffron products are available in India and what they typically cost? Or are you referring to saffron as a spice? I will be covering the cost aspect in the new blog.
I will also be covering alternatives such as tryptophan/5-HTP and tyrosine (and when I’d use them vs saffron) so I’d love to hear if you have access to these amino acids in India and how they compare cost-wise.
hello, i have just started giving some saffron tea to my daughter who suffers from anxiety- she is also on st Johns wort but i think when that pack is finished i wont renew as now read about the side effects. will let yo know how i get on with the tea. just putting a few strands in hot water with honey and cinnamon . will keep you posted.
hi trudy.
i did send you an email however i don’t think you received it. my son is always wired as in finds it hard to calm down, always moving and always talking and only knows how to be calm when he is in front of tv or a screen. i have started giving him GABBA and at first it allowed him to sleep into a normal time for 6.45am or even 7am however now, it seems as if the gabba effect is wearing off and he is waking early again and doesn’t really seem any calmer. i am giving him a high dose of 750mg a night, the source natural brand as that is how the tablet comes. should i increase his dose? and how long could my son take this gabba for? he is 7 years old and 6 months. your reply would be appreciated. thank you
Fiona
I can’t offer specific advice here but can share that we adjust GABA up and down until we find the ideal amount. I also only use GABA sublingually for best results
Diet is key too of course. If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
I took saffron for the first time and it made me physically anxious, does this reduce over time?thanks
Rebecca
I doubt physical anxiety would reduce over time. I’d suspect too much was used or a issue with the product (Fillers, gluten or just not a match)
Can I use saffron extract with l tryptophan or St. John’s wort? I’m worried about seretonin syndrome
Matt
I’m not aware of any evidence that all 3 could cause serotonin syndrome but if tryptophan and St. John’s wort are not helping with low serotonin symptoms I would adjust the dosing up and consider 5-HTP instead of tryptophan. If all that still doesn’t work I’d explore other possible causes.
What symptoms are you attempting to address and have tryptophan and St. John’s wort helped in any way? What doses are you using?
I used tryptophan and it did not work. I don’t know if I even need seretonin. I also heard about blindness with St. John’s wort. I was recommended to take saffron, l tryptophan and St. John’s wort but I’m afraid. My symptoms were really bad. I was always in flight or flight mode but now I’m much calmer. But I still get anxiety from time to time. I’m going to start using l tyrosine alcar and cdp choline with 500 mg of l tryptophan and 30 mg of saffron. The l tryptophan is just so I don’t deplete seretonin from the l tyrosine. My main condition is ocd. I also will take l glutamine and lemon balm for gaba glutamate.
Hi, i would like to try saffron and 5 htp but would like to start on one for now. Which one should I start first? thanks
Cherry
I can’t provide specific feedback on the blog but can share I typically have clients trial either 5-HTP or tryptophan if they have low serotonin symptoms