Quick Answer
Saffron Mood Symptoms Meta-Analysis has evidence relevant to strength of evidence and what the studies can or cannot prove, but conclusions should stay close to the cited sources. One representative finding is: Saffron was also associated with greater improvements in self-esteem (adjusted mean difference: 1.43; 95% CI: 0.22, 2.64; d = 0.51; p = 0.022) and sleep-related impairment (adjusted mean difference: 2.99; 95% CI: 0.12, 5.86; d = 0.45; p = 0.041).
Key Takeaways
- 01Saffron was also associated with greater improvements in self-esteem (adjusted mean difference: 1.43; 95% CI: 0.22, 2.64; d = 0.51; p = 0.022) and sleep-related impairment (adjusted mean difference: 2.99; 95% CI: 0.12, 5.86; d = 0.45; p = 0.041). [Lopresti AL (2026)]
- 02Conclusion Supplementation with a saffron extract (Affron®) for 12 weeks was associated with improvements in depressive symptoms. [Lopresti AL (2026)]
- 03Background Depression is commonly accompanied by sleep disturbances and low self-esteem. [Lopresti AL (2026)]
- 04Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) has demonstrated antidepressant and sleep-enhancing effects in previous clinical trials; however, its efficacy in women experiencing both low mood and poor sleep has not been specifically examined. [Lopresti AL (2026)]
The current Migaku evidence database contains 2 reusable source documents for Saffron Mood Symptoms Meta-Analysis. This answer focuses on strength of evidence and what the studies can or cannot prove.
- Saffron was also associated with greater improvements in self-esteem (adjusted mean difference: 1.43; 95% CI: 0.22, 2.64; d = 0.51; p = 0.022) and sleep-related impairment (adjusted mean difference: 2.99; 95% CI: 0.12, 5.86; d = 0.45; p = 0.041). [Lopresti AL (2026); evidence level 2]
- Conclusion Supplementation with a saffron extract (Affron®) for 12 weeks was associated with improvements in depressive symptoms. [Lopresti AL (2026); evidence level 2]
- Background Depression is commonly accompanied by sleep disturbances and low self-esteem. [Lopresti AL (2026); evidence level 2]
- Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) has demonstrated antidepressant and sleep-enhancing effects in previous clinical trials; however, its efficacy in women experiencing both low mood and poor sleep has not been specifically examined. [Lopresti AL (2026); evidence level 2]
- 1 1 2 3 4 Low mood is a commonly reported subjective experience in the general population and is often characterized by transient feelings of sadness, reduced motivation, or diminished emotional well-being []. [Muacevic Alexander (2026); evidence level 2]
Evidence levels are sorting aids, not final clinical grades. Level 1 usually indicates systematic-review style evidence, level 2 indicates randomized trials or public-health guidance, and lower levels need more cautious wording.
This page is educational. People with medical conditions, pregnancy, medication use, or unusual symptoms should ask a qualified clinician before changing supplements, medication, or treatment routines.
Sources
- The effects of a saffron extract (Affron®) on mood, sleep, self-esteem, and exploratory measures of physical appearance in women aged 50 to 70 years experiencing low mood and poor sleep: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- Standardized Saffron Extract Formulation for Low Mood and Subclinical Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial