Quick Answer
Saffron Supplementation Mood Randomized Trial 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 Supplementation Mood Randomized Trial. 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]
- Behavioral analysis revealed that cold stress significantly impaired memory and increased anxiety-like behavior, whereas oral supplementation of saffron extract reduced anxiety, improved spontaneous alternation and enhanced object recognition memory. [Priya V (2026); evidence level 4]
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.
- <i>Crocus sativus</i> improves cognitive functions and reduces anxiety-like behavior in aged rats exposed to chronic cold temperature-induced stress.