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Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, costs between $500 to $5,000. It comes from the “stigmas” of the Crocus sativus flower. According to early evidence, it was held in high esteem thanks to its many benefits like boosting libido, improving mood, and enhancing memory [1]. Thus, making it a popular supplement ingredient.
In this article, we’ll show you the best saffron supplements that may improve certain conditions you might have.
Quick Summary
Most Added Value: Youtheory, Saffron
Best Rated Saffron Supplement: Double Wood Supplements, Saffron Extract
Most Economical Saffron Supplement: Bio Nutrition, Saffron Extract
| Product Name | Saffron Content | Price/Amount | Directions To Use |
| Life Extension, Optimized Saffron | 88.25 mg | ~$27/60 capsules | Take 1 capsule twice daily, in the morning and evening, with food |
| Double Wood Supplements, Saffron Extract | 88.5 mg | ~$20/210 capsules | Take 1 to 2 capsules per day on an empty stomach |
| Bio Nutrition, Saffron Extract | 88.5 mg | ~$15/50 capsules | Take 1 capsule per day with a meal |
| Youtheory, Saffron | 28 mg | ~$29/60 capsules | Take 2 capsules daily with water |
Best Saffron Supplements
Life Extension, Optimized Saffron
SAFFRON CONTENT PER SERVING:
88.25 mg
DOSAGE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$27/60
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
Take 1 capsule twice daily, in the morning and evening, with food
PROS:
- Non-GMO LE Certified
- Gluten-free
- Suitable for vegetarians
CONS:
- It’s quite expensive
Life Extension is a 40-year-old brand and it remains committed to helping its customers get better in touch with their wellness.
With this Optimized Saffron supplement, users may fight constant snacking thanks to its impact on neurotransmitter signals. Thus, helping with reducing weight, if needed. Also, it may provide appetite management support without the use of caffeine.
As for feedback, the majority of users are satisfied. It’s being taken for various reasons, such as healthily suppressing appetite and boosting the overall mood. Additionally, a few users mentioned taking this supplement for their eyesight problems. Some also said it helps with relaxing them.
Double Wood Supplements, Saffron Extract
SAFFRON CONTENT PER SERVING:
88.5 mg
DOSAGE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$20/210
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
Take 1 to 2 capsules per day on an empty stomach
PROS:
- Soy-free and gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Suitable for vegans
CONS:
- Some reports of side effects
- A bit pricey, although the quantity is sufficient for at least 2 months.
Double Wood Supplements is a more recent player in the industry, having been founded in 2013. However, thanks to its commitment to creating quality products, it’s becoming a trusted brand for many users. Furthermore, this is a brand that thrives on transparency. The supplements’ Certificate of Analysis and third-party results are available on its website.
For this particular Saffron Extract supplement, users can possibly control their appetite, helping them to eat healthier portions. It may also aid those looking to lose weight. Plus, it may also boost the overall mood.
There are over 2,900 ratings for this product, most of which are positive. Many use it to control their hunger or snacking tendencies, helping them lose weight in the process. Some also mentioned that this saffron supplement helps them to deal with their anxiety. Also, a few users said it helps with their eye issues.
Bio Nutrition, Saffron Extract
SAFFRON CONTENT PER SERVING:
88.5 mg
DOSAGE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$15/50
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
Take 1 capsule per day with a meal
PROS:
- Contains vegetarian capsules
- Affordable
- No gluten, soy, yeast, and wheat
- Free of artificial ingredients and preservatives
CONS:
- Not a lot of reviews compared to others
There isn’t a lot of information regarding the brand. However, it does have a handful of products on iHerb, which is a reliable platform. According to the brand, it uses the finest quality saffron extract for this particular supplement.
Taking this saffron supplement may help with boosting energy and improve mental alertness. Besides those, it may act as a mood enhancer and neurological support. Additionally, it’s possible that this supplement can relieve stress.
As for feedback, there isn’t a lot available. However, from the few that can be seen, it has a positive overall score.
Youtheory, Saffron
SAFFRON CONTENT PER SERVING:
28 mg
DOSAGE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$29/60
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
Take 2 capsules daily with water
PROS:
- Added value of other nutrients
- Suitable for vegetarians
- No dairy, gluten, and soy
CONS:
- It’s very expensive
- Not a lot of reviews
Despite only being founded in 2010, Youtheory is rapidly expanding its portfolio of innovative health products. Its ingredients are ethically sourced, and the formulas are science-backed. Additionally, it’s committed to producing supplements that are pure, potent, and of high quality. This saffron supplement is no different.
Users may experience a positive mental outlook and enhanced mental focus by taking this supplement. Moreover, its formula is adaptogenic, which may reduce the impact of stress. Not to mention, it also contains Ashwagandha and Rhodiola to maximize the health benefits.
However, there aren’t a lot of reviews or ratings available for this particular saffron supplement. But, from what’s available, many users gave it a 5-star.
How To Choose the Best Saffron Supplements
Here are some reminders when choosing the best saffron supplement for you:
Price – As you can see from the list, saffron supplements can be quite expensive. So, when choosing the right one for you, make sure you’re comfortable with the price. Also, you can choose the right balance between quantity and price.
Brand – Saffron has an impact on the overall well-being of a user. Hence, it’s important to choose a trusted brand. Their formulas are science-backed, reducing the risks of having a bad reaction.
Quality – It’s important to get a supplement that’ll help you instead of giving you many side effects. As such, choose a supplement that has been tested for purity and potency to ensure quality. You can also research the manufacturing process if you want more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are saffron supplements good for?
Research shows that saffron contains many antioxidants, including crocin and crocetin. The antioxidant properties may inhibit cancer cell growth as well as kill them [2]. This is due to saffron neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body [3].
Additionally, saffron may aid in reducing appetite and in weight loss [4]. Not only that, but it’s possible that it can also reduce PMS symptoms, according to research [5].
Taking saffron may also enhance the eyesight of adults with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It may also act as an aphrodisiac to increase libido. Furthermore, it can lower heart disease risk factors and lower blood sugar levels.
What are the negative side effects of saffron supplements?
In general, taking saffron produces no side effects. However, high doses of saffron supplements can have adverse risks. Thus, you must follow proper dosage instructions either by the brand or healthcare professional.
Moreover, it may cause miscarriage. Pregnant women should be especially cautious about taking high doses [6].
What does saffron do to the brain?
Saffron is named the sunshine spice, thanks to its bright color and impact on improving a person’s overall mood. Studies show that saffron may effectively treat mild to moderate depression [1].
It may also help with improving the cognitive functions of those with Alzheimer’s disease [7].
Does saffron work immediately?
As with other supplements, the body of each user may react differently. For some, the effect is immediate, while for others, it can take a while to see results. Not to mention, other users don’t feel anything at all.
Bottomline: Best Saffron Supplements
Despite being most known as a culinary ingredient, saffron also offers plenty of health benefits. Thus, making it a popular ingredient for supplements. The list consists of the four best saffron supplements. They have different price points, content per serving, and dosage recommendation. If you’re unsure of what to choose, you could always consult a doctor.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional. We have assembled this article through in-depth research based on the information available at the date of publishing. We may receive a small commission for purchases you make through our links, but this comes at no extra cost to you. This commission allows us to continue doing what we love through Health Plugged, which is delivering evidence-based health information to our readers worldwide.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Dwyer, A. V., Whitten, D. L., & Hawrelak, J. A. (2011). Herbal medicines, other than St. John’s Wort, in the treatment of depression: a systematic review. Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic, 16(1), 40–49.
- Rezaee, R., & Hosseinzadeh, H. (2013). Safranal: from an aromatic natural product to a rewarding pharmacological agent. Iranian journal of basic medical sciences, 16(1), 12–26.
- Khansari, N., Shakiba, Y., & Mahmoudi, M. (2009). Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress as a major cause of age-related diseases and cancer. Recent patents on inflammation & allergy drug discovery, 3(1), 73–80. https://doi.org/10.2174/187221309787158371
- Khazdair, M. R., Boskabady, M. H., Hosseini, M., Rezaee, R., & M Tsatsakis, A. (2015). The effects of Crocus sativus (saffron) and its constituents on nervous system: A review. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine, 5(5), 376–391.
- A, D. M., K, S., A, D., & Sattar, K. (2014). Epidemiology of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR, 8(2), 106–109. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2014/8024.4021
- Poma, A., Fontecchio, G., Carlucci, G., & Chichiriccò, G. (2012). Anti-inflammatory properties of drugs from saffron crocus. Anti-inflammatory & anti-allergy agents in medicinal chemistry, 11(1), 37–51. https://doi.org/10.2174/187152312803476282
- Adalier, N., & Parker, H. (2016). Vitamin E, Turmeric and Saffron in Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 5(4), 40. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox5040040
