herb · for chronic fatigue
Saffron
Saffron is the dried stigma of the crocus flower, and the spice most people know from cooking. As a supplement it is sold standardised for safranal or crocin, usually around 30 mg a day.
How strong is the research?
51 healthy adults with mild low mood took saffron for 6 weeks. Depression, anxiety and fatigue scores were no better than placebo. One general self-rated mental-health score rose a little.
1 paper read, 1 against.
Tested as: Saffron extract (Activ'Inside) standardised to >2.5% crocins and >1.5% safranal, 15 mg twice daily
Who was studied: 51 healthy adults aged 18 to 50. All felt tired, along with low mood, anxiety or stress. Anyone seriously ill was left out.
We found 1 study on this. We have not finished reading them yet, so we are not ready to say either way.
How much to take
30 mg