Research · Meta-analysis
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
What it found
Saffron reduced depression symptoms much more than placebo (large effect size ~1.62) and about as much as standard antidepressants; the authors called for larger trials run outside Iran.
- Design
- Meta-analysis
- Year
- 2013
- Population
- adults with major depressive disorder (5 RCTs)
- Intervention
- saffron vs placebo or antidepressant
- Outcome
- reduction in depression symptom scores
- Journal
- Journal of Integrative Medicine
Citation last checked 2026-06-21.