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3Medicinal

Saffron extract

Also sold as Crocus sativus

Emerging evidence for low mood and PMS symptoms.

3TrustedSupp Tier System™ · Tier 3Take as a defined course
Check before you startThis one has documented interactions with medication classes where the consequences are serious. If you take any prescription medicine, run it past a pharmacist before starting.

How long to take it

Course-based, six to eight weeks to judge effect.

Who it's actually for

Mild low mood or PMS, with realistic expectations and no psychiatric medication.

Safe upper limit

Unverified
No formal limit; 30 mg daily in trials. Very high doses of saffron are toxic
Doses far above supplement levels are genuinely toxic and can cause bleeding and miscarriage.
No source attached yet. Treat this as a starting point, not a citation, until reviewed.

Interactions to know about

  • AntidepressantsSSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tricyclics
  • Blood thinners / antiplateletsWarfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, aspirin
  • Blood pressure medicationBeta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors

Other supplements:

Run your full list through the interaction check.

Practical notes

  • One of the most expensive spices by weight — check for adulteration and third-party testing.
  • Avoid in pregnancy.
  • Possible serotonergic effect; don't stack with antidepressants.