Standardized saffron extract at 15–30 mg daily reduces mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms similarly to common antidepressants, with fewer day-to-day side effects. Sleep, anxiety, cognition, and eye findings are thinner. Authenticated extracts match the trials; pregnancy is an avoidance setting. Not a proven lifespan drug. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Depression or anxiety scale (PHQ-9 or DASS-21) | No saffron-specific target; track change from own baseline (PHQ-9 <5 common remission mark) | Documents the primary mood outcome used in trials |
| Sleep scale (PSQI or ISI) | No saffron-specific target; track change (PSQI <5 often called good sleep) | Documents sleep response |
| Sitting blood pressure | 110–120 / 70–80 mmHg | Detects additive lowering |
| Fasting glucose | 70–85 mg/dL | Detects glycemic shift in diabetes |
| Glycated hemoglobin | 4.8–5.3% | Three-month sugar exposure |
| Pregnancy test (urine hCG) | Negative before a therapeutic course | Avoids uterine-stimulation exposure |
Cadence: Mood or sleep scale at 2, 4, and 8 weeks; blood pressure at 2–4 weeks if on antihypertensives; metabolic labs at 3 months if glucose was a reason for starting; then every 3–6 months