Saffron

Overview

Saffron provides crocin (antioxidant) and safranal (volatile compound) that support mood regulation, cognition, and ADHD symptoms at therapeutic doses (~30 mg/day). Saffron is thought to boost serotonin and have antioxidant crocin and has shown promising effects on depression, mood, cognition, and ADHD symptoms at doses around 30 mg/day of standardized extract.

Recipes

2 recipes containing this food

Roast Duck Breast with Berry Sauce

A rich main dish built around crisp-skinned duck breast with a bright blueberry and raspberry sauce, designed to balance richness with acidity and aromatic depth.

Saffron Roast Potatoes

Crisp roast potatoes finished with saffron-infused olive oil, designed to maximise colour, flavour and texture while remaining adaptable to many main dishes.

Substances

1 substance in this food

Saffron (Crocin, Safranal)

Mood and cognition support; sensitive to heat/light; culinary-first use

Preparation Notes

• Bloom gently (≈50–70 °C) in warm water or fat
• Add near end of cooking to preserve aroma and bioactive potency
• Therapeutic doses (~30 mg/day) for clinical effects
• Part of spice strategy for mood and cognitive support

Biological Target Matrix

Biological Target	Substance	Contribution Level	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress	Saffron (Crocin, Safranal)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Anti-inflammatory effects
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Saffron (Crocin, Safranal)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Thought to boost serotonin; supports mood regulation and cognitive function

References

• Saffron: ADHD symptoms, mood regulation - 30 mg/day standardized extract (stigmas)
• Saffron is thought to boost serotonin and have antioxidant crocin and has shown promising effects on depression, mood, cognition, and ADHD symptoms at doses around 30 mg/day of standardized extract
• The delicate oils contained in saffron such as safranal and other volatile monoterpenes, are highly sensitive to heat, light, and oxidation