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

no recipes found

Substances

2 substances in this food

Saffron (Crocin, Safranal)

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

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	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Inflammation	Saffron (Crocin, Safranal)	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Anti-inflammatory effects
Neurochemical Balance	Saffron (Crocin, Safranal)	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Thought to boost serotonin; supports mood regulation and cognitive function
Oxidative Stress	Saffron (Crocin, Safranal)	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Contains antioxidant crocin; supports antioxidant defenses

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