Little evidence supports the use of saffron as an effective anxiety treatment. However, people may want to try it in small doses as part of their diet, alongside conventional treatments for anxiety.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a plant that has played a role in traditional and complementary medicine for thousands of years. It has high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties.

Anxiety is a natural human reaction to stressful or threatening events. However, if people regularly experience extreme emotional responses to stimuli that pose little real danger, they may have an anxiety disorder.

Treatments for anxiety disorders include medications and therapy, but some people also use herbal remedies to help manage their symptoms.

This article explores research into the potential effects of saffron on anxiety, the potential risks of consuming saffron, and typical treatment options for anxiety.

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Some research has examined the effects of saffron in people with anxiety.

Multiple studies included in a 2022 review suggested that a safranal, a different saffron component, may have similar effects to the anxiety medication diazepam in the way it binds to a certain type of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor in the brain.

However, no firm evidence has confirmed that saffron is a helpful remedy for anxiety.

One 2020 study involving 56 people assessed their self-reported anxiety, depression, and stress levels after taking 30 milligrams (mg) of saffron daily for 8 weeks. Although the participants reported lower depression scores and a reduced response to stressful stimuli, the results showed no effect on anxiety scores by the end of the study.

A 2019 meta-analysis of 23 studies found that while saffron showed potential as an anxiety remedy, the quality of existing evidence was low. More research is necessary to confirm the link between saffron and reduced anxiety symptoms.

Saffron is safe to consume in moderation. It can add an aromatic twist to curries, stews, and risotto — so an individual can boost levels without risking excessive intake.

Research included in an older 2015 review suggests that consuming 5 grams (g) daily may have toxic effects, and an intake of 20 g per day or higher can be fatal. A daily intake of up to 1.5 g may be safe for humans. The review also found that anxiety may occur as a side effect of saffron consumption.

Mild saffron toxicity may lead to the following symptoms:

Severe toxicity can cause several symptoms, including:

People who suspect that they may have anxiety should speak with a healthcare professional. They can prescribe a range of treatments to reduce anxiety.

Psychotherapy involves talking with a mental health professional. They can tailor treatment to an individual’s specific anxieties or fears and address particular needs. Examples include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps people with anxiety disorders learn new ways of coping with extreme responses to stimuli and teaches new thought patterns.
  • Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy helps people with anxiety confront their fears by gradually increasing exposure to help them engage in activities or experience stimuli they had previously been avoiding.
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT revolves around goal-setting and mindfulness practices, although fewer studies have assessed the effectiveness of this treatment over others.

A range of medications can also help to reduce symptoms if psychotherapy is not effective or alongside psychotherapy, such as:

A person may need to try more than one medication before finding one that is effective and does not cause adverse reactions.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) suggests that those looking for complementary approaches to support ongoing anxiety treatment may benefit from the following:

However, the NCCIH notes that evidence is limited for many of these, and further studies are necessary to determine their benefit. These are generally safe to try for people seeking extra support during an anxiety disorder, but individuals should discuss supplements or treatments with their doctor before starting.

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), people should speak with a healthcare professional about anxiety if they are having difficulty coping with panic, fear, or anxiety responses and the measures they are taking at home are not helping to reduce emotional responses.

Anxiety is an important survival response to certain stimuli. However, if anxiety does not get better, starts to become overwhelming, or gets in the way of daily activities, a person may have an anxiety disorder and could benefit from speaking with a doctor.

Limited studies have shown saffron may have some components that have demonstrated anxiety-reducing effects. However, strong evidence is not available to support the use of saffron to relieve anxiety. Saffron may even cause anxiety as an adverse effect, although consuming it in the diet in small amounts is unlikely to cause toxicity.

Evidence-based anxiety treatments include psychotherapy and medications, and people may want to try complementary approaches such as mindfulness, movement therapy, or acupuncture alongside conventional treatment to reduce symptoms.

If anxiety becomes overwhelming or does not go away, an individual may benefit from speaking to a doctor about treatment options.