Ingredient guide · cognitive

Saffron Extract

Mood elevation, anxiety & depression support

The clinically studied dose

30mg per day Clinical

Source: Saffron Meta-analysis (Hausenblas 2013) — 30 mg/day of standardized saffron extract matched to depression/mood outcomes.

What it is

An extract of the saffron spice with surprising mood evidence.

What the research supports

Mild-to-moderate depression support (comparable to some antidepressants in small trials)
Mood and PMS
Appetite control

How it works

Appears to act on serotonin signaling.

Side effects & safety

Safe at 30 mg/day. Very high doses (grams) are toxic. Avoid in pregnancy. Look for standardized safranal/crocin content.

What it should cost

	Per serving
Typical branded single-ingredient product	$0.75
Bulk powder at the clinical dose (120 caps, $27.97)	$0.23

Buying bulk powder instead of a branded bottle saves about 69% per serving.

Bulk price: $27.97/120 caps → Alt source: $19.99/5g

Related ingredients

Educational only — not medical advice. Grades and clinical doses are computed from public labels against sourced research (citations on the main site); prices last verified 2026-07-21. Expensive Powder has no sponsors; bulk links may earn an affiliate commission, which never affects a grade. Talk to a clinician before starting any supplement.