Saffron

Saffron is the dried stigma of Crocus sativus, the world's most expensive spice by weight. Its bioactive compounds — crocin (carotenoid), safranal (volatile compound), and crocetin — have been studied for antidepressant, anxiolytic, and sleep-promoting effects. Multiple meta-analyses suggest antidepressant effects comparable to low-dose SSRIs for mild-to-moderate depression. Sleep research indicates improvements in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores at doses of 28-30 mg/day of standardized extract. The mechanism likely involves serotonin reuptake modulation. Saffron should not be used during pregnancy (uterotonic effects) or at doses exceeding 200 mg/day.