Top 5 Saffron Supplements – Full Analysis, Reviews & Buying Guide (2023)

The flowers of the saffron plant (Crocus sativus L.) have three thread-like red stigmas that are highly valued as a spice, natural colorant, and medicinal food product [*].

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world due to its labor intensive production. To produce one pound of saffron you need approximately 200,000 hand-picked stigmas [*]. In today’s market, one pound of authentic saffron can cost $1,500 or more. 

The use of saffron dates back thousands of years ago. In ancient Persia, saffron was utilized as a spice. In the ancient medicinal system known as Ayurveda, saffron was valued for its medicinal properties. In the 16-19th century, saffron was also used in pain relief formulas [*]. 

The major bioactive compounds responsible for saffron’s health benefits are safranal, crocin, and picrocrocin. Research suggest that these compounds have antidepressant [*], neuroprotective [*], eye-protective [*], cardioprotective [*], gastroprotective [*], anti-obesity [**], immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory [*], and antioxidant [**] properties. 

There are a wide variety of saffron dietary supplements in the market. Some formulas contain saffron as a single ingredient or part of a blend. These products claim to boost  mood, memory and focus, relaxation, stress relief, energy, eye health, digestive health and weight loss.

The popularity of saffron supplements has led to hundreds of brands flooding the marketplace; however not all supplements are created equal! Unfortunately, more than 90% of saffron supplements in the market simply DON’T WORK!

We understand the challenges in finding the right supplement for your health needs. That’s why we gathered years of research and made this guide to help you find the top-rated formulas that work for you.

Things To Be Cautious About

Has your brand been third-party tested? You should never buy supplements that don’t have Certificate of Analysis. The studies should be conducted in labs that are not affiliated with the manufacturer. These labs verify the product for safety and potency.

Does your saffron supplement contain cheap synthetic fillers? Some brands add artificial fillers to cut cost to offer cheap products. Some of these cheap fillers we found were titanium dioxide and artificial coloring. You should never purchase cheap products when it comes to supplements.

No return policy or customer service – A reputable supplement company will offer 100% money-back guarantee policy and provide customer support through phone number and email. We noticed many formulas out there are just copies of the top-rated brands. They don’t offer an easy refund policy or don’t even have a phone number to prove they are real.

Top 5 Saffron Supplements

The result: we reviewed over 100+ brands of Saffron Supplements in the market and complied a list of top 5 formulas based on effectiveness, safety, pricing, return policy, and overall customer satisfaction.

1. Source Naturals Saffron Extract

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

2. Wild Fuel Saffron Extract

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

3. Phytochoice Saffron

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

4. Swanson Saffron Extract

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

5. Life Extension Optimized Saffron

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

Ranking Factors

Shipping & Return Policy: we check the shipping and return policy of each recommended product to make sure these brands stand behind their products.

Customer Service: we contact the top rated brands through email, chat or phone to make sure they are responsive and can answer potential questions customers might have.

Essential Ingredients: we verify the ingredients in every top rated brands, their safety and dosage amount in comparison with the latest scientific studies.

Overall Effectiveness: we check with real customers through their reviews and testimonials to make sure the top brands are as effective as they claim to be. We recommend the top 5 formulas based on their average score.

We highly recommend our reader to do their own research, read real reviews and contact any brands directly to make sure they can provide the products and services based on their needs.

*This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our independent research and customer feedback. Results may vary based on individual.

Disclosure of Material Connection: we only recommend products and services which we believe will add value to the users. However, you should assume the owner of this website and/or blog has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection, to any suppliers of goods and services that may be discussed here and may be compensated for showing ads or recommending products or services or linking to the supplier’s website.

Sources and Citations

1. An overview on saffron, phytochemicals, and medicinal properties https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3731881/
2. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): As an Antidepressant https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6266642/
3. Saffron: The Golden Spice with Therapeutic Properties on… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6567082/
4. Saffron: A Natural Potent Antioxidant as a Promising.. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4665515/
5. Antioxidant Properties of Saffron Stigma and Petals: A Potential Therapeutic Approach… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7804872/
6. Immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of Crocus sativus (Saffron) and its main active constituents: A review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6535192/