Natural Supplement Improves Mood, Reduces Depression Symptoms, Expert Says

A specific spice could work as a natural antidepressant, according to an expert.

Saffron, found in popular foods and drinks like paella and herbal teas, has shown promise for its ability to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, in addition to various other health benefits.

During an in-studio interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Daniel Amen, psychiatrist and founder of Amen Clinics in California, shared his excitement about using saffron for mental health support.

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“I love saffron so much,” he said. “I’m Lebanese and people in the Middle East cook with a lot of saffron. And there’s actually folklore in Iran: If you’re too happy, you must have eaten saffron.”

Amen referenced research showing that about 30 milligrams of saffron was “just as effective” as antidepressants in randomized trials.

Saffron may increase sexual function, unlike traditional SSRIs, according to Dr. Amen. (iStock)

Although most SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can help improve mood, they also carry a risk of decreased sexual function. Saffron does the opposite, according to Amen.

“As a psychiatrist, I don’t want to ruin my patients’ love lives,” he said. “Saffron increased sexual function (in research).”

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Saffron has also been shown to help with memory and concentration, according to various studies.

A recent study, published in Reviews in Clinical Medicine 2025, also linked saffron to reduced symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Research has shown that saffron can improve mood and improve PMS symptoms. (iStock)

After eight to 12 weeks of using saffron, participants reported that the supplement “significantly reduced” the symptoms and severity of PMS.

Additional research published in Cambridge University Press in May 2025 revealed saffron’s potential to relieve symptoms of depression.

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The review analyzed 192 trials involving more than 17,000 patients and 44 different nutraceuticals to determine which supplements work for depression.

Saffron has been identified as the most effective, showing a moderate to significant antidepressant effect.

Saffron is found in a variety of dishes, including paella and rice variations. (iStock)

The meta-analysis also looked at how these nutraceuticals interacted with prescribed antidepressants.

Combining supplements like zinc and curcumins (natural compounds found in turmeric) with existing antidepressants has been found to improve symptoms.

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“So if you’re taking an antidepressant and want it to work even better, consider zinc and curcumins,” Amen recommended. “Saffron, zinc and curcumins are a great combination.”

Saffron is often consumed as a supplement in the form of pills, capsules, or powders. (iStock)

Although cooking with saffron may not reach the levels needed to improve mood, saffron supplements are available in capsule, tablet, and powdered extract form. Thirty milligrams per day is generally the recommended dose to relieve symptoms.

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Long-term use of saffron has not yet been studied, as there is some uncertainty about its potency as a dietary supplement, researchers and experts have cautioned.

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According to a medically reviewed WebMD article, taking saffron in large doses or for long periods of time “may be risky,” potentially causing anxiety, appetite changes, stomach upset, drowsiness, or headaches.

Anyone interested in a saffron supplement should first consult a doctor.