Saffron for Social Anxiety Reduction
Saffron shows antidepressant and anxiolytic signals in small trials.
Overview
Verdict
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- 28-30mg standardised extract daily
- Expected timeframe
- 6-8 weeks
Protocol
- form
- Standardised Crocus sativus extract (2% safranal or 3.5% crocin)
- duration
- Not applicable
- co factor
- Evidence is insufficient. Saffron at 30 mg/day has randomised evidence for reducing general anxiety symptoms alongside depression, with a moderate effect size in meta-analysis. No trial has studied social anxiety disorder specifically, and it is a distinct condition with its own treatment response profile - characterised by fear of scrutiny and negative evaluation, typically beginning in adolescence, and responding particularly well to exposure-based cognitive behavioural therapy. Generalised anxiety scale improvements do not transfer automatically to social anxiety, which is often measured with the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale rather than the scales used in saffron trials.
- titration
- Not applicable
- starting dose
- Not established for this outcome. Anxiety trials used 30 mg/day of standardised extract
Evidence
What the studies say
No studies are yet linked to both Saffron and Social Anxiety Reduction.
Safety
Caveats
Small, often unreplicated trials. Avoid high doses in pregnancy.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
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Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.