Common Spice May Fight Depression, Improve Sexual Health, Doctor Says
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A specific spice could work as a natural antidepressant, says an expert.
Saffron, found in popular foods and beverages such as 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 News Digital, Dr. Daniel Amen, psychiatrist and founder of Amen Clinics in California, shared his enthusiasm for using saffron as a mental health support.
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“I really love saffron,” he said. “I’m Lebanese and Middle Eastern people cook with a lot of saffron. And in fact, there’s a folklore in Iran: If you’re very 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.
According to Dr. Amen, saffron can increase sexual function, unlike traditional SSRIs. (iStock)
While 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 increases sexual function [in research]”.
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Saffron has also been shown to help with memory and concentration, according to several studies.
A recent study, published in Reviews in Clinical Medicine 2025, also linked saffron to reducing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
Research has shown that saffron can improve mood and improve PMS symptoms. (iStock)
After eight to 12 weeks of saffron use, participants reported that the supplement “significantly reduced” PMS symptoms and severity.
Additional research published in Cambridge University Press in May 2025 revealed saffron’s potential to alleviate symptoms of depression.
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The review analyzed 192 trials with more than 17,000 patients and 44 different nutraceuticals to determine which supplements work for depression.
Saffron was identified to be the most effective and shows a moderate to large antidepressant effect.
Saffron is found in a variety of dishes, including paella and rice variations. (iStock)
The meta-analysis also examined how these nutraceuticals interacted with prescribed antidepressant medications.
Combining supplements such as zinc and curcumins (natural compounds found in turmeric) with existing antidepressants was found to improve symptoms.
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“So if you’re taking an antidepressant and want it to work even better, think about zinc and curcumin,” Amen recommended. “Saffron, zinc and curcumins are a great combination.”
Saffron is often consumed as a supplement in pills, capsules or powders. (iStock)
While cooking with saffron may not reach the levels needed to improve mood, saffron supplements are available in capsule, tablet, and powdered extract forms. Thirty milligrams per day is usually the recommended dose to relieve symptoms.
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The long-term use of saffron has not yet been studied, as there is some uncertainty about its potency as a supplement, researchers and experts warned.
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According to a medically reviewed WebMD article, taking saffron in high doses or for long periods of time “can be risky,” potentially causing anxiety, changes in appetite, upset stomach, drowsiness, or headache.
Anyone interested in starting a saffron supplement should consult with a doctor first.
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for News Digital.