What is the best treatment for depression?

Saffron vs Turmeric for Depression: What the Science Says About the Mood Benefits

No studies have directly compared saffron and turmeric, so we don’t know which is more effective for depression.

Research suggests that the active components of saffron and turmeric improve mood in several ways, including:

• Increased levels of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in your brain: Saffron and turmeric increase levels of “feel-good hormones,” including serotonin and dopamine, in your brain.
• Protect your brain: Both decrease inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, which is associated with depression and other mental health problems (e.g., anxiety, schizophrenia). They also protect brain cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Helping your brain adapt to stress: Components in saffron and turmeric may help form new pathways that combat stress and regulate mood.

There are several key distinctions between saffron and turmeric to consider if you’re considering incorporating one into your daily regimen, including dosages and risks.

How effective is saffron against depression?

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a spice with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties traditionally used as a remedy for inflammation, lung disease and other conditions.

Several small clinical trials show that saffron is as effective as the conventional antidepressants fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and sertraline (Zoloft) for mild to moderate depression.

It also reduced anxiety symptoms as well as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) of the antidepressant class.

Further testing is needed before saffron can be routinely recommended.

How much saffron should I take?

Saffron has been studied for the treatment of depression in clinical trials at doses of 30 to 100 mg per day up to 12 weeks.

Is saffron safe for me?

Like all supplements, saffron can cause side effects, interact with medications, and pose risks for specific populations. Please consult your healthcare professional before using it.

• Side effects: Side effects of saffron, such as nausea, headache, dry mouth, and loss of appetite, are generally mild.
• Pregnancy: Avoid saffron during pregnancy due to lack of safety data.
• Drug interactions: Saffron may increase the risk of bleeding and may interact with blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin). Additionally, saffron interferes with certain liver enzymes that break down medications (cytochrome P450 enzymes).
• Long-term safety: Further long-term studies are needed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of saffron when taken for periods longer than 12 weeks.

How effective is turmeric (curcumin) for depression?

Turmeric (Long turmeric) is a spice commonly used in cooking and used as an herbal remedy for conditions such as infections, stomach pain, and arthritis.

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, found in its root.

Curcumin, alone or in addition to conventional antidepressants, has improved symptoms of depression and anxiety according to several clinical trials. However, many of these trials are small and more research is still needed.

There is very little data directly comparing turmeric or curcumin to conventional antidepressants. A small study found that curcumin was just as effective as fluoxetine (Prozac).

How much turmeric (curcumin) should I take?

There is no specific recommended dose for turmeric or curcumin.

Curcumin has been studied in adults with depression at doses ranging from 500 to 1500 mg per day up to 12 weeks.

Are turmeric and curcumin safe for me?

Turmeric and curcumin can cause side effects, interact with medications, and pose risks to specific populations. For optimal safety, please consult your healthcare professional before use.

• Liver damage: Curcumin has been linked to liver damage. Symptoms to watch for include fatigue, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and dark urine. Stop taking curcumin or turmeric immediately if you experience any of these signs of liver damage.
• Other side effects: Turmeric (curcumin) may also cause milder gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Precautions: Curcumin is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. People with liver problems should also avoid it.
• Drug interactions: Curcumin may cause an increased risk of bleeding in people who take warfarin or other blood thinners. It increases the effectiveness of specific antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and anti-inflammatory drugs, and may increase the risk of side effects.
• Long-term safety: Due to the risk of serious side effects, such as liver damage, limit the use of turmeric and curcumin to no more than 3 months.