Anti-depressant Properties:

Saffron contains bioactive compounds such as crocins, which have demonstrated antidepressant properties. Studies suggest that these compounds can inhibit the reuptake of neurotransmitters like serotonin, providing a natural alternative to traditional antidepressants. Saffron's effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms has been comparable to standard antidepressant medications in some trials​.

Saffron may exert antidepressant effects comparable to those of pharmaceutical antidepressants such as fluoxetine, citalopram, and imipramine, with possibly fewer observed side effects.

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/7/2076
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29136602/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032717315884

Mood and Well-being:

Another study explored the impact of saffron extract on mood and well-being. This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial included 56 adults and found that 30 mg of saffron extract daily for 8 weeks led to reduced depression scores and improved social relationships. The study also indicated that saffron might help modulate the stress response, as evidenced by improved heart rate variability under stress​.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2020.606124/full

Perimeopause and Menopause Symptoms:

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that saffron extract significantly reduced psychological symptoms associated with perimenopause, such as mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Participants taking 28 mg of saffron extract daily for 12 weeks reported improvement in their symptoms compared to those taking a placebo.

https://e-jmm.org/DOIx.php?id=10.6118/jmm.21002