Saffron vs Vitamin C

for mood

Stronger evidence: Saffron

Stronger effect: Saffron

Safety: No notable interactions recorded for either.

For mood, Saffron has the stronger evidence grade.

Saffron

grade B moderate certainty

multiple RCTs show benefit for mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms, comparable to low-dose SSRIs in small trials

30 mg/day, adults with mild-moderate depression

Vitamin C

studied, no effect moderate certainty

Not recommended for unipolar depression

sources: PMID:10000003 · PMID:35311615