Saffron vs Zinc
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
Zinc
grade C low certainty
may augment antidepressant response; deficiency-correction likely matters
25 mg/day, adults
sources: PMID:10000003 · PMID:42197650