Comparisons
St John's Wort or Saffron?
St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) and saffron (Crocus sativus) supplements have been studied for depressive symptoms. Depression needs a doctor's diagnosis and care; never stop antidepressants on your own. The table is built from the sourced cards of both herbs.
| Aspect | St. John's WortHypericum perforatum | SaffronCrocus sativus |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest evidence | A Strong clinical evidence | B Limited clinical evidence |
| Needs | Sleep, Stress & Mood, Digestion | Sleep, Stress & Mood, Women’s Health |
| Form | Dried Herb & Tea | Spice |
| How to use | Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1.5–2 g of chopped herb. | Standardised extract (ready-made): studies used 30 mg daily (2 × 15 mg). |
| Pregnancy | Avoid | Avoid |
| Breastfeeding | Avoid | Caution |
| Recommended minimum age | From age 18 | From age 18 |
| Drug interactions | 4 serious interaction(s) | No recorded interactions |
| Duration limit | See a doctor if no better after 2 weeks | 6–12 weeks |
Which one, when?
St. John's Wort
Standardised dry extracts may support mild to moderate depressive episodes under medical supervision; a Cochrane review found them better than placebo. Interacts seriously with many medicines, including birth control pills, blood thinners and antidepressants.
Full card →Saffron
In a meta-analysis, standardised extract supplements lowered self-reported depression and anxiety scores, with no significant change on clinician-rated scales. Saffron is toxic at 5 g a day or more.
Full card →Good to know
- If you take an antidepressant, do not start either without your doctor; combined with St John's wort there is a risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Neither is recommended under 18; St John's wort is not used in pregnancy or breastfeeding, saffron supplements not in pregnancy.
- Avoid strong sun while taking St John's wort.
Sources
- European Union herbal monograph on Hypericum perforatum L., herba – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2022 · MonographSource accessed:
- St John's wort for major depressionCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2008 · Systematic reviewSource accessed:
- Effect of saffron on depression, anxiety and mood disorder: a GRADE assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 randomized controlled trialsNutritional Neuroscience · 2026 · Systematic reviewSource accessed:
- Crocus sativus L. (saffron) in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trialBJOG · 2008 · Randomized controlled trialSource accessed:
- Saffron in phytotherapy: pharmacology and clinical usesWiener Medizinische Wochenschrift · 2007 · ReviewSource accessed: