What are the common side effects of 30–60 mg daily saffron supplements in adults?
Executive summary
Short-term oral saffron at study doses (commonly 30 mg/day, sometimes 15–200 mg dried or 30–100 mg extract) is generally well tolerated but commonly produces mild gastrointestinal and nervous-system side effects such as nausea, upset stomach, changes in appetite, headache, anxiety, drowsiness/sleepiness and dry mouth; higher doses (grams) are linked to vomiting, dizziness, bloody urine and more serious toxicity [1] [2] [3] [4]. Most safety statements and dose ranges come from reviews and supplement guides rather than large, long-term trials; studies frequently use 30 mg/day so evidence on 30–60 mg is directly relevant but limited in scale and duration [1] [5] [6].
1. What clinical studies used 30–60 mg — and what they reported
Many randomized trials that tested saffron for mood, PMS, sexual function or cognition used 30 mg/day (often split into two doses) and reported benefits with relatively few adverse events; reviewers note common mild side effects such as nausea, headache, appetite changes and sleepiness in short-term trials [5] [6] [1]. Systematic and narrative reviews likewise summarize that studies using 30 mg/day typically found tolerability comparable to placebo or standard drugs, with some trials explicitly reporting fewer side effects than prescription comparators [6] [2].
2. The list of commonly reported side effects for 30–60 mg
Across authoritative consumer-health summaries and reviews, the most frequently listed side effects at typical supplement doses are nausea or upset stomach, changes in appetite (often decreased appetite), headache, anxiety or nervousness, drowsiness/sleepiness and dry mouth [1] [2] [4]. Clinical reviews and supplement monographs repeat these symptoms as the usual, generally mild adverse events seen in short-term trials [1] [2].
3. What happens at higher doses — why grams matter
Regulatory and toxicology sources warn that large doses (grams rather than milligrams) produce qualitatively different and more severe reactions: vomiting, dizziness/vertigo, bloody urine and even organ toxicity have been reported with doses of several grams and above, and doses of 5 g+ are singled out as risky [3] [4] [7]. NutritionFacts and other reviews set tentative upper limits (e.g., up to 1.5 g daily considered safe by some sources; ≥5 g associated with serious reactions) — these levels are far above the 30–60 mg range but show why dose matters [4] [7].
4. Laboratory signals and blood-parameter uncertainty
Some studies and reviews note changes in blood parameters (hematology) with higher ranges of saffron (60–400 mg/day in some reports), but clinical significance is unclear; one toxicology review reported limited hematological toxicity overall while tabulating varied effects seen across exposure durations [2] [8]. Available sources do not mention clear, reproducible lab harms specific to short-term 30–60 mg dosing, but they do flag uncertainty about possible blood or kidney parameter changes at higher or longer exposures [2] [8].
5. Drug interactions and population cautions
Consumer-health pieces and cancer-center guidance caution that saffron may interact with blood-thinning drugs (increasing bleeding risk), could potentiate sedative effects with sleep-inducing medicines, and may alter mood when combined with antidepressants — clinicians often recommend discussing supplement use with prescribers [9] [10] [11]. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are repeatedly flagged as situations to avoid higher doses; animal data suggest risks at high exposure [4] [3]. Sources note most trials are small and often conducted in Iran, which can limit generalizability [2] [6].
6. Quality, adulteration and product variability — a hidden agenda for sellers
Supplement content varies widely, and adulteration or inconsistent extraction can alter safety and effects; several reviews and consumer guides urge choosing third‑party‑tested products because marketed “saffron” may differ in composition and potency, which affects side-effect profiles and risks [2] [4]. Commercial blogs and vendors sometimes recommend much higher doses (hundreds of mg) without robust clinical backing; that promotional framing conflicts with clinical reviews that stress modest trial doses [12] [13].
7. Bottom line for an adult considering 30–60 mg/day
Available reporting shows 30–60 mg/day is within the range most clinical trials have tested and is usually associated with only mild side effects (nausea, stomach upset, appetite change, headache, anxiety, sleepiness, dry mouth); serious toxicity is linked to gram-level overdoses, not typical supplement doses [1] [2] [3]. Limitations: the evidence base is from small, short trials and reviews; long-term safety and rare adverse events at 30–60 mg are not well characterized in the cited sources [6] [8].
If you take medications (anticoagulants, antidepressants, sedatives) or are pregnant, consult a clinician before starting saffron; sources repeatedly recommend discussing supplements with your healthcare provider [9] [10].