Saffron is usually taken at a dosage of 15 mg twice daily, for a total of 30 mg daily. While higher doses have been used, there is no clear benefit to this, and there may be an increased risk of side effects. Doses above 5 grams (5,000 mg) are considered toxic and doses above 20 grams (20,000 mg) may be lethal.^[1]

Saffron supplements usually contain saffron stigma extract, which is the most studied form. However, whole dehydrated stigma or petals are sometimes used, and preliminary research suggests they may also be effective.

Crocin, one of the major active compounds in saffron, can be taken in isolation at a similar dose as saffron. While some research in the realms of depression and metabolic health has demonstrated similar effects,^[2][3] there’s currently not enough evidence to support taking crocin instead of regular saffron supplements. Additionally, some research suggests that crocin may increase serum creatinine levels, which could indicate a safety risk for the kidneys.^[2]