Saffron supplementation improves sleep quality and reduces daytime sleepiness and fatigue in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis
In a single-blind RCT of 72 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, 60 days of saffron supplementation (30 mg twice daily) plus sleep-hygiene counseling significantly improved sleep quality (PSQI adjusted mean difference -2.21, p<0.001), reduced daytime sleepiness (ESS adjusted MD -2.46, p<0.001), and decreased fatigue (FAS adjusted MD -4.58, p<0.001) compared to counseling alone. Quality of life also improved as measured by PROMIS global physical health and SF-12 component scores.
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Saffron supplementation improves sleep quality and reduces daytime sleepiness and fatigue in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
Saffron supplementation improves sleep quality and reduces daytime sleepiness and fatigue in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis
This conclusion is most relevant to: Adults with pulmonary sarcoidosis confirmed by ATS/ERS/ WASOG criteria and PSQI score ≥5.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Efficacy of a Saffron-Based (Crocus sativus L.) Herbal Supplement on Sleep Disturbances in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Trial. (Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Saffron has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce systemic inflammation in sarcoidosis
- ▸Saffron has neuromodulatory effects that may influence sleep-regulating neurotransmitters
- ▸Improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue may enhance overall quality of life
- ▸Result: Significant improvements in sleep, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and quality of life
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Adults with pulmonary sarcoidosis confirmed by ATS/ERS/ WASOG criteria and PSQI score ≥5
Recommended Dose
30 mg twice daily (60 mg total per day)
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Single-blind design (participants not blinded to intervention) may introduce bias
- ▸No placebo control group; counseling alone as comparator limits blinding and control for expectation effects
- ▸Relatively small sample size (n=72 completers) and short duration (60 days) may limit generalizability
Frequently Asked Questions
What dose of saffron was used in this study?▼
30 mg of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) was given twice daily (60 mg total per day) for 60 days.
How was sleep quality measured in this trial?▼
Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the General Sleep Disturbance Scale (GSDS) at baseline and day 60.
Were there any side effects from saffron supplementation?▼
No serious adverse events were reported during the 60-day study period.
Can saffron be used for sleep problems in other conditions?▼
This study only tested saffron in pulmonary sarcoidosis patients; larger placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm effects in other populations.
References
- 1.Moghimi Dehkordi Z, Salamzadeh J, Tavakoli-Ardakani M, Abedini A, Dastan F. “Efficacy of a Saffron-Based (Crocus sativus L.) Herbal Supplement on Sleep Disturbances in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Trial..” Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR, 2026. PMID: 42483079 DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-169041