Supplements

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.

Last updated: Jul 27, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Efficacy of a Saffron-Based (Crocus sativus L.) Herbal Supplement on Sleep Disturbances in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Trial.

observational

Moghimi Dehkordi Z, Salamzadeh J, Tavakoli-Ardakani M, Abedini A, Dastan F · Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 60 days
Intervention: 30 mg saffron (Crocus sativus L.) twice daily plus sleep-hygiene counseling for 60 days
Outcome: Sleep quality (PSQI, GSDS), daytime sleepiness (ESS), fatigue (FAS, PROMIS-fatigue), quality of life (PROMIS global physical health, SF-12 physical and mental component scores)
Effect Size: Adjusted mean differences: PSQI -2.21, GSDS -14.60, ESS -2.46, FAS -4.58, PROMIS global physical health +1.65
Population: Adults with pulmonary sarcoidosis confirmed by ATS/ERS/ WASOG criteria and PSQI score ≥5

Result:

PubMed: 42483079DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-169041

Mechanism Graph

Saffron has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce systemic inflammation in sarcoidosis
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Saffron has neuromodulatory effects that may influence sleep-regulating neurotransmitters
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Improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue may enhance overall quality of life
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Result: Significant improvements in sleep, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and quality of life

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.