Two forms of saffron
| Form | What it is |
|---|---|
| Ground stigma | The dried stigmas of the flower, milled and put in a capsule. The label gives the weight of saffron. |
| Standardised extract | Saffron extract with a stated share of a marker compound, here at least 2% safranal. The label gives the weight of the extract and, often, of the marker. |
The two numbers are not comparable. 15 mg of stigma and 60 mg of extract are different materials, so a bigger figure on the front of the pack does not mean more saffron.
Saffron products compared
| Product | Form | Daily dose | Saffron | Pack lasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swanson Full Spectrum Saffron 15 mg, 60 capsules | ground stigma, gelatin capsule | 1 capsule | 15 mg | 60 days |
| Swanson Saffron Extract 30 mg, 60 capsules | Safr'Inside extract (stigmas), safranal at least 2% | 1 capsule twice a day before meals | 60 mg (safranal 1.2 mg) | 30 days |
The extract product is named 30 mg after one capsule, but the daily dose is two capsules. That is why the pack lasts 30 days, not 60. The price per day on each product card already counts it.
What the label tells you
- Species and part: Crocus sativus, stigma.
- Amount per daily dose, not per capsule.
- Whether the dose is stigma or extract, and the marker content for extracts.
- Capsule material: gelatin for the stigma product, pullulan listed for the extract.
Saffron is a food spice with a long history in cooking, and supplements use the same plant part. We still list only what the manufacturer states.
Health claims
The EU register of authorised health claims has no statement for saffron or for saffron extract. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 we therefore do not describe effects on mood, sleep, appetite or anything else, and any page that does is going beyond what the EU allows. Our product pages give the dose, the form and the manufacturer warnings.
Before you buy
Both labels say the product is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Swanson also advises talking to a doctor first if you take prescription medicines. Do not exceed the daily dose on the pack. If you build a routine with other plant products, compare the lists in our ashwagandha category, and the mineral basics in magnesium.
Questions
How do I take saffron capsules?
Follow the label. The 15 mg capsule is one a day. The extract is one capsule twice a day before meals.
Is the extract stronger than the stigma?
They are different materials, so the milligram figures cannot be compared directly. Read the daily dose and the form.
Can I take saffron with medicines?
Swanson advises consulting a doctor first if you take prescription medicines. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before you start.
Is saffron the same as the spice?
It is the same plant part, the stigma of Crocus sativus. A supplement gives a fixed measured amount in a capsule.
Sources
- Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 (nutrition and health claims)
- Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (permitted health claims)
- EFSA: Health claims
Content reviewed by Inese Kalniņa, dietitian.
2026-10-01