New review demonstrates effects of saffron for ocular health

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, diabetic macular edema, and other ocular disorders can progressively impair visual function and quality of life. Oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and neurodegeneration are important contributors to many of these conditions, creating interest in nutritional compounds that may help support ocular health.

A recent systematic review published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine investigated the clinical evidence for Crocus sativus (saffron) across a range of ocular conditions. A lot of previous research on saffron supplementation has been conducted on mood and depression. This review included 10 clinical studies with saffron dosing at 20 to 50 mg/day for durations between 6 weeks to 12 months.

This review demonstrated that clinical studies with saffron showed improvements or preservation of retinal function, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of 100 adults with mild to moderate AMD, 20 mg/day of saffron modestly improved best-corrected visual acuity and multifocal electroretinogram latency. A subsequent 12-month extension found improvements in retinal electrophysiologic response density, supporting the potential for sustained retinal support with longer-term supplementation.

Additional findings also reported benefits across other ocular conditions. In a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 15 mg/day of crocin for four months significantly reduced intraocular pressure and improved changes in cup-to-disc ratio compared with placebo. Another study demonstrated that crocin supplementation at 15 mg/day improved visual acuity and reduced retinal fluid and thickness in adults with central serous chorioretinopathy. In refractory diabetic macular edema, 15 mg/day of crocin supplementation significantly improved best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness compared with placebo. Saffron supplementation at 20 mg/day also helped preserve central retinal function in Stargardt disease and 7.5 mg/day of crocetin significantly suppressed axial length elongation in children with myopia.

The proposed mechanisms behind these benefits are multifactorial. Saffron and its compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties that may help protect retinal ganglion cells and photoreceptors, reduce oxidative stress, support retinal blood flow, and modulate inflammatory and vascular pathways involved in ocular disease. These effects may contribute to improvements in retinal electrophysiology, contrast sensitivity, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure that were observed across the clinical studies.

Overall, these findings support saffron supplementation as a promising adjunctive nutritional strategy for ocular health. Healthcare practitioners should consider saffron as a potential adjunctive option for supporting ocular health.

By Michael Jurgelewicz, DC, MS, CNS, LDN

Source: Ferrara S, Schloss J. Does Crocus sativus (Saffron) Have an Influence or Effect on Ocular Health: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine. 2026;31:1-17. doi:10.1177/2515690X261478846.

Sharing is caring!