Saffron extract (incl. Affron) vs St John's wort
On Reddit, owners rate Saffron extract (incl. Affron) higher overall (4.0 vs 2.8). Scores summarize self-reported experiences and are not evidence that either will work for you.
| Saffron extract (incl. Affron) | St John's wort | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | capsules (standardized extract) | capsules |
| CalmVerdict score | 4.0 | 2.8 |
| Owner sentiment | 3.9 | 2.5 |
| Recommendations | 3.5 | 1.0 |
| Tolerability | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Owner comments | 115 | 13 |
| Rated comments | 70 | 9 |
| Unwanted effects reported | 16% | 22% |
| Top praise | Mood, Dose & timing | Calming effect |
| Top complaints | Side effects, Calming effect | Dose & timing, Side effects |
By concern
| Context | Saffron extract (incl. Affron) | St John's wort |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiety & worry | 23 of 32 positive | 0 of 5 positive |
| Low mood | 31 of 64 positive | 0 of 6 positive |
| Everyday stress | 9 of 14 positive | Too few comments |
| Panic attacks | 4 of 5 positive | Too few comments |
| Rumination & intrusive thoughts | 5 of 7 positive | Too few comments |
| PMS & PMDD mood | 1 of 3 positive | Too few comments |
Read our calming herbs guide. For quick shortlists by concern, see which calm supplements Reddit owners rate highest. You can also compare all rated mood supplements on one page.
What owners say about Saffron extract (incl. Affron)
4/5 Calming effect“I've been taking Nootropics Depot saffron for over a year and it's helped me stay focused and feel less anxious.”
4/5 Mood“Can't speak for depression for i have used sam-e for anxiety, paired with saffron and nac, felt better and greatly helped boost mood levels.”
4/5“I get the same kind of reaction to Saffron as well.”
What owners say about St John's wort
2/5 Calming effect“I'm recovering from Serotonin Syndrome caused by 1000mg St John's Wort tablets and cough medicine.”
1/5 Side effects“St Johns Wort 1000mg made it worse for me, gave me Serotonin Syndrome.”
1/5“Out of the blue I got Serotonin Syndrome from taking cough medicine on top of St Johns Wort tablets.”
More detail: Saffron side effects · Saffron dosage and timing
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before switching or combining supplements, particularly if you take other medicines.