Comparison
Saffron vs He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti)
Saffron
Crocus stigma — most expensive spice. Increasingly evidence-based antidepressant comparable to SSRIs at low doses.
He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti)
Chinese herb (Polygonum multiflorum) traditionally used for longevity and hair pigmentation. Hepatotoxicity concerns with processed vs raw forms.
| Field | Saffron | He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) |
|---|---|---|
| Category | adaptogen | adaptogen |
| Dose range | 28–30mg | 500–2000mg |
| Half-life | — | — |
| Onset | — | — |
| Evidence | EVIDENCEA | EVIDENCEC |
| Safety | ●●●●○ | ●●○○○ |
| Legal (US) | USOTC | USOTC |
| PubMed refs | 1700 | 400 |
The comparison in plain English
Auto-generated from dataSaffron and He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) are both in the adaptogen category respectively. Saffron Crocus stigma — most expensive spice. He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) Chinese herb (Polygonum multiflorum) traditionally used for longevity and hair pigmentation.
Bottom line
Saffron (evidence A, safety 4/5) has a weaker evidence base than He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) (evidence C, safety 2/5). Saffron has the slightly cleaner safety profile. For users new to either, the higher-evidence option is the safer first try.
Choose Saffron if
Saffron is the better fit when your goal aligns with its mechanism (Crocin (carotenoid responsible for the red colour) and safranal (volatile compound responsible for the aroma) both inhibit serotonin and dopamine reuptake at neurochemically meaningful concentrations) and the dose range (28–30mg) suits your protocol. Half-life is —h.
Choose He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) if
He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) is the better fit when your goal aligns with its mechanism (Anthraquinones, stilbenes, and phospholipids contribute to antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects) and the dose range (500–2000mg) suits your protocol. Half-life is —h.