Comparison
Saffron vs Polygala (Yuan Zhi)
Saffron
Crocus stigma — most expensive spice. Increasingly evidence-based antidepressant comparable to SSRIs at low doses.
Polygala (Yuan Zhi)
Chinese herb (Polygala tenuifolia) traditionally used for memory, sleep, and emotional balance. Modulates serotonin and acetylcholine.
| Field | Saffron | Polygala (Yuan Zhi) |
|---|---|---|
| Category | adaptogen | adaptogen |
| Dose range | 28–30mg | 200–600mg |
| Half-life | — | — |
| Onset | — | — |
| Evidence | EVIDENCEA | EVIDENCEC |
| Safety | ●●●●○ | ●●●●○ |
| Legal (US) | USOTC | USOTC |
| PubMed refs | 1700 | 280 |
The comparison in plain English
Auto-generated from dataSaffron and Polygala (Yuan Zhi) are both in the adaptogen category respectively. Saffron Crocus stigma — most expensive spice. Polygala (Yuan Zhi) Chinese herb (Polygala tenuifolia) traditionally used for memory, sleep, and emotional balance.
Bottom line
Saffron (evidence A, safety 4/5) has a weaker evidence base than Polygala (Yuan Zhi) (evidence C, safety 4/5). 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 Polygala (Yuan Zhi) if
Polygala (Yuan Zhi) is the better fit when your goal aligns with its mechanism (Tenuifolin and onjisaponin B inhibit acetylcholinesterase) and the dose range (200–600mg) suits your protocol. Half-life is —h.