似乎跟其它抗抑郁药的机理类似，但不完全清楚

“Similar to antidepressants, saffron may exert its antidepressant effect by modulating the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, including serotonin (a mood-elevating neurotransmitter). Although it has been proposed that saffron increases serotonin levels in the brain[11,12], the exact mechanism of action for this is unknown. More specifically, saffron extract might inhibit serotonin reuptake in synapses. Inhibiting synaptic serotonin reuptake keeps serotonin in the brain longer, thereby enhancing its positive effects while combating depression. This proposed mechanism is supported by animal studies, which demonstrated antidepressant properties in extracts sourced from multiple parts of the saffron plant[11,12]. These medicinal properties of saffron may be attributed to a number of its compounds such as crocetin, crocins, and safranal, which have strong antioxidant and radical scavenger properties to protect against a variety of reactive radical oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the specific components of saffron that affect mood states and improve symptoms of depression have not been identified.”