I just saw a review of recent studies showing saffron having equal benefit to prescription antidepressants and with less side effects. Were those studies valid and reflecting an achievable and reliable benefit that has merit? What is most important for us to know?

This is truly the case and shows not only the power of nutraceuticals but also the modest benefit of antidepressants, which are far from being a silver bullet or magic answer for most people, not to mention they have a significant downside that often ends up causing as many problems as they solve.