Saffron contains crocin, which is a major compound that offers numerous health benefits, for which, it has high demand among all age groups. It was found that the active component in saffron crocin has anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, which improves memory. Saffron is also effective in treatment of anxiety attacks, which has become very common among the adult age groups, owing to modern lifestyles. Around 30% of the global population is suffering from severe anxiety disorder. Selective serotonin inhibitors are mostly recommended for the treatment of anxiety disorders, which has negative side-effects from nausea to sexual disorders. However, saffron-active component, crocin, and safranal treat the anxiety effect without harmful side-effects.

The United States is the leading market for saffron applications in nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical sectors. The increased health awareness drives consumers in the country's market, toward health supplements. Though there is a decline in the anti-depressant market in the country, the fastest growing health supplement segment supports the market growth. Spain accounts for 87% of the import market of the United States. The sanction of ban on import of saffron from Iran made the United States to become highly dependent on Spain for saffron. However, the recent lifting of ban is expected to boost the trade and consumption of saffron in the country. In recent years, the saffron production has concentrated in some regions, though the country is highly dependent on import. The high cost of raw material for the drug industry is the major restraint for the saffron market in the United States. However, the quality of saffron imported by the United States is of different grade.