Results from a new clinical study found beneficial effects of Pharmactive’s Affron saffron extract to support several parameters of sleep quality, including helping induce restorative sleep.
The, led by Adrian Lopresti, PhD, and published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (February, 2020) investigated the sleep-enhancing effects and safety of affron in a final sample of 58 adults with self-reported unsatisfactory sleep. The parallel, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial revealed that a 28-day intake of standardized low-dose (28mg) of affron saffron extract was associated with a significant improvement in sleep quality. Overall insomnia was reduced by 25%, with noted improvements in the various parameters including sleep-onset latency. Subjects reported less difficulty falling asleep, as well as more continuous and less interrupted slumber. They also expressed feeling more refreshed and alert upon awakening, serving to ease up the day’s start and that it enhanced overall quality of life.
“Sleep disorder is a problem pervasive across all age groups, yet consumers are increasingly turning to natural botanicals for relief,” says Julia Diaz, head of marketing of Pharmactive, in a release. “While there was some preliminary evidence for saffron’s potential as a natural sleeping aid, we found that robust clinical evidence was still somewhat lacking. This latest study gives strong backing for affron’s abilities as a sleep aid.”
Affron has already undergone multiple studies demonstrating its beneficial effect on eye health and for helping to relieve depression. Affron is standardized to contain >3.5 lepticrosalides; a measure of bioactive compounds.
Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, is derived from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. Pharmactive’s saffron is grown and manufactured at its extraction plant in Madrid. The raw ingredient has undergone chromatographic profiling prior to commercial release and the company deploys a complete set of QC analyses, maintaining full control of the supply chain. Affron is water-soluble and can be readily used in foods or supplements. It is kosher- and halal-certified, non-GMO, non-irradiated, and has a three-year shelf-life.
