Affron Saffron Shown to Help Improve Mood, Self-Esteem in Adult Women

Results of a new clinical study indicate that Affron, the natural saffron extract from Pharmactive Biotech Products, demonstrated positive effects on mood, sleep, and self-esteem in menopausal and post-menopausal women. Results were published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Previous clinical trials illustrated Affron saffron’s positive impact on mood and sleep quality. However, this is the first study to observe a combined positive effect.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial led by Adrian Lopresti, PhD, enrolled 86 women aged 50-70 years experiencing low mood and poor sleep. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 28 mg of Affron saffron daily or placebo. They completed a series of validated self-report questionnaires before, during, and after the program to evaluate changes in mood, sleep, self-esteem, and physical appearance.

Following 12 weeks of supplementation, nearly half of the women taking Affron met the study’s responder criteria for improvements in scores on the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale — Depression Subscale (DASS-D). This was almost double the proportion of responders observed in the placebo group (25.6%), with improvements beginning to appear after four weeks. The Affron group also experienced a 50.7% reduction in low mood scores overall, compared with 31.9% in the placebo group.

Beyond the primary mood outcomes, the study also explored whether Affron supplementation could influence self-esteem, sleep, and perceived appearance. Self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, with women taking Affron showing a 10% improvement compared with 4.8% in the placebo group.

“For this study, we focused on menopausal and post-menopausal women, as this is a period associated with increased vulnerability to mood disturbances, impaired sleep, and accelerated facial aging,” said Adal Mena, R&D scientist and product specialist for Affron. “This is the first clinical trial showing that Affron can positively impact three closely connected aspects of well-being: mood, self-esteem, and the daily impact of poor sleep. The findings reinforce the need for holistic approaches to emotional well-being, and in addition positions Affron at the intersection of emotional well-being, healthy aging, and beauty-from-within solutions.”

Affron is a highly concentrated saffron extract, standardized to ≥3.5% Lepticrosalides, a complex of safranal and crocins that supports mood, occasional stress, sleep quality, and emotional balance. The proprietary saffron extract has been integrated into a range of supplement and food formats, including gummies and chewable formats.