Saffron supplement studied for effect on mild depression symptoms

A recently published clinical study¹ examined the effects a saffron (Crocus sativus) supplementation had on mild depression symptoms, specifically mood and sleep. Subclinical depression, the study explained, is characterized by the presence of some depression symptoms—including depressed mood or loss of interest—without meeting criteria for a major depressive disorder. The study, “An Examination into the Effects of a Saffron Extract (Affron) on Mood and General Wellbeing in Adults Experiencing Low Mood: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial,” was published in The Journal of Nutrition in May 2025. The saffron extract used in the study was Affron, standardized to 3.5% Lepticrosalides, from Pharmactive Biotech Products.

“The mood-enhancing effects of Affron have been regularly and comprehensively investigated,” stated Inés Morán, PhD, Scientific Studies Manager at Pharmactive, in a June 24, 2025, press release. “However, all of the previous trials involved smaller sample sizes and durations, typically ranging from 40 to 80 people over a period of four to eight weeks in populations with overt mood disorders. This is our most robust trial yet, designed to examine the safety and efficacy of Affron over a longer treatment duration and with a much larger group of volunteers. Based on the findings from previous trials, we projected Affron supplementation could help brighten the spirits in adults experiencing mild mood dips and improve sleep quality, and the results we achieved surpassed our estimation.”

The two-arm, 12-week study involved 202 participants, ages 18-70 with depressive symptoms. The participants were given either 28 mg of the saffron extract daily or a placebo. Changes in mood and sleep were measured.

Highlighted results include:

• 72.3% of participants in the test group demonstrated a clinically significant change in the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, compared to 54.3% of participants in the placebo group
• No significant differences were seen between the groups in changes in sleep or other secondary outcomes, however, improvements in sleep were seen in a subset of participants with a greater severity of sleep issues at baseline

No serious adverse effects were reported in the study. An influence of neurotransmitter activity, moderation of stress response, and a reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress were speculated as potential mechanisms for saffron’s mood enhancing effects.

“There is increasing interest in the use of natural botanicals to help manage mood disorders,” added Marina Díez, PhD, Head of research and development and quality control at Pharmactive. “We can confirm our Affron saffron extract has surpassed the 5 million user threshold, which includes teenagers and menopausal women who are especially prone to mood swings.”

The American Botanical Council has designated Affron as the official reference for saffron extracts, the press release also stated.

Reference

1. Lopresti, AL.; Smith, SJ.; Marx, W.; Díez-Municio, M.; Morán-Valero, MI. An Examination into the Effects of a Saffron Extract (Affron) on Mood and General Wellbeing in Adults Experiencing Low Mood: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial, The Journal of Nutrition. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.05.024.