Saffron is considered one of the most valuable spices available, extracted from dried saffron fronds – the individually picked stigmas from the Crocus sativus plant. The dried stigma contains three main constituents: crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal, responsible for Saffron’s distinct yellow colour, taste, and aroma. 

However, they have also been widely demonstrated to possess several pharmacological properties, particularly the main volatile compound, safranal, which has shown benefits for mood, relaxation, and even cartilage-degenerative conditions.

“We exclusively use Safr’Inside™ Saffron, using the topmost part of the stigma rich in safranal. It’s the only encapsulated full-spectrum extract available, ten times richer than non-encapsulated Saffron, guaranteeing the highest concentration, with 10 tests demonstrating its purity, safety, and effectiveness.”

This is thanks to the state-of-the-art patented Tech’Care™ technology used to preserve the Saffron’s aroma, hue, and crucial safranal molecule, often depleted in standard extraction methods, thereby safeguarding the active compound for uncompromised quality.

As many as six gold standard scientific studies show the extensive capabilities of Safr’Inside™ in supporting a wide range of health areas, including:

• Mood & emotional wellbeing
• Stress response, relaxation & sleep quality
• Psychological function & wellbeing
• Cartilage-degenerative concerns & conditions.

We explore the compelling findings from each here…

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STUDY 1

Jackson P. A. et al. (2021). Effects of Saffron Extract Supplementation on Mood, Well-Being, and Response to a Psychosocial Stressor in Healthy Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel Group, Clinical Trial. Frontiers in Nutrition;7:606124.

How was it conducted?

Well-controlled and ethically conducted, the human study was a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial:

• 56 healthy adults (ages 18–54) with self-reported low mood and/or stress took part and were split into two groups
• The first group took two 15mg capsules (30mg total) of Safr’Inside™ a day for eight weeks, while the second group ingested two placebo capsules of maltodextrin daily.
• Observed Multitasking Stressor (OMS) scores were captured on days 1, 14, 28, and 56 after consumption. 

What benefits were they seeking?

The study set out to assess how Safr’Inside™ could impact four aspects over the eight-week trial period:

• Mood & wellbeing: Measuring its long-term impact
• Psychological & physiological stress: Observing its influence through a lab-based task.

What did they find?

IMPROVED MOOD & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

Perception scores demonstrated a significant reduction in depressive symptoms in the Safr’Inside™ group (p = 0.05) and higher social relationship scores after 56 days (p = 0.007). While urinary tests showed marked increased crocetin levels in the Saffron group, correlating with mood improvement (p = −0.50, p = 0.008).

 

AFTER 7 DAYS

8/10

women satisfied

 

AFTER 30 DAYS

9/10

women satisfied

 

IMPROVED RESILIENCE TO STRESS

Observations from the lab-based task not only noted a reduced heart rate variability among those taking Safr’Inside™ when exposed to the stressor compared to the placebo - i.e., less negative impact on stress levels, but also increased positive perception of experiences.

 

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STUDY 2

Pouchieu, C. et al. (2023). Acute Effect of a Saffron Extract (Safr'InsideTM) and Its Main Volatile Compound on the Stress Response in Healthy Young Men: A Randomised, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study. Nutrients;15(13):2921

How was it conducted?

This human study was randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled, involving:

• 19 healthy men aged 18–25 years who were non-smokers, with a BMI of 18–25, free from chronic illness, and not taking medication, or recent psychological treatment.
• As a crossover study, participants received 30mg Safr’Inside™, 0.06mg of safranal, or a placebo at different times during the study
• To ensure accuracy, 28-day gaps were allowed between each supplement course.

What benefits were they seeking?

Scientists investigated the acute effects of Safr’Inside™ and safranal on stress responses—both physiological (cortisol and cortisone) and psychological. 
Supplementation occurred 13 minutes before the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST)—a combination of cold pressor and mental arithmetic stress tasks. Measurements included assessing salivary cortisol and cortisone at baseline, 5 time points post-MAST and visual analogue scales (VAS) to assess stress, anxiety, and alertness.

What did they find?

SIGNIFICANT REDUCTIONS IN STRESS & ANXIETY

While there was no significant change in alertness reported, findings revealed that both Safr’Inside™ and safranal significantly reduced self-reported stress (p < 0.05 vs placebo) and anxiety (p < 0.05 vs placebo).

DELAYED CORTISOL PRODUCTION

When compared to the placebo, cortisol and cortisone peak concentrations were delayed in both the Safr’Inside™ and safranal groups. While the Area Under the Curve (AUC) analysis showed no significant differences in total cortisol/cortisone AUC, there appeared to be reduced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

 

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STUDY 3

Dehghanmehr, S. et al. (2017). Effect of oral saffron capsules on sleep quality in patients with diabetes at Zabol-Iran, Bali Medical Journal; 6(3): 595-600.

How was it conducted?

This was a quasi-experimental study, consisting of:

• 50 adults aged between 20 and 60 years took part in the trial, all of whom had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes for at least one year.

• 25 participants received a 300mg Saffron capsule daily, of whom six had a mild sleep disorder.

• The other control group of 25 participants received a placebo capsule daily. In this group, one participant had a mild sleep disorder, eight had a moderate sleep disorder, and 16 had a severe sleep disorder.
  

What benefits were they seeking?

Research explored whether taking Saffron could support sleep quality for those with Type 2 diabetes, a group often faced with sleep disturbances due to blood sugar fluctuations and related health issues.
The trial was conducted over seven consecutive days, with supplementation occurring between 12:00 and 2:00pm, after lunch. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a standard questionnaire evaluating various aspects of sleep.

What did they find?

IMPROVED SLEEP QUALITY

The Saffron group showed a significant improvement in sleep quality compared to the control group.

REDUCED ANXIETY

Participants in the Saffron group also experienced a notable reduction in anxiety levels.

SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN SLEEP QUALITY

Significant difference in sleep quality
The difference in sleep quality scores between the two groups after taking their assigned capsule was statistically significant (p = 0.001), demonstrating the true efficacy of Saffron on sleep quality.

 

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STUDY 4

Wauquier F,  et al. (2022). Circulating Human Serum Metabolites Derived from the Intake of a Saffron Extract (Safr’Inside™) Protect Neurons from Oxidative Stress: Consideration for Depressive Disorders. Nutrients;14(7):1511.

How was it conducted?

This study explored whether metabolites (small molecules which are a product of metabolism) produced in the human body after consuming Safr’Inside™ could shield human neurons from oxidative stress, which is connected to feelings of low mood.

• 10 healthy men took part. Participants consumed a single dose of 300mg of Safr’Inside™
  

• Blood samples were taken at various intervals post-consumption to isolate serum containing Saffron metabolites.
  

• The collected serum was applied to cultured human neurons exposed to oxidative stress.

What benefits were they seeking?

Researchers focused on determining if the metabolites might improve neuron survival and affect neurotransmitters related to mood, analysing how the body metabolises Saffron extract in a laboratory setting. Researchers assessed neuron viability, neurotransmitter levels, and markers of oxidative damage.

What did they find?

They concluded that metabolites from Saffron extract intake can cross into the bloodstream and may offer neuroprotective effects, including enhancing mood-related neurotransmitters and reducing oxidative stress, indicating potential benefits for managing symptoms of low mood and more.

REDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS

Markers indicating oxidative damage were notably decreased in the presence of saffron metabolites.

INCREASED SEROTONIN AVAILABILITY

The expression of the serotonin transporter (SERT), which regulates serotonin levels in the brain, was reduced, potentially leading to increased serotonin availability.

NEURON PROTECTION

Serum taken from the Saffron-treated participants had a positive impact on neurons with regard to oxidative damage.

INCREASED SEROTONIN & DOPAMINE

There was a significant increase in serotonin and dopamine levels in neurons exposed to Saffron metabolites.

 

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STUDY 5

Shahmansouri, N et al. (2014). A randomised, double-blind, clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of Crocus sativus L. with fluoxetine for improving mild to moderate depression in post-percutaneous coronary intervention patients. Journal of Affective Disorders;155:216–22.

How was it conducted?

This scientific study was a double-blind, randomised clinical trial that examined the potential of Saffron as a safe and supportive botanical and compared it to the use of Fluoxetine, a frequently prescribed antidepressant.

• 40 adults participated, all individuals with mild to moderate depression 
• They had also all recently undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) heart surgery in the previous six months
• They were split into two groups, with group one taking 30mg/day of Saffron and group two taking 40mg/day of Fluoxetine and monitored over six weeks.
  

What benefits were they seeking?

Given the common occurrence of post-surgical depression in these patients, the search for natural, well-tolerated alternative options has become increasingly significant. Using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the most widely used clinician-administered depression assessment scale, patients were evaluated at baseline, weeks 3 and 6. Researchers focused on the efficacy (change in depression scores) and safety (adverse effects) of both solutions.

What did they find?

Interestingly, not only were both treatments well tolerated with no major side effects, but both led to significant reductions in symptoms by week 6. 
However, 30mg of Saffron a day was found just as effective and safe as the antidepressant, Fluoxetine (40 mg/day), for those who experience mild to moderate symptoms, post-heart surgery. Suggesting Saffron may provide a natural alternative for individuals seeking gentler or more holistic options:

• Hamilton depression rate score reduction (p = 0.62)
• Response rates (p = 0.67)
• Remission rates (p = 1.00).

It should be noted, however, that there were some limitations: only 40 participants were monitored over six weeks, so larger studies are required, and long-term safety and effectiveness are unknown. These results may also not apply to those with severe symptoms or other health indications.

 

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STUDY 6

Pourtau, L. et al. (2024). Reduced Production of Pro-Inflammatory and Pro-Catabolic Factors by Human Serum Metabolites Derived from a Patented Saffron Extract Intake. Pharmaceutics;16(3):336

How was it conducted?

Researchers set out to assess whether human serum metabolites, following the intake of Safr’Inside™, can impact the production of pro-inflammatory and pro-catabolic factors in human chondrocytes, which contribute to cartilage degradation in conditions such as osteoarthritis.

• 10 healthy male volunteers were assigned a single 300mg dose of Safr’Inside™
• Blood samples were taken at peak absorption time post-intake to isolate serum containing Saffron metabolites
• The collected serum was introduced to cultured human chondrocytes
• To induce inflammation, cells were stimulated with IL-1β, a powerful pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a critical role in the body's immune response to injury and infection.
  

What benefits were they seeking?

With the aim of understanding if Safr’Inside™ intake could have anti-inflammatory or counteractive effects on cartilage degradation, several factors were assessed:

• mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, COX-2)
• Pro-catabolic enzymes (e.g., MMP-1, MMP-13)
• ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) were used for quantification.
  

What did they find?

The effects were statistically significant, supporting the clear anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective potential of Safr’Inside™ metabolites, suggesting that Saffron supplementation may offer therapeutic support for inflammatory and cartilage-degenerative concerns and conditions.

REDUCED PRO-INFLAMMATORY MARKERS

Serum taken from Saffron-supplemented individuals demonstrated decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in chondrocytes, suggesting a positive anti-inflammatory response. IL-6 mRNA expression dropped by approximately 48%, while COX-2 lowered by 44%. 

LOWER PRO-CATABOLIC FACTORS

There was also a notable decrease in the enzymes associated with cartilage degradation. Pro-catabolic markers MMP-1 and MMP-13 were reduced by 33% and 38%, respectively.