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    AdaptogensNatural

    Affron Saffron

    Also known as: Crocus sativus extract, Affron, Saffron

    Concentrated saffron extract delivering crocins, picrocrocin, and safranal; modulates serotonin, dopamine, and HPA-axis activity.

    Last reviewed: 2026-06-23 · 1 indexed study

    Evidence Score
    78/100
    Mood supportSleep qualityStress reductionEye health
    Data Completeness3/4 · 75%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

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    Overview

    Affron is a standardised saffron (Crocus sativus) stigma extract (≥3.5% Lepticrosalides) with mood, sleep, and stress benefits validated in multiple RCTs.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    Inhibits serotonin reuptake mildly, modulates dopamine and glutamate systems, lowers cortisol, and supports BDNF; antioxidant in retinal tissue.

    Physiological Role

    RCTs show mood improvements comparable to low-dose SSRIs at 28 mg/day; sleep improvements at 14–28 mg pre-bed; eye health for age-related macular changes.

    Primary Pathways

    Serotonin/dopamine modulationBDNF supportHPA-axis modulationRetinal antioxidant

    Performance / Health Relevance

    Multiple replicated RCTs in mild-to-moderate depression, anxiety, sleep, and macular degeneration.

    Evidence Review

    Overall78/100
    Human Clinical82/100
    Meta-Analysis78/100
    Mechanistic80/100
    Real-World75/100
    Safety92/100

    Practical Use & Dosage

    Minimum Effective Dose
    14 mg/day
    Optimal Range
    28 mg/day
    Upper / Caution Level
    ~100 mg/day short-term
    Timing
    Morning (mood) or evening (sleep)
    Best Format
    Capsule
    Bioavailability
    High for standardised extract.
    Absorption Considerations
    Crocins hydrolysed to crocetin in gut, then absorbed.

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Mild GI upset
    • •Headache (high doses)

    Contraindications

    • Bipolar disorder
    • Pregnancy

    Drug Interactions

    • •SSRIs (additive serotonin)
    • •MAOIs
    • •Anticoagulants

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Pregnancy — uterine stimulant

    Monitoring

    None routine in healthy users.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is Affron Saffron typically used or indicated?

    Affron Saffron is most commonly used for: Mood support, Sleep quality, Stress reduction, Eye health. RCTs show mood improvements comparable to low-dose SSRIs at 28 mg/day; sleep improvements at 14–28 mg pre-bed; eye health for age-related macular changes.

    How does Affron Saffron work?

    Inhibits serotonin reuptake mildly, modulates dopamine and glutamate systems, lowers cortisol, and supports BDNF; antioxidant in retinal tissue.

    What is the recommended dose of Affron Saffron?

    The optimal range is 28 mg/day. with a minimum effective dose of 14 mg/day. Best taken: Morning (mood) or evening (sleep). Upper / caution level: ~100 mg/day short-term.

    What are the side effects of Affron Saffron?

    Reported side effects include: Mild GI upset; and Headache (high doses). Monitoring: None routine in healthy users.

    Does Affron Saffron interact with medications?

    Known or theoretical interactions: SSRIs (additive serotonin); MAOIs; and Anticoagulants. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.

    Who should avoid Affron Saffron?

    Affron Saffron is generally not recommended for: Pregnancy — uterine stimulant; Bipolar disorder; and Pregnancy.

    How strong is the evidence for Affron Saffron?

    Evidence level: Strong (overall score 78/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (1)

    Affron saffron extract for mood and sleep

    Meta-Analysis2019Strong
    PubMed

    Saffron significantly improved depressive and sleep symptoms vs placebo, with effect size comparable to fluoxetine.

    Trademark Ingredients

    Affron®

    Manufacturer:

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    Research Overview

    Strong Evidence
    1Total Studies
    0Human Trials
    1Meta-Analyses
    2019Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    0Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceMixed
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)Yes

    Cite this ingredient

    One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.

    Stable URL

    https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/affron-saffron

    SuppIndex. (2026). Affron Saffron: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/affron-saffron

    Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Strong.

    Goal Ratings

    Sleep
    Stress
    General Health
    Focus

    Stack Compatibility

    Pair with magnesium, L-theanine, ashwagandha for stress; with lutein for eyes.

    MagnesiumL-TheanineAshwagandha