Ingredient Name: Saffron
Botanical Name: Crocus sativus L.
Also Known As: Saffron stigma, 藏紅花, 番紅花
Category: Herbal Extract / Botanical Nutrient
🌿 Overview
Saffron is a spice derived from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus and is among the most valuable botanicals in the world. In addition to its culinary use, saffron has been increasingly studied for its health-supporting properties, particularly in relation to sleep, mood, cognition, and women's health.
🧪 Active Components
Safranal – aromatic compound associated with calming effects
Crocin – carotenoid with antioxidant and neuroprotective potential
Picrocrocin – precursor of safranal; contributes to flavor
💡 Functional Benefits
Modern research has explored saffron’s potential to support:
Sleep Quality: Saffron extract (28–30 mg/day) has shown potential to support subjective sleep quality, reduce nighttime awakenings, and improve next-day alertness
Emotional Balance: May help maintain mood stability under stress and reduce feelings of anxiousness
Premenstrual Symptoms: Some clinical studies observed saffron’s role in improving emotional well-being in women with PMS or PMDD
Cognitive Health: Antioxidant properties of crocin may contribute to memory and focus, especially in older adults
Oxidative Stress Defense: Natural antioxidant profile may assist in daily protection from free radical damage
💊 Dosage & Usage
Common dosage range: 28–30 mg/day of standardized saffron extract
Usage period: 4–8 weeks for mood and sleep support
Avoid exceeding 60 mg/day unless supervised by a healthcare professional
⚠️ Safety Notes
Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulation
Individuals taking blood thinners should consult a doctor before use
Those allergic to plants in the Iridaceae family should start with low amounts and monitor closely
📚 Scientific References
Sadat Rafiei, S. K. et al. (2023). Saffron and Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutr Metab Insights.
Lopresti, A. L. et al. (2021). Evening intake of affron® saffron extract on sleep and cortisol. Sleep Med.
Deldicque, L. et al. (2021). Effects of Saffron Extract on Sleep Quality. Nutrients.
Lu, C. et al. (2021). Saffron health outcomes: a meta-review of meta-analyses. Phytomedicine.
Marx, W. et al. (2019). Effect of saffron on depression and anxiety: a systematic review. Nutr Rev.
Agha-Hosseini, M. et al. (2008). Saffron in the treatment of PMS: a randomized trial. BJOG.
Rajabi, F. et al. (2020). Saffron for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Adv Biomed Res.
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