Multiple controls: To guarantee the purity of the extract, ten authenticity tests are carried out (DNA analysis, absence of synthetic safranal, absence of colorants, etc.).

Designation of origin: The saffron is directly imported to be standardized and concentrated using a proprietary process, ensuring consistency in the active ingredient composition.

1. Promotes serotonergic transmission: Ex vivo tests have shown that the extract protects and stimulates neurotransmission, including the release of serotonin (mood hormone) and dopamine (associated with pleasure).

2. Delays cortisol secretion: Measured in acute stress situations, Safr'Inside™ has demonstrated its ability to delay the “cortisol peak”, the stress hormone, thus helping the body to better resist stress.

3. Limits systemic inflammation: Ex vivo trials suggest an anti-inflammatory action, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines in contexts of chronic stress.

4. Protects neurons against oxidative stress: Antioxidant compounds (crocin, safranal) contribute to the preservation of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), essential for neuronal plasticity and good health of the nervous system.

5. Activates the parasympathetic nervous system: A clinical study measured heart rate variability (HRV) and observed that Safr'Inside™ helps maintain a more “relaxed” nervous balance in stressful situations.

6. Restores healthy gut flora: In vivo research has demonstrated the ability of Safr'Inside™ to support the growth of beneficial bacteria (notably Akkermansia), thereby improving the gut-brain axis and reducing anxiety-like behaviors.

A clinical study was conducted on 56 healthy adults with a low mood. The objective: to evaluate the impact of Safr'Inside™ (30 mg/day, divided into two doses of 15 mg) on ​​their mood and social well-being, for 56 days.

Study procedure:
• Population: 56 volunteers, randomized into two groups: Safr'Inside™ versus placebo.
• Duration: 56 days (8 weeks).

Measuring tools:
POMS-2 (Profile of Mood States 2) questionnaire, specifically assessing depression, anxiety and emotional tension.
WHOQOL (WHO Quality of Life) questionnaire, to assess the evolution of social relationships.
Urinary dosage of crocetin, a key metabolite of saffron, to verify the bioavailability of the extract.

Improvement in POMS-2 score – Depression : At the end of the trial, the Safr'Inside™ group showed a significant decrease in the “depression” score compared to the placebo.

Better social relationships : According to the WHOQOL scale, participants completing Safr'Inside™ felt more positive social interactions, marking an overall sense of well-being.

Proven bioavailability : As early as the 14th day of supplementation, crocetin levels in urine were significantly increased, establishing the good assimilation of the extract. In addition, a direct correlation was observed between the increase in crocetin and the decrease in the depression score.

• Participants were randomly assigned to the saffron group or the placebo group.
• Mental health effects (depression, anxiety, stress) were measured using validated questionnaires before, during and after the intervention.
• The researchers noted a significant difference between the two groups, with a more marked decrease in depressive symptoms in the saffron group.

1. Decreased depression and anxiety scores.
2. Improved emotional well-being and social relationships.

• Experimental model (here, on a model of postpartum depression in mice), supplemented by biochemical analyses on the CREB-BDNF pathway (involved in neuronal plasticity).
• Measurement of depressive and anxious behaviors according to standardized tests.

1. Reduction of depressive and anxious behaviors.
2. Better regulation of the CREB-BDNF pathway, linked to neurogenesis and mood maintenance.

• Collection of different studies respecting strict methodological criteria.
• Integrated statistical analysis (meta-analysis) to evaluate the overall efficacy of saffron on depression, anxiety and sleep quality.

1. Significant decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms.
2. Improved sleep quality.
3. No notable impact on systemic inflammation measured by CRP.
   

• Randomized clinical trials in people diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
• Periodic assessment of the intensity of depressive symptoms.

1. Marked decrease in depression scores, suggesting an efficacy of saffron at least comparable to some reference drug treatments, with a more favorable side effect profile.
   

• Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.
• Measurement of sleep quality using questionnaires and, in some cases, specific analysis tools (actimetry, sleep diary).

• Significant improvement in sleep quality.
• Main hypothesis: positive influence of saffron on neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle.

Study 1: Crocus sativus L. VS Methylphenidate for children with ADHD (Baziar et al., 2019)

In this double-blind, randomized study, 54 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years, diagnosed with ADHD according to the
DSM-5 criteria, were divided into a group receiving saffron and a group receiving methylphenidate (Ritalin).

How the study was conducted:

• Subjects received either saffron or methylphenidate for several weeks.
• ADHD symptoms were assessed using standardized scales measuring attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Results :

• Similar efficacy for saffron and methylphenidate in reducing ADHD symptoms.
• Absence of notable side effects for the saffron group, suggesting a very favorable tolerance profile.

Study 2:
Blasco-Fontecilla et al. (2022)

In a non-randomized clinical study, 63 children and adolescents (7-17 years) received either methylphenidate (1 mg/kg/day) or 30 mg saffron for three months.

How the study was conducted:

• Measurement of ADHD symptoms and executive functions via specific scales and regular monitoring.
• Assessment of sleep quality and
  possible side effects.

Results :

• Significant improvement in ADHD symptoms and executive functions in both groups.
• Saffron showed particularly marked efficacy in reducing hyperactivity, while methylphenidate appeared more suitable for reducing inattention.
• Both treatments increased total sleep time, but only saffron improved ease of falling asleep.