A new generation extract obtained from saffron stigmas, affron, by Pharmactive Biotech Products, has recently been clinically shown to improve anxiety and depressive symptoms in youth with mild-to-moderate symptoms.
Saffron is known to have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in adults, however, this is the first study to examine saffron (affron) and its mood-related effects in youth.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression are among the leading causes of disability worldwide in young people. Between 15-20% of youth experience an anxiety or a depressive disorder before the age of 18.
The 8 week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was published in 2018 and conducted in Australia with youth aged 12-16.
The study used the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), a 47-item questionnaire, which has been shown to accurately assess anxiety and depressive symptoms in clinical and schools-based youth.
The RCADS measured the outcomes by both the children and parents. Based on the youth self-reports, affron was associated with greater improvements in overall symptoms of separation anxiety, social phobia and depression. With total internalising scores decreasing by an average of 33% compared to 17% in the placebo group.
“We are thrilled over the results of this study and the positive effect affron had on children and teens,” said Imke Marks Commercial Director at Pharmactive.
“To be able to offer a natural and clinically researched ingredient as an option for mood disorders in adolescents is truly ground-breaking.”
Currently, the primary treatments for anxiety and depression in pediatric populations comprise either psychological therapy or pharmaceutical interventions. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of a standard saffron extract (affron) in youth.
Gencor, a well-known supplier of clinically studied ingredients, has partnered with Pharmactive Biotech Products to offer this 100% traceable ingredient in North America.
“Affron is a major breakthrough for the industry and for the end consumer since so many are affected by mood disorders,” said Jith Veeravalli President and CEO of Gencor.
“Affron provides a clean herbal approach to stress, anxiety, and depressive disorders with no side effects. We are proud to partner with Pharmactive, a company known for its premium quality ingredients and are thrilled to provide this ingredient to U.S. manufacturers.”
