Two novel studies have found that Activ'Inside's patented saffron nutraceutical, Safr'Inside, can improve sleep quality through the modulation of the gut-brain axis.
This follows the company's previous findings relating to the adaptogen's mechanisms of action, which found it to delay cortisol secretion, boost neurotransmission and protect the nervous system from oxidative stress.
Patented in Europe, the ingredient is also able to help consumers manage stress and regulate their mood.
These findings highlight the potential of saffron as an adaptogen for overall emotional wellbeing.
Safr'Inside works through the modulation of the gut-brain axis — a key regulator of both sleep and mood
Sleep aids are evolving
As the world progresses further into the digital age, a 2024 Statista report has found that 36% of consumers have experienced a decline in sleep quality during the past two years.
Although many choose to take prescribed sleep aids such as Zolpidem and Ramelteon, they can often be associated with adverse side effects such as daytime drowsiness, rebound insomnia and dependency.
Therefore, natural sleep solutions have come into great favour, with everything from lime peel to spearmint and rice bran helping consumers to catch some Zzz's.
“Sleep is now the most pressing unmet need in the wellness space,” said Maïté Jeanroy, Marketing & Communications Director at Activ’Inside.
To assess if Safr'Inside can benefit consumers struggling to sleep, Activ'Inside conducted two clinical studies.
The first pilot trial explored the mechanisms of action by which Safr'Inside functions, with results collated from a gummy format rather than capsules.
The second randomised, placebo-controlled trial looked at how the ingredient worked in a group of individuals struggling to sleep during a 21 day period.
Saffron as a sleep-boosting nutraceutical ingredient
During the first study, Activ'Inside determined that Safr'Inside works through the modulation of the gut-brain axis — a key regulator of both sleep and mood.
Tested in a sugar-free gummy format, the consumer-friendly format revealed a direct link between gut microbiota modulation and improved sleep, which was measured through subjective reports and objective biomarkers, including microbiota composition/diversity and their subsequent production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
On top of this, the second four week clinical study found that adults aged between 28 to 52 who struggled to sleep experienced improvements in sleep quality within 21 days of supplementation with Safr'Inside in a capsule format.
Notably, volunteers experienced an enhancement in sleep efficiency, as well as reduced sleep latency and an improvement in overall "sleep satisfaction", which was achieved without the use of prescribed sedatives or hormone-based solutions such as melatonin.
“These new clinical results open an exciting new chapter for Safr’Inside™, expanding its proven benefits into the realm of natural sleep support," added Jeanroy.
Activ'Inside will host a webinar to discuss these findings, with details available on the company's website.
