A new clinical study indicates that Affron saffron extract, developed by Pharmactive Biotech Products, SLU, may help to support mood, sleep and self-esteem in menopausal and post-menopausal women.
Although previous trials have shown benefits for mood and sleep, this is the first to report positive effects across these closely linked areas of well-being.
Published in the June 2026 issue of Frontiers in Nutrition, the randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial led by Adrian Lopresti, PhD, enrolled 86 women aged 50–70 with low mood and poor sleep.
Participants received either 28 mg of Affron® daily or placebo for 12 weeks and completed validated questionnaires on mood, sleep, self-esteem and appearance.
Nearly twice as many women responded to Affron compared with the placebo.
After 12 weeks, nearly half of the women taking Affron met the study’s DASS-D responder criteria, almost double the placebo group (25.6%).
Improvements began after 4 weeks, and low-mood scores fell 50.7% with Affron versus 31.9% with the placebo.
Beyond mood
The study also assessed self-esteem, sleep, and perceived appearance.
Women taking Affron showed a 10% improvement on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, compared with 4.8% for the placebo, suggesting a broader impact on emotional well-being.
Self-esteem gains appeared more closely aligned with mood and daily well-being than with changes in appearance.
Sleep outcomes were measured using PROMIS Sleep Disturbance and Sleep-Related Impairment scales.
“This is the first clinical trial showing that Affron can positively impact mood, self-esteem, and the daily impact of poor sleep in menopausal and post-menopausal women,” says Adal Mena, R&D Scientist and Product Specialist for Affron.
“The findings position Affron at the intersection of emotional well-being, healthy aging, and beauty-from-within solutions.”
Potential mechanisms underlying the observed effects
Affron is a highly concentrated saffron extract standardised to ≥3.5% Lepticrosalides, a complex of safranal and crocins.
Its benefits for mood, occasional stress, sleep quality, and emotional balance have been demonstrated in 12 clinical trials, including studies in teenagers and menopausal women.
“Low mood and poor sleep often go hand in hand and can affect self-esteem, perceived appearance, skin quality, and overall well-being,” says Carlos Rodríguez, Communication Manager at Pharmactive Biotech Products.
“By supporting emotional balance, Affron may help women feel more confident and positive while also supporting key physiological pathways.”
Affron is Pharmactive’s flagship clean-label saffron extract, designed for rapid absorption and broad supplement and food applications, including gummies and chewables.
