For over 3,000 years, saffron has been treasured in ancient cultures for its medicinal benefits.
Thanks to breakthroughs in modern science, a patented extract of saffron has been created that increases its medicinal potency and enhances absorption rate, taking the health benefits of saffron to the next level.
It’s called Affron®.
Sourced from Spain, Affron® is a patented, standardized saffron extract clinically studied for its positive effects on mood, sleep, cognition, inflammation, and neurotransmitter health.
We chose Affron® as our patented saffron source in REM+ due to its high concentration of phytonutrients and carotenoids, including crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal.
Affron has developed a patented process that isolates these compounds in high concentrations, which is called Lepticrosalides™ – Affron’s patented name for these bioactive compounds.
Below is an overview of the clinically backed benefits of Affron®, particularly for sleep, recovery, and stress resilience, which you can expect to experience when taking REM+ as part of your nightly routine.
Optimizes Melatonin Production, Regulates Serotonin and GABA
Affron® improves sleep quality and recovery through multiple scientifically supported mechanisms – primarily by influencing neurotransmitters, melatonin production, and stress regulation.
The active compounds in Affron® support the body’s own production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates the circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle).
Unlike synthetic melatonin supplements, Affron® helps your body optimize its own rhythm, leading to more natural, sustainable sleep patterns.
Affron® also helps modulate levels of serotonin, which stabilizes mood and is a precursor to melatonin, and GABA, a calming neurotransmitter that reduces neural excitability.
This makes Affron® especially beneficial for individuals whose sleep is disrupted by racing thoughts, anxiety, or high-stimulation and athletic lifestyles.
In a recent double-blind clinical study with Affron® saffron extract, 100% of participants reported:
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Falling asleep faster
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Fewer nighttime awakenings
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Overall better sleep quality
Not only did participants’ sleep improve, but there was no morning grogginess, and they reported more perceived energy and better mood the following day.
Each serving of REM+ contains 18 mg of Affron®, slightly higher than the 14 mg dose used in clinical research.
Reduces Cortisol, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Affron® exhibits powerful adaptogenic properties, improving resilience against stress.
Clinical studies show that Affron® can lower evening cortisol, the stress hormone that keeps the brain in a hyper-alert state, resulting in easier sleep initiation and better sleep maintenance.
In a 2021 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 56 adults with self-reported stress took 14 mg of Affron® daily for four weeks.
The Results
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Significant reductions in evening cortisol levels
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Improved mood and emotional regulation
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Better sleep initiation and duration
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Increased time spent in REM and deep-sleep cycles
Affron®’s bioactive compounds also modulate the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), downregulating overactive cortisol output and supporting parasympathetic recovery.
In addition, Affron® supports neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA, which calm the mind and lower stress perception – further enhancing restorative sleep.
Rich in antioxidants, Affron® helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage – two key drivers of chronic inflammation and aging.
In clinical trials, saffron supplementation improved inflammatory markers and supported systemic balance in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Mood Support That Rivals Antidepressants
One of the most remarkable findings around saffron is its impact on mood.
Several clinical trials have shown that Affron® extract is comparable in efficacy to prescription SSRIs (like fluoxetine/Prozac) in reducing depressive symptoms – without the common side effects.
Affron® has been studied in both adults and adolescents, demonstrating improvements in:
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Emotional balance
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Reduced anxiety and nervous tension
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Better sleep onset and duration
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Enhanced mood regulation and outlook
Affron® is now being explored as a natural intervention for mild depressive disorder, anxiety, and ADHD.
In Summary
Affron®, the patented saffron extract used in our REM+ Nighttime Recovery formula, is one of the world’s most rigorously studied saffron extracts, delivering clinically proven results across mood, sleep, stress, and recovery.
It offers a powerful, natural solution for improving sleep quality, reducing stress, enhancing recovery, and supporting cognitive function and long-term well-being.
References
Lopresti AL et al. (2020). Low-dose saffron extract (Affron®) significantly improved sleep quality in adults by promoting endogenous melatonin pathways.
Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H et al. (2021). Affron® saffron extract reduces cortisol and improves mood and sleep quality in healthy adults with stress.
Ghaffari et al. (2015). Saffron reduces oxidative stress and inflammation.
Lopresti et al. (2022). Affron® improves mood and emotional well-being in adolescents: A randomized controlled trial.
Milajerdi et al. (2018). Phytotherapy Research.
Lopresti et al. (2014). Human Psychopharmacology.
Kell et al. (2017). Journal of Psychopharmacology.
Papandreou et al. (2020). Nutrients (Affron®).
Lopresti et al. (2020). Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
All studies investigate standardized saffron extract (Affron®) and its effects on mood, stress, sleep, and neuroendocrine health.
