Saffron (affron®) natural support for emotional & physical symptoms during perimenopause
Saffron, the vibrant spice derived from the flower Crocus sativus, has long been valued in traditional medicine for its mood‑supporting and health‑promoting properties. In recent years, clinical research has begun to investigate its potential benefits for women experiencing symptoms during the menopause transition. One standardised Saffron extract known as affron® has been studied for its effects on mood, anxiety and menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats and physical discomfort.
Clinical research on affron® in perimenopausal women
A well‑designed clinical trial investigated the effects of affron® in women experiencing perimenopause. In this randomised, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled study, 86 women aged between 40 and 60 years with menopausal symptoms were recruited across Australia. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either Saffron extract or a placebo for 12 weeks.
The women in the active treatment group received 14 mg of affron® twice daily (a total of 28 mg per day). Researchers assessed mood, psychological wellbeing and menopausal symptoms at baseline and again at 4, 8 and 12 weeks using validated questionnaires.
Significant improvements in anxiety & low mood
One of the most important findings from the study was the impact of Saffron extract on emotional wellbeing. Women taking affron® experienced significant improvements in emotional wellbeing compared with the placebo group.
Key outcomes included:
• 33% reduction in anxiety symptoms
• 32% reduction in depressive symptoms
Many participants began noticing improvements within the first four weeks of treatment, with continued progress throughout the 12‑week study period. These findings align with previous research showing that Saffron can support emotional balance and resilience.
How Saffron may support mood
Researchers believe Saffron may influence several biological pathways involved in mood regulation, including:
• Supporting healthy neurotransmitter activity (including serotonin pathways)
• Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
• Modulating the stress response via the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
• Supporting brain plasticity and neurological resilience
Because hormonal changes during perimenopause can affect many of these pathways, Saffron may help support emotional wellbeing during this transitional stage of life.
Effects on vasomotor symptoms
Vasomotor symptoms are some of the most recognisable menopause symptoms. They relate to changes in temperature regulation and may include:
• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Sudden waves of warmth or sweating
In the study, women taking Saffron experienced improvements in vasomotor symptoms over the 12‑week period. However, these improvements were similar to those observed in the placebo group, meaning the difference between groups was not statistically significant.
Somatic (physical) menopause symptoms
The menopause transition often involves a range of physical or somatic symptoms caused by fluctuating hormones and changes in the nervous system. These may include:
• Headaches
• Joint or muscle aches
• Fatigue or low energy
• Breast tenderness
• Sleep disturbances
• Dizziness or heart palpitations
In the study, somatic symptoms also improved during the trial period. Although improvements occurred in both groups, the results suggest Saffron may still play a supportive role in overall symptom management.
Safety & tolerability
The Saffron extract was well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported during the study. A small number of participants reported mild digestive symptoms such as bloating or nausea, but overall Saffron demonstrated a strong safety profile when taken at the studied dose.
A natural option for emotional wellbeing during perimenopause
The menopause transition is a significant stage of life that can affect mood, sleep, energy and physical comfort. While conventional medical treatments may be appropriate for some women, many are also interested in evidence‑based natural approaches.
Clinical research suggests that the Saffron extract affron® may offer meaningful support for anxiety, low mood and emotional wellbeing during perimenopause. When used as part of a personalised health approach that includes nutrition and lifestyle support with appropriate health professional care, it may help women navigate the menopause transition with greater resilience.
References:
Lopresti AL, Smith SJ. The Effects of a Saffron Extract (affron®) on Menopausal Symptoms in Women during Perimenopause: A Randomised, Double‑Blind, Placebo‑Controlled Study. Journal of Menopausal Medicine. 2021;27:66–78.
Marx W, Lane M, Rocks T, et al. Effect of saffron supplementation on symptoms of depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta‑analysis. Nutrition Reviews. 2019.