Recently, Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L. introduced their latest product following their clinical study which is an all-natural, Spanish saffron extract (Crocus sativus L.) called Affron®. The new product demonstrated effective results and improved depression in patients with persistent episodes of depression when used alongside antidepressants.
According to statistics, depression is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions around the world and the number of cases keeps rising with every passing year. Approximately one in ten people suffer from the disease with the age group of young adults (aged eighteen to twenty-four) and older adults (aged sixty and over) being the most vulnerable.
Consequently, there is a constant need for better and alternative therapies to control the levels of depression rising among the population across the globe as it not only affects the mental health but also increases the likelihood of developing physical illnesses as well as decreases the overall quality of life.
In the new randomized, Placebo-controlled, and double-blind trial by Pharmactive Biotech Products, the company’s top-quality saffron was observed to display strong anti-depressant properties. The study was led by Adrian Lopresti, Ph.D., et al. Its findings appear in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.
The participants of the study came from different age groups and suffered from the symptoms of depression even though they were on pharmaceutical antidepressants. These participants were divided into two groups – experimental and control.
After taking Affron for eight weeks, the symptoms of depression in the experimental group decreased by forty-one percent in comparison with a twenty-one percent reduction in the placebo or control group. The premium saffron was not only well-tolerated but also showed quick results. Over seventy-percent of the participants reported high satisfaction levels by taking the saffron supplement and stated that they are likely to continue taking it.
The Head of R&D at Pharmactive Biotech, Alberto Espinel says that the results of the clinical trial corroborate the safety of using Affron along with pharmaceutical medicines. He added that the supplement can not only help in controlling depressive episodes and symptoms but may even reduce the side effects of taking antidepressants.
Previous research on Affron is further evidence of its benefits which include relieving stress and tension, improving mood swings and quality of sleep in adults. Till now, it is also the only saffron extract that has been proven to help in lowering stress and anxiety levels in adolescents and young adults.
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In addition, Pharmacative Biotech also guarantees safety and originality with its saffron extract. Saffron is among the most expensive botanicals in the globe and counterfeiting is, therefore, a common issue. Pharmactive grows its own saffron which is then standardized to Lepticrosalides for organoleptic and beneficial properties of the botanical.
Affron is non-GMO, non-irradiated, clinically certified and halal. Since it is water-soluble, it can be easily used in foods. In addition, its proprietary-patented extraction process allows the supplement to be taken at 28/mg per day which is the lowest dose in saffron extracts available at the moment. The supplements can be used for up to three years.