Pharmactive Biotech Products reveals the stress-relieving potential of saffron

23 Jan 2024 --- A new in vitro study on the stress-release properties of saffron extract presents evidence that affron — a standardized extract of saffron developed by Pharmactive Biotech Products — may enhance the body’s resilience to stress. The findings reveal significant improvements in stress model animal subjects with the oral administration of the extract.

“The results obtained from the present study allow us to know the mechanisms of action of affron on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) system, specifically in the release of several hormones related to the regulation of this system in occasional stress situations,” Inés Morán, R&D and scientific studies manager for Pharmactive, tells Nutrition Insight.

“To evaluate the effect on the stress caused, different parameters have been measured such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), the release of Arginine Vasopressin (AVP), the release of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) or the expression of glucocorticoid receptors,” she adds. 

The study conducted in South Korea and published in the journal Nutrients focuses on affron’s role in regulating the HPA axis. This major brain signaling system controls reactions to stress. It is essential to survival in life-threatening situations, as its activation provides the energy for a “fight or flight” response. However, a chronic elevation of the stress hormone cortisol can reduce overall well-being.

Mechanism of action  
The study was conducted on 40 Wistar rats divided into four groups, of which three were subjected to several standardized stress tests during a four-week period. 

“The methodology used was based on subjecting the different groups of rats to a stressful situation, such as sleep, food and drink deprivation at certain times of the day,” outlines Morán. “Afterwards, the rats were treated or not — depending on the experimental group — with two concentrations of affron.”

Two of the four groups received daily oral doses of affron at levels corresponding to 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively. The other two groups did not receive affron. Of these latter two groups, one was subjected to a stress test. 

The South Korean researchers used an adapted 1984 stress model by Willner, described in The validity of animal models of depression, elaborates Morán. “The measurement criteria for this study were selected by the group of researchers, based on previously described bibliography that can be reviewed in the article itself.” 

The two groups receiving affron experienced a decrease in the presence of arginine vasopressin and Corticotropin-Releasing Factors (CRF) within the hypothalamus, which are important for the release of other stress-related hormones, such as ACTH from the pituitary gland. In turn, ACTH signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol.  

Morán explains: “It has been observed that it increases the BDNF, related to neuronal plasticity and decreases the release of AVP, which is increased in periods of occasional stress. In addition, the release of ACTH, the hormone responsible for producing cortisol in periods of occasional stress, is decreased.” 

“Chronic or excessive activation of the HPA axis and prolonged elevation of these hormones can contribute to the maladaptive response called allostatic overload — a state of cumulative strain wherein the body and mind get overwhelmed by constant anxiety or challenges, but don’t have the time to recover,” she points out. 

“Beyond the mental overload, it can contribute to various health problems, such as metabolic diseases, and accelerate long-term wear and tear on the body’s systems.”

Decreased stress hormones
The groups of rats receiving the higher dose experienced a more pronounced reduction. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression was also reduced more significantly among the higher-dose group. Lower GR is associated with the proper functioning of the negative feedback mechanism that orchestrates daily rhythms, stress management and adaptability. 

“No increase in the expression of glucocorticoid receptors was observed compared to the group not receiving affron where they did increase,” comments Morán. 

“All of these are findings of the mechanisms of action of affron in stress management in an animal model,” she continues. “This animal model allows us to understand and explain the mechanisms of affron in a prolonged stress situation. These results can help us understand how affron acts when consumed by a human.” 

“From a scientific point of view, these results support knowledge, but the results of an in vivo study in animals can never be directly extrapolated to humans. The results of this study allow us to know how affron could be acting in the clinical studies we have carried out in humans,” she asserts. 

By Milana Nikolova