Pharmactive Biotech Products’ saffron extract elevates “sleep hormone” production

13 Sep 2023 --- A saffron extract has been shown to boost the body’s natural production of melatonin – often referred to as the “sleep hormone” – and could be a promising solution for sleep-related issues, according to a recent study. The research was conducted using Pharmactive Biotech Products’ saffron extract offering, Affron.

The company highlights that melatonin plays a pivotal role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythms, making it a crucial hormone for maintaining healthy sleep patterns. 

Moreover, the company-commissioned study shows that Affron goes beyond its known benefits, which include mood enhancement, relaxation induction, stress reduction and alleviation of menopausal symptoms, to positively impact melatonin production.

“Results of a previous clinical study showed that Pharmactive’s potent saffron extract significantly improves sleep quality, helps to support mood balance after awakening, reduces sleep-onset latency, eases difficulties in falling asleep and allows for more continuous and less-interrupted slumber,” says Alberto Espinel, the company’s director of open innovation and intellectual property.

“The new study clarifies the mechanism for Affron’s positive effects on sleep, providing solid scientific support to the previous studies.”Affron was shown to enhance sleep by stimulating the body’s natural melatonin production process.

Better sleep, better health
The company notes that surveys indicate around two-thirds of individuals report inadequate sleep, with long-term sleep deficits linked to various physical, cognitive and emotional health issues.

The study, published in the journal Antioxidants, demonstrates that Affron has a positive impact on sleep quality by stimulating the body’s endogenous melatonin production. Notably, throughout this process, the consumption of Affron was found to be safe, with no observed toxic effects on the body.

Another study, published in Nature Mental Health, reveals that good sleep, along with other lifestyle activities such as eating a healthy diet, conducting regular physical activity, consuming only moderate amounts of alcohol, abstaining from smoking and having frequent social connection improved immunity and helped to prevent or reduce the symptoms of depression.

The study recommended getting between seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.

“Better sleep is as much about good sleep as it is about duration of sleep,” Espinel explains. “Supported by previous studies on Affron’s ability to act as a natural sleeping agent, this latest study demonstrates that it is actively involved in aiding the body’s natural capacity to fall asleep and stay asleep.”

Following a new pathway
The animal model, placebo-controlled study, aimed to explore the effects of Affron on melatonin synthesis and the Kynurenine Pathway. This pathway represents a metabolic route that ultimately results in the generation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.Studies show that quality sleep has positive effects on cognition, memory and mood.

Compounds within the pathway encompass tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, xanthurenic acid, quinolinic acid and 3-hydroxykynurenine. Typically, melatonin is synthesized in the pineal gland from the dietary amino acid tryptophan. This process involves the conversion of tryptophan into serotonin – often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone – and then into melatonin.

However, tryptophan can also follow an alternative route, where it is enzymatically transformed into various molecules along the kynurenine pathway. This unbalanced pathway has been associated with several adverse biological processes. 

The study’s findings indicate that Affron effectively inhibits the enzymes responsible for converting tryptophan into kynurenine metabolites. Simultaneously, it promotes the synthesis of enzymes responsible for transforming tryptophan into melatonin, resulting in a significant increase in blood plasma melatonin levels.

Meeting a plethora of needs
The company further reveals that enhancing the body’s intrinsic melatonin production is particularly beneficial for population groups that may not metabolize exogenous melatonin efficiently, such as the elderly. Moreover, Affron is considered to be safe and effective for teenagers, making it a versatile solution for addressing occasional sleeplessness.

Melatonin supplements have gained popularity in recent years as a natural aid for better sleep. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recently flagged a spike in accidental melatonin poisoning, leading to the hospitalization of many children under five years of age.

The company concludes that a recommended daily dosage of 28 mg of Affron can improve mood and alleviate occasional stress, while a 14 mg dose, taken an hour before bedtime, can significantly enhance sleep quality.

By William Bradford Nichols