Pharmactive lands US patent on mood support touting eco-friendly production

19 May 2022 --- Spain-based Pharmactive Biotech Products has scored a patent for Affron, positioned as the first US patent for mood support. It is derived from Crocus sativus L – also known as saffron crocus – with a chemical-free extraction process.

“Affron has pioneered being one of the selected botanical ingredients with its own human clinical studies published and an eco-friendly production process. This perfectly aligns with current industry trends of offering the consumers clinically validated and responsible with the planet products,” Julia Diaz, head of marketing, Pharmactive, tells NutritionInsight.

Affron is formulated to help individuals with low mood conditions. It is originating from saffron, which has proved to have several health benefits for centuries. The product is “the world’s most scientifically supported saffron ingredient,” based on eight studies including 740 participants.

Purpose of the patent
The patent aims to ensure that the correct doses are consumed and distributed to reach the desired health effects. The recommended dose is 28 mg, which is also classified as the lowest dosage in the market. 

The dosage is also the standard of 3.5% for Lepticrosalides, “a proprietary and unique pool of bioactives responsible for Affron’s activity, crimson color, and prized organoleptic qualities, verified by means of HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography),” Pharmactive Biotech notes. 

Natural products for mental health issues have seen increasing demand.Positive effects
Derived from the saffron stigmas Crocus sativus L, also known as saffron crocus, has a proprietary extraction process consisting of an all-natural, chemical-free, low-energy consumption. 

The technology, AFF ON Cool-Tech, ensures freshness yet is gentle to the plant. The extraction process is entirely water-based, which provides clean products without any signs of alcohol. 

The product shows benefits for mental well-being, such as helping low mood management and occasional stress. Additionally, it has demonstrated effects on healthy sleep and inducement of positive feelings.

Benefits have been highlighted among various target groups, such as menopausal women, adults and it is also said to “elevate teens’ spirit”. The main mechanisms of the product are inhibition of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine intake. 

The positive effects of saffron on depression and anxiety have been documented. Additionally, the botanical has proved to serve the increasing demand for natural products for mental health issues.

Mechanisms of action
Diaz mentions Affron to have five essential effects shown on people: 

1) Anti-inflammatory activity – important in stress conditions because its levels suffer an important elevation.

2) Anti-oxidant effect that decreases the Reactive oxygen species, which play a key role in neuron aging and cognition.

3) Neurotransmitters balance, which helps elevate the happy hormone levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. 

4) Neuronal plasticity, which helps increase the cognitive capacity and neuronal recovery of mood. 

5) Lastly, it has been proposed to increase the endogenous production of melatonin.

“The importance of the products being in the market is because of the scientifically demonstrated properties Affron has shown, and its power to help people’s life and well-being, in a safe, and eco-friendly way,” Diaz concludes.

By Beatrice Wihlander

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