Pharmactive’s mood-boosting saffron ingredient Affron awarded US patent

20 May 2021 --- Pharmactive’s saffron ingredient Affron has been recognized as official aid for low mood-related issues in the US.

The new patent effectively covers Affron’s composition and dosages. It is recognized as a safe, well-researched product.

“This new accreditation marks a momentous milestone for Affron as it positions it as a leading-edge formulation at the forefront of the US cognitive health category,” says Marguerite Gerritsen, managing director for Pharmactive.

This newly obtained patent comes at the heels of Affron’s approved claims for mood and sleep improvement in Japan.

Extensive potential 
Clinical studies demonstrate a positive effect on multiple aspects of mental well-being, which positions Affron as an all-encompassing cognitive ingredient. 

Consumers’ concern with their mental well-being is reflected by Innova Market Insights’ Top Ten Trends for 2021, “Mood: The Next Occasion.” The report reveals that 44 percent of global consumers have taken action to improve their mental and emotional well-being. 

Affron is recognized as a stress reliever, sleep quality enhancer, mood improver and an inducer of positive feelings.Affron is recognized as a stress reliever, sleep quality enhancer, mood improver and an inducer of positive feelings.  

“Affron’s mood-enhancement capabilities are owed largely to its role in the inhibition of the reuptake of mood-related neurotransmitters, according to the broader spectrum of scientific literature,” informs Alberto Espinel, head of strategic R&D in active and functional natural ingredients for Pharmactive. 

“Affron possesses a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory impact. This capacity not only balances levels of key neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine but also fights the oxidative stress that stress produces in the brain,” Espinel adds.

A little goes a long way
Affron is made with a patented AFF ON Cool-Tech actives-saver extraction technique specifically designed to maximize the preservation and concentration of the main active ingredients with minimal industrial processing and no chemical extraction.

Gerritsen tells NutritionInsight that “the patent will elevate affron to the next level, protecting its proprietary composition and dosages to be used as a natural mood-support agent. This exclusivity will offer an added value to the brands looking for best-in-class ingredients and formulations.”

Pharmactive’s saffron ingredient has a very low daily dosage of 28 mg per day. 

Clinical studies demonstrate a positive effect on the mental well-being of the consumers of this product. 

Crocins and safranal, the carotenoid pigments responsible for saffron’s bioactivity, crimson color and desirable organoleptic properties, are highly concentrated in affron. The patent positions Affron as a “leading-edge formulation at the forefront of the US cognitive health category.” 

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is used to confirm this. 

Pharmactive’s extraction method relies solely on water, yielding an ingredient free of any solvents or alcohols.

Global reach
Affron is also positioned as having the ability to relieve anxiety, reduce asthma symptoms, and improve relaxation and sleep quality.

Recently, Vitafoods Insights Virtual Expo emphasized that throughout the pandemic, there has been a heightened consumer demand for products that benefit mental performance, immunity and mobility.

Last month, Pharmactive appointed clinical pharmacologist and pharmacological nutritionist Dr. Paul Clayton as chair of its scientific advisory board. 

By Nicole Kerr