Ingredient Evidence Review
Saffron
Crocus sativus (stigma extract)
Last updated 2026-05-19 · 3 primary citations
Mechanism
Saffron's two active compounds (crocin and safranal) gently support the brain's mood chemistry and help steady the stress response — the same systems that get noisy when estrogen drops. In perimenopausal women specifically, standardized saffron has been studied for low mood and for the frequency of hot flushes.
Why we use it
Perimenopausal mood is the co-symptom of perimenopausal cognition. Saffron addresses it without SSRI exposure.
How we dose it
Hericea uses 56 mg per serving (per AM stick pack). The clinical trial range that anchors this dose is 28–30 mg/day.
56 mg of Affron® — double the 28 mg/day used in the perimenopausal study, toward the higher end of the saffron mood research. Crocin and safranal are standardized — the active mood-supporting compounds, not whole-spice powder. We run above the trial dose here and say so.
Quality & sourcing
Affron® standardized to ≥3.5% Lepticrosalides. Pharmactive Biotech supply.
Affron® branded form; Pharmactive-licensed C. sativus stigma extract.
Cautions
- consult physicianSerotonergic activity — consult physician if on SSRI/SNRI antidepressants.
- consult physicianAvoid in pregnancy; consult physician.
Primary literature
Lopresti AL & Smith SJ (2021)
J Menopausal MedRCT · 86 people · 12 weeks · Perimenopausal women
Saffron extract 14 mg twice daily for 12 weeks reduced psychological symptoms vs placebo in perimenopausal women.
The direct cohort match — saffron tested in exactly our customer. On dose we differ: this trial used 28 mg/day and we ship 56 mg, which is double. See the dose note above.
PMID 34463070
Kashani L et al. (2018)
Arch Gynecol ObstetRCT
Saffron improved hot-flash frequency and depressive symptoms in post-menopausal women with diagnosed depression.
Shows the saffron-mood effect extends into post-menopause and is strong enough to register against clinical depression scales.
PMID 29332222
Lopresti AL et al. (2022)
J Int Soc Sports NutrRCT
Saffron supplementation improved mood and reduced perceived stress in healthy active adults.
Demonstrates saffron's mood benefit isn't just for clinical populations — it works in healthy adults too, which is most of the perimenopausal cohort.
PMID 35813851