Saffron Extract

Complete Ingredient Profile
Ingredient Name & Common Synonyms
Primary Name: Saffron Extract (Crocus sativus L.)
Common Synonyms: Saffron, Crocus Extract, Kesar, Azafrán, Red Gold
Chemical Classification: Carotenoid glycosides (crocin), monoterpene aldehyde (safranal), flavonoid compounds
Concentration: 10:1 extract ratio (30mg extract = 300mg fresh saffron equivalent)
Overview
Botanical Family: Iridaceae
Primary Origin: Crocus sativus flowers, primarily cultivated in Iran, Kashmir, Greece, and Spain
Extraction Method: Alcohol extraction from dried saffron stigmas, concentrated and standardized to a 10:1 ratio
Molecular Structure: Rich in crocin (responsible for color), safranal (responsible for aroma), and picrocrocin (responsible for taste)
Appearance: Deep red to orange powder with characteristic saffron aroma
Benefits & Uses
For Women's Hormonal Health:
- Menstrual Health: Saffron appears promising for managing dysmenorrhoea, reducing menstrual pain, regulating hormonal fluctuations, and improving overall menstrual health
- PCOS Support: In PCOS mice, the reduced follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH) and progesterone levels were restored to those of normal controls with saffron treatment
- PMS Relief: A 2024 review found that saffron may positively affect multiple parts of the female reproductive system, which could provide relief from PMS symptoms
- Menopausal Support: It can improve mood and psychological symptoms of menopause and PMS
Clinical Benefits at Your Exact Dosage:
- Sexual Health: Women taking 30 mg of saffron daily for 6 weeks experienced: 62% improvement in their Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores
- Mood Enhancement: Taking 30 milligrams (mg) of saffron each day could cause similar effects as drugs that treat mild-to-moderate depression
- Menopausal Happiness: Daily saffron tea improved self-reported perceptions of happiness in menopausal women
Mechanism of Action:
- Neurotransmitter Modulation: Influences serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine pathways
- Antioxidant Protection: Crocin and safranal provide powerful antioxidant activity
- Hormonal Balance: Helps regulate reproductive hormone fluctuations
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in reproductive tissues
Safety & Warnings
General Safety Profile:
Safety assessments revealed that saffron extract with this dose range is generally safe for humans
Dosage Safety:
- Clinical Standard: The \"30mg standard\" is just where researchers started for safety reasons
- Orbelli Dosage: 30mg per serving - matches the exact clinical research dosage
- Therapeutic Range: Most studies use 15-30mg daily for mood and reproductive benefits
- Your Perfect Match: For depression, 30 mg/day of a specific saffron extract has been used clinically
Potential Side Effects:
- Common Mild Effects: They may cause side effects like anxiety, appetite changes, upset stomach, sleepiness, and headache
- Rare Reactions: Allergic reactions are uncommon; however, occupational allergies, including rhinoconjunctivitis, have been reported
- Generally Mild: Reported adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and headache
Important Warnings:
Pregnancy: Saffron should not be used by pregnant women because of the limited clinical evidence during pregnancy
High Doses Toxic: High doses of 5 g or more may have toxic effects - your 30mg is 167x below toxic levels
May cause mild throat irritation in some individuals - this is normal and typically resolves quickly
Allergies Possible: Some people are allergic to saffron - discontinue if allergic reactions occur
Recommended Patch-Test Instructions:
For topical applications containing saffron extract, perform a 48-hour patch test on the inner forearm. For oral use, start with a half dose for the first few days.
Formulation Tips
Physical Properties:
- pH Range: 6.0-7.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Solubility: Moderately water-soluble, better in alcohol-water mixtures
- Stability: Light-sensitive, heat-stable up to 60°C
- Color Impact: Imparts natural golden-red coloration to formulations
Optimal Dosing:
- Clinical Standard: 15-30mg daily for mood and reproductive benefits
- Orbelli Formula: 30mg per serving - perfect clinical research dose
- Bioavailability: Good oral absorption, enhanced by extraction concentration
- Timing: Can be taken with or without food, morning preferred for mood benefits
Pairing Suggestions:
- Synergistic with: B-vitamins (especially B6), omega-3s, adaptogenic herbs
- Compatible with: All ingredients in your formula, particularly mood and hormone supporters
- Enhanced by: Taking consistently at the same time daily for optimal mood regulation
- Best taken: Morning with breakfast for sustained mood support throughout the day
Stability Considerations:
- Light Protection: Store in opaque containers away from direct sunlight
- Temperature Control: Keep below 25°C to preserve active compounds
- Moisture Protection: Use desiccants to prevent clumping
- Extract Advantage: 10:1 concentration provides enhanced stability vs raw saffron
Scientific References
- Women's Sexual Health Study: Clinical trial showing 30 mg saffron daily improved Female Sexual Function Index scores by 62% - The Better Menopause, February 2025
- Latest PMS Review: 2024 review: saffron may positively affect multiple parts of the female reproductive system - Healthline, June 2024
- PCOS Animal Study: Crocus sativus (saffron) extract improves ovarian dysfunction in PCOS mice - PubMed, January 2022
- Women's Reproductive Health: Saffron extract promising for managing dysmenorrhoea and hormonal fluctuations - Annals of Medicine and Surgery, 2024
- Comprehensive Women's Health Review: Efficacy of Saffron in Premenstrual Syndrome, Menopause: Systematic Review - Medical-Surgical Nursing Journal, May 2023
- Menopausal Mood Benefits: Saffron tea improved self-reported happiness in menopausal women - Herbal Reality, December 2024
- Depression Equivalence Study: 30mg saffron daily shows similar effects to depression medications - Medical News Today, June 2023
- Safety Assessment: Safety assessments show saffron extract generally safe at clinical doses - PMC Safety Review
- Clinical Dosage Guidelines: 30 mg/day saffron extract established for depression treatment - RxList, June 2021
Related Orbelli Products
- Women's Hormonal Balance - Features 30mg Saffron Extract (10:1) for mood support and menstrual health
- Provides 300mg of fresh saffron equivalent at the exact clinical research dosage
- Additional product links to be added
Last updated: August 2025 | This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice.









