Most saffron supplements are not the saffron that was studied.
Affron® is the standardised extract used in most published human trials on saffron for mood. Here is the difference, and why the dose on the label matters more than the name on the front.
$1.75 per serving, as low as $1.40 on subscription. 20 stick packs per order. Free shipping over $50.
What Affron® actually is
Affron is a patented saffron extract standardised to consistent levels of its two active compounds, crocins and safranal.
Culinary saffron is not standardised. Its active content varies batch to batch, which is why it is not what researchers use. Affron guarantees a consistent level of those actives in every batch, and it is manufactured by Pharmactive Biotech.
The dose is the whole argument
The dose used in most positive clinical trials is 28 to 30mg per day of a standardised extract.
Mood Mod provides 30mg per serving, a deliberate margin above the 28mg studied dose so every stick delivers at least the full clinical amount even after normal manufacturing variation. A product that lists saffron but not the extract or the dose is telling you very little.
The largest Affron trial to date, published in The Journal of Nutrition in 2025, enrolled 202 adults with subclinical depressive symptoms. Participants taking 28mg of Affron daily for 12 weeks showed significantly greater improvement in mood compared to the placebo group, and reported reduced daily feelings of sadness and stress as early as five weeks into the study.
How it works, briefly
Crocins support the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, while safranal primarily influences serotonin activity.
Because saffron acts on serotonin pathways, anyone taking an SSRI or other serotonergic medication should speak with their doctor before use.
$1.75 per serving, as low as $1.40 on subscription. 20 stick packs per order. Free shipping over $50.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking an SSRI or other serotonergic medication, speak with your doctor before use.
