27/05/2026
Persistent depressive symptoms refer to ongoing low mood, reduced motivation, and diminished interest that continue despite intervention. These symptoms are common, even among people already on treatment.
The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) is a clinician-administered tool widely used to measure the severity of these symptoms.
Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a spice revered for centuries in Persian, Greek, and Ayurvedic traditions for its mood-supporting properties, sometimes called the "sunshine spice." Modern research has focused on its bioactive compounds, crocin and safranal, for their role in supporting healthy mood regulation.
Several studies have demonstrated saffron's potential to support mood and reduce depressive symptoms.
In a study - PMID: 31475623 - researchers investigated the effects of a standardised saffron extract (affron®) as an add-on to existing antidepressant medication in adults with persistent depressive symptoms.
+ STUDY METHOD
160 adults taking pharmaceutical antidepressants but still experiencing persistent depressive symptoms were recruited and randomised in a 1:1 ratio.
They received either 14 mg of affron® twice daily (28 mg/day total) or placebo for 8 weeks.
Depression severity was measured using the clinician-rated MADRS.
+ STUDY RESULTS
Depressive symptoms decreased by 41% in the affron® group compared to a 21% reduction in the placebo group (p = 0.001).
Our Saffron Bioactive utilises affron®, the clinically researched and standardised saffron extract studied in this and other trials.
range available at Health Works.