Pharmactive Biotech Products’ saffron ingredient, affron, has been granted a US patent for low mood support.

The patent protects the composition and dosages of the ingredient, and serves as official recognition of its ability to assist individuals with low mood related issues, the company says.

The ingredient is supported by eight published human clinical studies, which included more than 740 participants.

Clinical trials demonstrated positive effects on multiple aspects of mental well-being and sleep quality, in different target populations, including menopausal women, adults and teenagers. The research supported its capabilities for helping manage low mood, occasional stress, inducing positive feelings, and supporting healthy sleep.

The company employs a natural, low-energy consumption procedure, called AFF ON Cool-Tech. This active-saver process is specifically designed to optimise the preservation and concentration of the key active ingredients with minimal industrial processing, without chemicals, and minimal energy use. Furthermore, this extraction technique is based solely on water, resulting in an ingredient that is clean of any solvents or alcohols.

“This innovation activity recognition has greatly supported the sustained growth of our top-notch saffron ingredient in the US, in mental wellness category,” said Marguerite Gerritsen, Managing Director for Pharmactive.