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Mood and Disrupted Sleep: Saffron - Solafran
€27.90
DLUO : 30/06/27
Shipped on : 22 January 2025
+ Solafran helps with low mood, mild to moderate depression, and sleep disturbances, with no side effects or dependency risk.
+ Extract of saffron standardized to 3% crocin and 3% safranal, patented and clinically proven, combined with vitamins B6, B9, B12, D3, Inositol, Zinc
+ Box of 30 capsules. 1-month supply (1 capsule/day). Vegan.
If you’re experiencing low mood or disrupted sleep, Solafran can help improve your quality of life.
Solafran features a unique Saffron extract (Saffr'Active™) with a high concentration of safranal (2%) and crocin (>3%), scientifically proven to enhance sleep quality and mood.
It also includes a Turmeric extract rich in curcuminoids in phytosome form for optimal absorption.
Solafran's formula is enhanced with Vitamins B9, B6, B12, which support normal psychological function, along with myo-inositol, zinc, and Vitamin D3, often deficient during episodes of low mood.
The added vitamins and Zinc in Solafran are in their active physiological forms.
What’s inside Solafran?
• Solafran includes Saffr'Active™, a patented Saffron extract optimally dosed with crocin and safranal.
• Solafran’s crocin and safranal have been tested against placebo and compared to conventional antidepressants (Imipramine and Fluoxetine), showing equivalent efficacy but without side effects (dryness, sedation, libido issues).
• Saffr'Active™ has demonstrated effectiveness in promoting sleep onset and quality sustainably and without side effects.
• The formula is complemented by Curcuma phytosome, as curcumin has an antidepressant effect.
• Solafran also contains L-methylfolate, the active form of folic acid (Vitamin B9), along with the active forms of Vitamins B6 and B12. These vitamins help lower homocysteine levels, which are elevated during depressive episodes.
• It includes myo-Inositol, which is often reduced in cases of depression.
• Zinc, another component of Solafran, is also typically deficient during depressive states.
• Vitamin D3 is included to address deficiencies commonly observed in depressive conditions.
Why use Solafran for low mood?
Solafran is a unique complex of patented extracts with scientifically proven benefits, active-form vitamins, and minerals addressing common deficiencies in depressive states.
It aims to naturally support and without dependency the brain’s ability to maintain a positive mood by acting on two main mechanisms:
1/ Enhancing neurotransmitter availability (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) through Saffron extract.
2/ Regulating homocysteine levels using folic acid and Vitamins B6 and B9.
Solafran is a complex of extracts with scientifically proven benefits, combined with vitamins and minerals that are often deficient in depressive states:
• Solafran includes Saffr'Active™, a unique and patented saffron extract, optimally standardized for crocin and safranal.
• Crocin and safranal in Solafran have been tested against a placebo and compared with conventional antidepressants (Imipramine and Fluoxetine), showing equivalent effectiveness but without side effects (dryness, sedation, libido disorders).
• The Saffr'Active™ extract has also demonstrated efficacy in promoting sleep onset and improving sleep quality.
• The Solafran formula is further enhanced with Curcuma Phytosome, as curcumin has antidepressant properties.
• It also contains L-methylfolate, the directly active form of folic acid (vitamin B9), combined with the active forms of vitamins B6 and B12, which help lower homocysteine levels that are elevated in depressive episodes.
• Solafran includes myo-Inositol, which is reduced in depression.
• It also contains zinc, which tends to be lower in cases of depression.
• Lastly, Solafran features vitamin D3, levels of which are often diminished during depressive states.
Box of 30 capsules (1 month supply)
Ingredient per vegetarian capsule (daily dose)
|
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa L.) root extract phytosome |
160 mg |
|
Inositol |
75 mg |
|
Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.) stigma extract |
30 mg |
|
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) |
3 mg (214% NRV) |
|
Zinc (zinc mono-L-methionine sulfate) |
2 mg (20% NRV) |
|
Vitamin B9 ((6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, calcium salt) |
100 µg (50% NRV) |
|
Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) |
75 µg (3000% NRV) |
|
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) |
12 µg (240% NRV) |
1 capsule per day, for a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare professional.
If you experience trouble sleeping, it is best to take Solafran in the evening.
For mood support during the day, it is preferable to take Solafran in the morning.
Precautions
• Do not use if you are taking antidepressants or anticoagulants simultaneously.
• Do not use during pregnancy.
• Not suitable for children under 10 years old.
Solafran can provide support in the following situations:
• For mild to moderate depression
• During temporary periods of low mood
• As a complement to psychotherapy
• For side effects (such as libido issues) caused by antidepressant use
• For trouble falling asleep and poor sleep quality.
- In cases of chronic stress, anxiety, or difficulty handling pressure, Solafran can be combined with Soltonic, our Ashwagandha extract, as well as Solvita D3, our Vitamin D3.
- For insomnia or nighttime awakenings, high-absorption liquid melatonin, Solmeil, can provide extra help in falling asleep.
How Does Saffron Work?
The four main active compounds in saffron stigmas are crocin, crocetin (color), picrocrocin, and safranal (aroma). Their mechanism of action has been described based on in vitro and animal studies (1) (2) and is divided into three main categories:
- Enhancing the availability of neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine by inhibiting their reuptake.
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
Saffr'Active™ Promotes Sleep Onset and Improves Sleep Quality
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted on 30 patients using Saffr'Active at a dosage of 30 mg per day, 100% of participants experienced a significant improvement (p< 0.05) in sleep quality scores. After 20 days of treatment, the improvement was 45%, reaching 60% after 40 days.
Effectiveness of Saffron Extract for Mild to Moderate Depression Versus Placebo
For a placebo-controlled study, 40 patients with confirmed mild to moderate depression and a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score of at least 18 were selected (3).
Over six weeks, one group received 30 mg per day of saffron extract, while the other group received a placebo.
After six weeks, a significant reduction in depression, measured using the Hamilton scale, was observed in the treated group (d.f. = 1, F = 18.89, p < 0.001), with no significant difference in adverse effects.
Saffron Extract Is as Effective as Imipramine (a Tricyclic Antidepressant)
A study involving 30 patients with mild to moderate depression demonstrated the efficacy of saffron extract compared to imipramine (4). These patients had a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score of at least 18.
One group received 30 mg of saffron extract (in three 10 mg doses) for six weeks, while the other group received 100 mg per day of imipramine.
The study concluded that, at this dosage, saffron extract showed similar efficacy (F = 2.91, d.f. = 1, P = 0.09) but with fewer side effects (e.g., sedation and dry mouth).
Saffron Extract Is as Effective as Fluoxetine (a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor)
In a study of 30 patients with mild to moderate depression, taking 30 mg/day of saffron extract was found to control depressive symptoms as effectively as 20 mg/day of fluoxetine (F = 0.13, d.f. = 1, P = 0.71) without significant differences in adverse effects (5).
Premenstrual Syndrome, Libido Issues, Excessive Eating: A Review of Saffron’s Efficacy
A meta-analysis including 12 placebo-controlled studies conducted in the United States in 2015 highlighted additional benefits of standardized saffron extracts (6).
Aside from documented effects on mild to moderate depression in six studies, the authors noted efficacy in sexual dysfunction and infertility in four studies, as well as benefits for regulating excessive eating behaviors (snacking).
Saffron Extract Significantly Reduces Fluoxetine-Induced Sexual Side Effects
Libido issues (desire and function) are common side effects of fluoxetine.
Studies on both men and women have shown that saffron extract can effectively reduce these side effects.
In Women (7)
A clinical study of 38 women treated for depression with 40 mg/day of fluoxetine for at least six weeks showed a significant effect of saffron extract within four weeks (p < 0.001).
Results were measured at two and four weeks using the Female Sexual Function Index, a 19-item questionnaire assessing sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and genital pain.
In Men (8)
A placebo-controlled clinical study involving 36 men with mild to moderate depression treated with 40 mg/day of fluoxetine demonstrated that 30 mg/day of saffron extract significantly reduced fluoxetine-induced erectile dysfunction (P < 0.001).
Benefits of Curcuma Phytosome in Managing Mild to Moderate Depression
A six-week randomized study on 60 patients diagnosed with moderate depression evaluated three groups: one receiving 1000 mg of curcumin, another 20 mg of fluoxetine, and a combination group. All groups showed reduced Hamilton Depression scores (p = 0.77), with no significant difference among them. Authors concluded curcumin may aid in managing moderate depression (9).
Animal studies have shown that curcumin increases the availability of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine by inhibiting the MAO enzyme.
Phytosome technology increases curcumin’s bioavailability by 29 times (10).
Vitamins and Minerals for the Brain
High homocysteine levels and deficiencies in folic acid, vitamins B6, and B12 have been linked to depressive symptoms in some studies.
L-methylfolate is the bioactive form of folic acid (vitamin B9). When combined with active forms of vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) and B12 (methylcobalamin), it lowers homocysteine levels (11).
Providing the bioactive form of folic acid is crucial, as inactive synthetic forms or dihydrofolate from food need to be converted by the body using the MTHF reductase enzyme.
Studies show that certain enzyme polymorphisms impairing this conversion are more prevalent in patients with depression (12).
Therefore, it is necessary to provide the active form of folic acid directly to these individuals.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D deficiency is common among depressed patients. Adequate supplementation with a proper dosage has been shown to improve depressive symptoms (13).
Myo-Inositol
A link has been established between depressive symptoms and reduced myo-inositol levels in the prefrontal cortex. Myo-inositol plays a role in signal transmission at neurotransmitter receptors. Supplementation may improve symptoms according to a meta-analysis (14).
Zinc
Zinc plays a role in nerve impulse regulation. Lower peripheral blood zinc levels have been observed in individuals with depressive conditions (15).
Références
1 Lopresti AL, Drummond PD. Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014 Nov;29(6):517-27.
2 Alavizadeh SH, Hosseinzadeh H. Bioactivity assessment and toxicity of crocin: a comprehensive review. Food Chem Toxicol. 2014 Feb;64:65-80.
3 Akhondzadeh S, Tahmacebi-Pour N, Noorbala AA, Amini H, Fallah-Pour H, Jamshidi AH, et al. Crocus sativus L. in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2005; 19(2): 148-51
4 Akhondzadeh , Fallah-Pour H, Afkham K, Jamshidi AH, Khalighi-Cigaroudi F.BMC Comparison of Crocus sativus L. and imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a pilot double-blind randomized trial [ISRCTN45683816]. Complement Altern Med. 2004 Sep 2;4:12.
5 Noorbala A, Akhondzadeh S, Tahmacebi-Pour N, Jamshidi AH. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Crocus sativus L. versus fluoxetine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized pilot trial.J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Feb 28;97(2):281-4. Epub 2005 Jan 6.
6 Hausenblas H1, Heekin K, Mutchie HL, Anton S. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials examining the effectiveness of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on psychological and behavioral outcomes. J Integr Med. 2015 Jul;13(4):231-40. doi: 10.1016/S2095-4964(15)60176-5.
7 Kashani L, Raisi F, Saroukhani S, Sohrabi H, Modabbernia A, Nasehi AA, Jamshidi A, Ashrafi M, Mansouri P, Ghaeli P, Akhondzadeh S. Saffron for treatment of fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2013 Jan;28(1):54-60. doi: 10.1002/hup.2282. Epub 2012 Dec 20.
8 Amirhossein Modabbernia, Hamid Sohrabi, Abbas-Ali Nasehi, Firoozeh Raisi, Sepideh Saroukhani, Amirhossein Jamshidi, Mina Tabrizi, Mandana Ashrafi, Shahin Akhondzadeh, Effect of saffron on fluoxetine-induced sexual impairment in men: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial; Psychopharmacology, October 2012, Volume 223, Issue 4, pp 381–388
9 Sanmukhani J, Satodia V, Trivedi J, Patel T, Tiwari D, Panchal B, Goel A, Tripathi CB. Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2014 Apr;28(4):579-85.
10 Cuomo J, Appendino G, Dern AS, Schneider E, McKinnon TP, Brown MJ, Togni S, Dixon BM. Comparative absorption of a standardized curcuminoid mixture and its lecithin formulation. J Nat Prod. 2011 Apr 25;74(4):664-9.
11 Lok A, Mocking RJ, Assies J, Koeter MW, Bockting CL, de Vries GJ, Visser I, Derks EM, Kayser M, Schene AH. The one-carbon-cycle and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism in recurrent major depressive disorder; influence of antidepressant use and depressive state? J Affect Disord. 2014 Sep;166:115-23.
12 Stahl SM. Novel therapeutics for depression: L-methylfolate as a trimonoamine modulator and antidepressant-augmenting agent. CNS Spectr. 2007 Oct;12(10):739-44.
13 Spedding S. Vitamin D and depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing studies with and without biological flaws. Nutrients. 2014 Apr 11;6(4):1501-18.
14 Mukai T, Kishi T, Matsuda Y, Iwata N. A meta-analysis of inositol for depression and anxiety disorders. Human Psychopharmacology 2014; 29(1): 55-63
15 Swardfager W, Herrmann N, Mazereeuw et coll. Zinc in Depression: A Meta-Analysis. Biological Psychiatry, Volume 74, Issue 12 , Pages 872-878, 15 December 2013.
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FAQ (questions fréquentes)
- Most of our nutrients come from France or Europe (local is a priority), except when we can't do otherwise (for curcuma, for example). We never choose ingredients from places or countries where quality is not assured and workers are poorly paid.
- Solage products are designed in France and manufactured according to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards from the pharmaceutical industry and the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) method, developed by NASA.
Both methods implement procedures, documents and controls to guarantee perfect traceability and the absence of biological or chemical contamination.
- Solage is a French company, and its products are registered with the relevant authorities.
Solage products are safe, with no bad surprises.
To answer this question, we distinguish between three types of product, depending on their nature and intended purpose:
1/ Ideally taken as a continuous treatment: those which compensate for a nutritional or age-related deficiency, and which serve to restore the body's functions without altering its normal metabolism.
- Common nutritional deficiencies: marine omega-3, vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin D between October and May
- Age-related or pathological deficiencies: Ubiquinol, Glutathione, Iron, Collagen (type I and II)
- To help the body deal with underlying problems: Saffron, Ashwagandha, Men's and women's urinary comfort, cholesterol
2/ To be taken in a cure, but where a break is not necessarily necessary if you or your healthcare professional find it useful:
Detox: Milk thistle, Glutathione
Digestion: Probiotics
3/ Products where a break is useful:
- Curcumin: at least a break of a few days between each box, as it modifies metabolic pathways in the body
- Echinacea (immunity): a break of a few days between each box so as not to over-stimulate the immune system
- Melatonin: avoid taking it every day over the long term, so as not to habituate the body.
In all cases, it's important to remember that the products we offer are genuinely active, that it's important to respect dosage and that they are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
This will of course depend on the product and your physiological state.
It's worth remembering that physiology is a long-term process, and that it generally takes two to three months, sometimes longer, to achieve a profound change.
However, the feeling is generally quicker, between 15 days and two months.It is then necessary to continue to try to fix these initial results in greater depth.
However, this will be much quicker with subsequent products:
- Melatonin and sublingual GABA, which have a very rapid onset of action (between two minutes and 30 minutes)
- Probiotics (48 hours to two weeks))
Please refer to the “Scientific studies” section of this product page, where you'll find most studies on bioavailability and medium-term effects.
