
Nutraceuticals
A tested Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor for mood and mild depression (Crocus sativus L., Saffron)

Mechanism of Action
Serotonin (5HT) is a neurotransmitter that influences mood behaviour.
Releasing more serotonin in the brain induces mood well-being in most depressed subjects.
In most depressed people, serotonin is re-uptaked the most after its release. Thus, barely delivering its effects.
Inhibiting serotonin re-uptake by Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI) as Imipramine (TOFRANIL®) and Fluoxetine (PROZAC®) is a key mechanism of action to relieve depression in modern medicine.
Non depressed
Serotonin is:
- Released
- Reuptaked SLIGHTLY
- Binding its receptors
- Making effect
Depressed
Serotonin is:
- Released
- Reuptaked MOSTLY
- No binding its receptors
- No making effect
Depressed SSRI treatment
Serotonin is:
- Released
- Reuptake IS INHIBITED
- Binding its receptors
- Making effects
In Vitro Study
- The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of MOODREAL® in a serotonin uptake assay on rat synaptosomes to evaluate Serotonin Re-uptake activity.
- The experiment was chosen because in vitro tests on rat synaptosomes are the reference to validate selective serotonin re-uptake activity.
- Imipramine was chosen as the standard since it is a Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor, and it is used as the reference compound to inhibit 100% of serotonin re-uptake.
Study Results
- MOODREAL® at a concentration of 3 mg/mL demonstrated an inhibition of serotonin re-uptake equivalent to 67% of the inhibition caused by Imipramine (TOFRANIL®) at 10 mg/mL, a “golden standard” selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
- The >50% Serotonin re-uptake in this test demonstrates a significant effect of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibition in this validated model to test anti depressive medication effects.
- Thus, this study demonstrates the significant activity of MOODREAL® in an in vitro study even when compared to anti depressive medication.
Substantial Equivalence
Imipramine vs Saffron
Fluoxetine vs Saffron
Placebo vs Saffron
Imipramine vs Saffron
Clinical Trial (double blind, randomised)
Parameters
- 30 adults
- 6 weeks
- Hamilton Depression scoring > 18
Groups
- A: 10 mgX3/d saffron ext.>2% safranal
- B: 100 mg/d Imipramine
Results
- As efficient as Imipramine (TOFRANIL®) (***p<0.001)
Fluoxetine vs Saffron
Clinical Trial (double blind, randomised)
Parameters
- 40 adults
- 6 weeks
- Hamilton Depression scoring > 18
Groups
- A: 15mgX2/d saffron ext.>2% safranal
- B: 20 mg/d Fluoxetine
Results
- As efficient as Fluoxetine (PROZAC®) (***p<0.001)
Placebo vs Saffron
Clinical Trial (double blind, randomised)
Parameters
- 40 adults
- 6 weeks
- Hamilton Depression scoring > 18
Groups
- A: 15mgX2/d saffron ext.>2% safranal
- B: placebo
Results
- More efficient than placebo (***p<0.001)
Applications
Functional foods
Bars
Shakes
Beverages
Confectionary
Powders
Snacks diet products
Supplements
Meal replacements
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