Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Saffranal is one of the main volatile compounds found in saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and is primarily responsible for its distinctive aroma. There is some emerging scientific evidence suggesting that saffranal may have sedative and sleep-promoting effects, which has led to its investigation as a potential support for insomnia. Preclinical studies in animal models have shown that saffranal can increase total sleep time and reduce sleep latency, possibly through positive modulation of GABAergic activity in the central nervous system—mechanisms similar to those of common sedative-hypnotic drugs. For example, research published in peer-reviewed journals has demonstrated that saffranal administration led to increased non-REM sleep and had anxiolytic effects in rodents.

However, clinical evidence in humans remains limited. Some small-scale trials using saffron extracts (which contain saffranal along with other compounds) have reported improvements in sleep quality in people with insomnia or sleep disturbances, but these studies do not isolate saffranal as the sole active component. No large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials have specifically evaluated purified saffranal for insomnia in humans. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale and preliminary evidence, the strength of the evidence is modest, and more robust human studies are needed to firmly establish efficacy and safety.

More about Saffranal
More about Insomnia

Other ingredients used for Insomnia

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Flueggea suffruticosa
Ficus religiosa
Ficus simplicissima
Fringed Pink
Frankincense
Gelsemium
Geraniol
Giant Blazingstar
Glycine
Gardenia jasminoides
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut

Other health conditions supported by Saffranal

Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Depression
Insomnia
Memory and Brain Function
Stress

Products containing Saffranal

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.