Description
The standardized extract of Saffron (Crocus sativus), the world's most expensive spice. Standardized to crocin (the principal coloring compound) and safranal (the principal aroma compound). Used in premium mood-support and appetite-control dietary supplements globally.
Reddish-brown to brown free-flowing powder. Highly water-soluble.
We supply food-grade Saffron Extract from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include 2 percent Safranal (standard supplement grade matching the clinically-studied dosing), Affron Brand-Equivalent (patent-positioned premium grade with 3.5 percent lepticrosalides), and 0.3 percent Safranal Standardized Extract for cost-driven applications.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering safranal content (HPLC), crocin content, picrocrocin content, residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbiology.
Introduction
Saffron has been used as both spice and medicine for over 3,500 years across Persian, Mediterranean, and Indian cultures. The compound is harvested from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus flowers, with approximately 150,000 flowers required to produce 1 kg of dried saffron (the source of its position as the world's most expensive spice by weight).
Industrial production for supplement applications proceeds by ethanol or hydroalcoholic extraction of dried saffron stigmas, followed by purification and standardization to defined safranal and crocin content.
Recognized as a permitted food ingredient by the U.S. FDA, the European Food Safety Authority, and equivalent regulators worldwide.
Saffron has emerged as one of the most clinically-studied botanical mood-support ingredients globally, with multiple controlled trials demonstrating efficacy comparable to selected pharmaceutical SSRI antidepressants in mild-to-moderate major depressive disorder at 30 mg per day doses. The evidence base supports the premium positioning of Saffron supplements over competing botanical mood ingredients.
Strategic positioning targets the premium mood-support and emotional-wellbeing supplement segment specifically, where clinical evidence and premium positioning justify the substantial cost premium over conventional mood supplements.
Where it is used
- Premium mood-support dietary supplements: depression-support and emotional-wellbeing formulations (the dominant commercial application)
- Appetite-control and weight-management supplements
- Sleep-support and stress-management formulations
- Eye-health supplements: macular health and vision support
- Premium functional beverages and wellness shots
- Cosmetic skincare: premium anti-aging and brightening formulations
- Traditional Persian and Mediterranean medicine product formulations
- Pharmaceutical research applications including clinical trials for major depressive disorder
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Reddish-brown to brown free-flowing powder |
| Safranal content (HPLC) | 0.3% / 2% (grade dependent) |
| Crocin content (UV) | ≥ 5% (premium grades) |
| Picrocrocin content | ≥ 1% |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 5.0% |
| Residue on ignition | ≤ 5.0% |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Source | Crocus sativus dried stigmas |
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