Crocin, Safranal & the Arsefran Complex
Crocin and safranal are saffron's (Crocus sativus) two signature bioactive compounds — crocin giving saffron its red-orange color, safranal giving it its aroma. Arceli's SaffInside™ standardizes a broader complex of these and related compounds (marketed as the Arsefran complex).
Crocin is a water-soluble carotenoid glycoside, unusual among carotenoids for being soluble in water rather than fat — which is part of why saffron extract can be formulated as a dispersible powder. Safranal is a volatile monoterpene aldehyde formed from the breakdown of picrocrocin during saffron processing, responsible for saffron's characteristic aroma.
Published systematic reviews and meta-analyses on saffron extract point to effects on mood, stress and sleep, with proposed mechanisms including modulation of the GABA and serotonin neurotransmitter systems. Saffron extract has also been studied for cortisol regulation and menopausal-symptom support.
Saffron extracts are standardized to a guaranteed percentage of the total bioactive complex (crocin, safranal, flavonoids and related polysaccharide/crocin derivatives), then processed into a fine, water-dispersible powder format suitable for supplement and functional-beverage formulation.
- Stress and anxiety support
- Sleep and mood support
- Menopausal symptom support
- Cortisol regulation support
Arceli Lifescience