Evaluation of the Effects of Saffron Extract on Sleep Quality and Stress

This study has been designed as a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled interventional study.

Sixty-six subjects were randomly allocated to the control (placebo) or test (Saffr'activ®) group.

A screening visit was scheduled within 4 weeks before Day -7 (study inclusion). At Day -7 and Day 0, questionnaires were completed to evaluate sleep quality, stress level and quality of life. Between Day -7 and Day 0 baseline data for actimeter and sleep diary were registered. Then, subjects were supplemented during 6 weeks with the placebo or saffron (Saffr'activ®) product, depending on their group. Following the baseline period, two other periods of one week were scheduled to collect actigraphy data: between 2 and 3 (from Day 14 to Day 21) weeks and between 5 and 6 (from Day 35 to Day 42) weeks after the beginning of the intervention. At the middle (Day 21) and at the end of the study (Day 42), questionnaires were completed to evaluate sleep quality, stress level and/or quality of life.

Inclusion criteria

• In good general health as evidenced by medical history and physical examination;
• Presenting mild to moderate chronic primary sleep disorder (evaluated by Insomnia Severity Index - ISI, score between 7 and 21);
• Presenting mild to moderate anxiety (evaluated by Perceived Stress Scale - PSS, score between 6 and 29);
• For women: use of effective contraception;
• Fluent French speaking;
• Provision of signed and dated informed consent form;
• Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Sleep disorders secondary to another health problem;
• Lifestyle habits which would modify the wake-sleep rhythm (e.g. night work) or which would be modified during the study period;
• Pharmacological resistance to common hypnotic drugs or consumption of hypnotic drugs (< 3 months before the inclusion);
• Subjects presenting gastro-intestinal, hepatic, respiratory, psychiatric, kidney or cardiovascular disorders (< 3 months before the inclusion);
• Abnormal blood sampling;
• Subjects presenting depressive disorder (BDI score > 30);
• Recent (< 3 months before the inclusion) change in lifestyle (food, body weight > 5kg, sport);
• Within 3 months before the inclusion, chronic (> 7 days in a row) intake or dosage change of drug(s) or food supplement(s);
• Addict subjects or with historical addiction;
• Subjects who drink more than 3 glasses of alcohol per day (> 30g of alcohol per day);
• Exaggerated consumption of theine (≥ 500ml per day) and caffeine-rich (≥ 400ml per day) beverages and energy drink (≥ 250ml per day);
• Pregnant or lactating woman;
• Known allergy to saffron and/or olives;
• Subjects having participated to another clinical trial one month before the selection visit.