Crocin Supports Sleep Quality, Mood & General Health in Elderly – Clinical Study Found

According to recent clinical findings from a study published in January, 2023¹, crocin supplementation could significantly benefit sleep quality, well-being, and happiness in the elderly population.

Crocin is the most important active constituent found in saffron and a unique water-soluble carotenoid with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Research has revealed that crocin is primarily responsible for the various beneficial health effects of saffron. Crocin only exists saffron and a few limited plant sources, but not in common foods, fruits or vegetables.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate a 4-week intervention with crocin. Accompanied with a 4-week follow-up among the participants (>65 age), scientists found that consumption of crocin (30mg/day) by elderly individuals led to significantly better results on all the three assessed areas: sleep quality, general health, and happiness in the subsequent evaluations.

A similar clinical study published in 2021 found supplementation with 150mg pure saffron and resistance training also resulted in improved mood and happiness levels in untrained young males².

Additionally, crocin can be transformed into crocetin inside the human body. Two earlier human studies carried out in Japan found that crocetin improved sleep quality among healthy adults with mild sleep complaints^3,4. Scientists in Japan have also found that daily supplementation of crocetin alleviates physical fatigue in human subjects⁵.

Furthermore, clinical studies since 2015 have shown that crocin improves mood and quality of life^6-11.

Currently, Crocin Rich® is the only high purity natural crocin/crocetin ingredient that is the FDA reviewed and issued No Objection as a new dietary ingredient (NDI) in the United States. Supplements with Crocin Rich® can provide quantified and consistent amounts of crocin for potency and effectiveness.

👉 For more on crocin's broad healthy aging benefits, read:

Healthy Aging with Crocin: Natural Support for Brain, Vision & Energy

And:

Crocin for Brain Health: Memory, Focus, Cognitive Function & Mental Clarity

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can crocin help with sleep quality?

A: Clinical studies have found crocin supplementation supports mood, sleep quality and overall health in older adults. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants over 65 who took crocin daily reported significant benefits in sleep quality, general health, and overall happiness compared to placebo.

Q: Is crocin safe for elderly adults?

A: Crocin has been studied in multiple clinical trials involving older adult populations with a favorable safety profile. As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions.

Q: How long does it take for crocin to support sleep quality?

A: The clinical study referenced in this article observed meaningful health benefits over an 8-week supplementation period. Individual results may vary.

Q: What is the difference between crocin and melatonin for sleep support?

A: Melatonin directly influences sleep-wake cycles. Crocin works through antioxidant and neuroprotective pathways that support healthy levels of serotonin, overall brain health and emotional balance, which may contribute to better sleep quality. They work through different mechanisms and are not directly comparable.

References:

1. Sadeghi-Gandomani H, et al. The Effects Of Crocin Supplementation On Sleep Quality, General Health, And Happiness In Elderly Population: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, 2023; 13(1):E38718. https://www.academia.edu/103060554
2. Physiology & Behavior. 2021, 233, 113352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113352
3. Complement Ther Med. 2018 Dec;41:47-51. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30477864/
4. Phytomedicine 2010, 17: 840-843. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2010.03.025 
5. Daily oral administration of crocetin attenuates physical fatigue in human subjects. Nutr Res. 2009, 29(3): 145-150. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19358927/
6. International Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2022, 38(1): 9-15(7). https://doi.org/10.1097/YIC.0000000000000426
7. Phytotherapy Research. 2021, 35(9):5143-5153. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7180
8. Human Psychopharmacology. 2021 Jul;36(4):e2780. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33599345/
9. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal. 2017, 19 (9); e13676. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/50e3/aff06d6129c530d080fee19406c8567e6005.pdf
10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-019-0198-1
11. Adv Clin Exp Med. 2017, 26(6): 925–930. https://advances.umw.edu.pl/en/article/2017/26/6/925/
12. J. Affective Disorders. 2015, 174: 51-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2014.11.035

About the Author: Dr. Song Gao, PhD

Dr. Song Gao is the founder of Saffron Health Sciences and a leading expert in natural product chemistry with a Ph.D. in Food Science and M.S. in Pharmaceutical Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A former Senior Scientist at Kraft Foods and leader in the natural products industry, Dr. Gao holds multiple US patents for his work in phytochemical purification and applications. He is the creator of Crocin Rich®—a high-purity natural crocin developed to provide the concentrated benefits observed in over 60 clinical studies on crocin. Dr. Gao is committed to science-driven solutions to support cognitive health, vision, and healthy aging.