Synopsis

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

Safranal, a major volatile component of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), has been investigated for its potential sedative and hypnotic effects, which are relevant to the treatment of insomnia. Preclinical studies in animal models suggest that safranal may exert central nervous system depressant effects, possibly via modulation of GABA_A receptors, similar to the mechanism of some conventional hypnotic drugs. For example, several rodent studies have shown that administration of safranal increases total sleep time and reduces sleep latency, indicating a sedative-hypnotic effect. However, direct clinical evidence in humans for safranal’s efficacy in treating insomnia is currently very limited.

Human studies on saffron extracts (which contain safranal among other constituents) have demonstrated some benefit in improving subjective sleep quality, but these studies do not isolate safranal as the active component. Most trials utilize whole saffron or mixed extracts, making it difficult to attribute observed effects exclusively to safranal. Additionally, the number of clinical trials is small, sample sizes are limited, and methodologies vary, reducing the strength of conclusions that can be drawn.

In summary, while there is preclinical scientific evidence supporting a possible sedative effect of safranal, and some indirect support from human studies on whole saffron, robust clinical validation for safranal alone in the treatment of insomnia is lacking. Therefore, the scientific evidence supporting its use for insomnia is weak to moderate at best.

More about Safranal
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
Glycine
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 Safranal

Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Depression
Inflammation
Insomnia
Memory and Brain Function
Pain (general remedies for)
Stress

Products containing Safranal

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.