THE EVIDENCE
The science behind 28mg of Affron®
Affron® is a standardized saffron extract developed and manufactured by Pharmactive.
At 28mg daily, it has been studied in clinical trials examining benefits to mood, stress and sleep.
MOOD
Measurable improvements in mood.
Across three studies, participants taking 28 mg of Affron® daily showed greater improvements in mood measures than those taking placebo. Participants included adults with low mood and adolescents with mild-to-moderate symptoms.
VIEW THE STUDIES
2025 · ADULTS EXPERIENCING LOW MOOD
28mg daily · 12 weeks · 202 participants
STUDY READOUT · POSITIVE PRIMARY OUTCOME; MIXED SECONDARY OUTCOMES
Participants taking Affron® showed greater improvement on the study’s primary mood measure than those taking placebo. 72% met the study’s threshold for meaningful improvement, compared with 54% taking placebo. Other secondary measures did not differ between groups.
VIEW STUDY ↗
2017 · ADULTS EXPERIENCING LOW MOOD
28mg daily · 4 weeks · 128 participants
STUDY READOUT · POSITIVE AT 28MG
Participants taking 28mg daily reported greater reductions in negative mood, stress and anxiety-related symptoms than those taking placebo. The 22mg group did not show the same effect.
VIEW STUDY ↗
2018 · ADOLESCENTS WITH MILD-TO-MODERATE SYMPTOMS
28mg daily · 8 weeks · 80 enrolled
STUDY READOUT · POSITIVE PARTICIPANT REPORTS; MIXED PARENT REPORTS
Adolescents taking Affron® reported greater improvements in overall internalizing symptoms than those taking placebo, including measures related to low mood and anxiety. Parent-reported results were less consistent.
VIEW STUDY ↗
Lower reported stress after four weeks.
In a four-week study of 128 adults with low mood, those taking 28 mg of Affron® daily reported greater reductions in stress and anxiety-related symptoms than those taking placebo.
STRESS
VIEW THE STUDY
2017 · ADULTS EXPERIENCING LOW MOOD
28mg daily · 4 weeks · 128 participants
STUDY READOUT · POSITIVE AT 28MG
Participants taking 28mg daily reported greater reductions in stress and anxiety-related symptoms than those taking placebo. The 22mg group did not show the same effect.
VIEW STUDY ↗
SLEEP
Better sleep. More rested mornings.
Across two 28-day studies, adults with poor sleep who took Affron® reported better sleep quality than those taking placebo. Other improvements included fewer insomnia symptoms and feeling more rested.
VIEW THE STUDIES
2021 · ADULTS WITH UNSATISFACTORY SLEEP
14mg or 28mg nightly · 28 days · 120 participants
STUDY READOUT · POSITIVE PRIMARY OUTCOME; MIXED SECONDARY MEASURES
Both Affron® groups reported greater improvements in sleep-quality ratings and some insomnia measures than placebo. Improvements were similar at both doses; several other sleep measures did not differ between groups.
VIEW STUDY ↗
2020 · ADULTS WITH SELF-REPORTED POOR SLEEP
28mg daily · 28 days · 63 participants
STUDY READOUT · POSITIVE ACROSS REPORTED SLEEP MEASURES
Participants taking 28mg daily reported greater improvements in insomnia severity, restorative sleep and sleep-quality ratings than those taking placebo.
VIEW STUDY ↗
We thought you might ask.
VOLUME 01: Saffron Extract
What is Affron® and why does it matter?
Affron® is a patented, water-extracted saffron stigma extract developed and manufactured by Pharmactive. It is standardized by HPLC to contain at least 3.5% Lepticrosalides®, helping maintain a consistent profile from batch to batch. It is the specific form of saffron evaluated in the clinical studies referenced on this page.
Why 28mg?
Twenty-eight milligrams is the daily dose evaluated in Affron® clinical studies. Each Volume 01 capsule provides that studied dose.
What else is inside the capsule?
Affron® saffron extract — 28mg, rice flour and a plant-based hypromellose capsule shell. That’s the full formula.
Why is rice flour included?
Rice flour helps keep the formula stable and supports the even distribution of Affron® throughout each capsule. It is the only inactive ingredient inside the capsule shell.
Is this vegan and gluten-free?
Yes. Volume 01 uses a plant-based capsule shell and contains no animal-derived ingredients or gluten.
How is Volume 01 tested?
We take quality seriously. Volume 01 is manufactured in an FDA-registered facility and undergoes independent third-party testing for heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium, as well as microbial contaminants such as E. coli and Salmonella.
These tests help us verify the purity of our product and ensure we’re keeping the things you don’t want out of your daily routine.
When will I notice a difference?
Affron® is not a stimulant and is not expected to feel immediate. Clinical studies generally ran from four to 12 weeks. Take one capsule daily and assess it with consistent use.
Individual experiences may vary.
How should I take it?
Take one capsule daily, preferably with food, or as suggested by your physician. Use consistently.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Can I take it with other supplements or medication?
If you take medication, have a medical condition, are pregnant or nursing, speak with a qualified healthcare professional before use.
Why is there only one active ingredient?
More ingredients don’t necessarily mean better results. We focus on one carefully selected active ingredient, with a clearly stated source, dose and supporting research.
How is this different from other saffron supplements?
Not all saffron extracts are created equal. Volume 01 uses Affron®, a clinically studied saffron extract standardized to contain at least 3.5% Lepticrosalides®. This helps ensure consistent potency from batch to batch, rather than leaving you guessing what you’re getting.
ORDERS & SHIPPING
How long does shipping take?
Orders typically arrive within 5–8 business days of being placed, including order processing and transit. Delivery times are estimates and may vary by destination, holidays or carrier delays. You’ll receive tracking information once your order ships.
Do you ship internationally?
No. We currently ship within the U.S. only.
How much does shipping cost?
Free U.S. shipping on orders $50+. For orders below $50, shipping costs are calculated at checkout, so you’ll always know exactly what you’re paying before placing your order.
How does the 30-day satisfaction guarantee work?
We want you to give INDEX a try. And if it’s not for you, that’s okay too.
Your first bottle is covered by our 30-day satisfaction guarantee, even if you’ve already opened it. Simply email support@indexwellness.co within 30 days of delivery with your order number.
The guarantee applies to one bottle per customer from their first order placed on indexwellness.co, including orders containing multiple bottles. Subsequent purchases are not eligible.
We’ll refund the amount paid for the eligible bottle, after any discounts, to your original payment method. Shipping charges are non-refundable. We’ll notify you once your refund has been processed.
What if my order arrives damaged or incorrect?
We’re sorry if something isn’t quite right with your order! Please email us at support@indexwellness.co with your order number and a photo of the issue.
We’ll review the details and work with you to make it right, whether that’s a replacement or refund for the affected item, at no additional cost.
Please reach out to us before sending anything back.
Can I change or cancel my order?
Changed your mind? Just email us at support@indexwellness.co as soon as possible, and we’ll do our best to help. We can only make changes or cancellations before your order ships, so we can’t guarantee we’ll be able to catch it in time.
How do I get in touch?
Email support@indexwellness.co and include your order number when relevant.