Macuguard Ocular, Life Extension, 60 Softgels
$22.58
The world's golden spice, bright for your mood.
Wondered why saffron is the world's most expensive spice? Did you know each Crocus sativus flower yields only three delicate stigmas to be hand-picked? It may help support a positive mood.
Macuguard Ocular from Life Extension comes in a pack of 60 Softgels.
Saffron is the dried stigma of the Crocus sativus flower, and each flower produces only three. It takes thousands of flowers to make a small amount, which is why it is the world's most precious spice. Beyond its golden colour and flavour, saffron has been valued in Persian, Greek and Ayurvedic traditions for lifting the spirits. Modern research has focused on its role in mood, sleep and appetite satisfaction.
Delivery: Ships from overseas. Usually arrives in 1 to 2 weeks.
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Benefits & common uses
Benefits
- May help support a positive mood
- Traditionally used to help relieve mild stress and nervous tension
- May help support healthy sleep quality
- Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic
- May help relieve symptoms of premenstrual tension
- Contains natural carotenoid antioxidants such as crocin
What people commonly use it for
- Low or flat mood (Some clinical studies suggest benefit)
- Mild stress and tension (Some clinical studies suggest benefit)
- Premenstrual mood changes (Some clinical studies suggest it may help)
- Sleep quality (Early research only)
- Snacking and appetite satisfaction (Early research only)
Suggested to use alongside
- 5-HTP: Popular mood support nutrient
- Magnesium: Supports a healthy nervous system
- Vitamin D: Everyday vitamin for general wellbeing
The science behind it
Saffron's colour, taste and aroma come from three main compounds. Crocin gives the golden-red colour, picrocrocin provides the bitter taste, and safranal gives the characteristic scent. All three are studied for biological effects.
Research suggests saffron may influence brain chemistry related to mood. Crocin and safranal appear to affect the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, and may also act on GABA and glutamate signalling. These are the same pathways involved in mood regulation, which explains the research interest.
Several randomised trials have used standardised extracts at around 30 mg a day. A meta-analysis (Hausenblas and colleagues, Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2013) found saffron performed better than placebo for mood in the trials reviewed. Many studies were small and came from a few research groups, so more independent work is needed.
Other studies have looked at premenstrual symptoms, with positive early findings, and at sleep and snacking behaviour.
Quality is important:
- Real saffron is expensive, and adulteration with dyed fibres or turmeric is a known problem.
- Standardised extracts verify the active compounds.
- Studies mostly use the stigma only, not the petals.
Cooking amounts of saffron are tiny, around a pinch, and much lower than supplement doses. The effects seen in trials come from concentrated extracts and should not be expected from culinary use alone.
Product details & ingredients
- Pack size: 60 Softgels
- Form: Softgels
Ingredients
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
MacuGuard proprietary blend: Phospholipids, marigold extract (flower) [providing 10 mg free lutein, 4 mg meso -zeaxanthin & trans -zeaxanthin], mixed carotenoids [providing 1.24 mg α-carotene]: 173 mg
Saffron extract (stigma): 20 mg
C3G (cyanidin-3-glucoside) [from European black currant extract (fruit)]: 2.2 mg
Other Ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, gelatin, glycerin, safflower oil, beeswax, palm oil, purified water, acacia gum, annatto color, potato maltodextrin.
Dosage
Warning
Keep out of reach of children. Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.
Free Of: Gluten, Non-GMO.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This information is general in nature and not medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
Supplier ref: Macuguard Ocular Support with Saffron 60 Softgels by Life Extension
Common questions
What is saffron used for in supplements?
Saffron extract is used to support a positive mood, relaxation and sleep quality. It is also used for premenstrual wellbeing.
How much saffron should I take a day?
Studies typically use about 30 mg of standardised extract daily, often split into two doses. Follow your product label.
How long does saffron take to work?
Most studies run for four to eight weeks, so allow a similar time to judge.
Is saffron the same as turmeric?
No. They look similar when ground, but are different plants. Saffron is made of flower stigmas and is much more costly.
Can I take saffron with food?
Yes. Taking it with food is fine and may reduce stomach upset.
Can I just use saffron from the kitchen?
Culinary amounts are far smaller than those in studies, so they are unlikely to give the same effects.
Safety
Saffron in food amounts is safe, but high doses may cause nausea, dizziness or dry mouth. Avoid supplemental doses in pregnancy. Speak with your healthcare professional if you take medicines for mood or blood pressure, or take blood thinners.
About Life Extension
Life Extension is an American brand known for science-led, high-potency formulas.
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