a survey on saffron in major islamic traditional medicine books

islamic traditional medicine (itm) is a holistic system of medicine. saffron (crocus sativus) is one of the most famous plants cultivated in iran and has a wide range of activities such as oxytocic, anti-carcinogenic, exhilarant, anti-depressant, and anti-asthma effects. in addition, saffron can increase the bioavailability and enhance absorption of other drugs. this study comprises a bibliographical survey of 13 major itm books regarding different medical aspects of this species. ferdows al-hekmah fi’l-tibb (the paradise of wisdom in medicine), al-hawi fi’l-tibb (comprehensive book of medicine), kamel al-sanaat al-tibbyyah (complete book of the medical art), al-qanun fi’l-tibb (canon of medicine), zakhireh kharazmshahi (treasure of kharazmshahi), and makhzan al-adwiah (drug treasure) are some of the most important itm books used in this survey.