OBJECTIVES Saffron is the stigma of Crocus sativus L., which has the potentials to play a role in the treatment of many diseases. Although many researches are now going on this precious spice, there are few data on saffron safety in human, especially in patients with chronic mental illnesses. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term safety and tolerability of both saffron and crocin (its maj...

BACKGROUND Gingivitis is an inflammatory disease involving the gums. Saffron contains various forms of flavonoids, glycosides, and anthocyanin compounds that are proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory effects of Saffron stigma on gingival indices in patients with marginal generalized plaque-induced gingivitis. METHODS For this stud...

PURPOSE To test whether the saffron extract (Crocus sativus L.) given as a dietary supplement counteracts the effects of continuous light exposure in the albino rat retina. METHODS Three experimental groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Experimental animals were prefed either saffron or beta-carotene (1 mg extract/kg/d) before they were exposed to bright continuous light (BCL) for 24 hour...

OBJECTIVE(S) This study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) aqueous extract and safranal, the major constituent of the essential oil of saffron, on lipid peroxidation, biochemical parameters and histopathological findings in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS The saffron extract (20, 40, 80 an...

Saffron (Croucus sativus L) has been used traditionally as a spice for flavoring and coloring preparations. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of saffron on some neurotransmitter content in the different brain regions, i.e. cerebellum, brainstem, striatum, cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and hippocampus. The daily (i.p.) administration of saffron extract (60mg/kg) for four wee...

Although it is well established that chronic stress impairs spatial learning and memory, few studies have investigated possible ways to prevent its deleterious effects. Here, we investigated the effects of Crocus sativus L., commonly known as saffron, and its active constituent crocin on learning and memory loss and the induction of oxidative stress in the hippocampus by chronic stress. Rats we...

background crocus sativus l. (saffron), which belongs to the iridaceae family, is widely cultivated in iran. cardiovascular effects of saffron has been established in some studies but the effects of chronic administration of saffron (c. sativus) stigma aqueous extract on blood pressure has not been investigated. objectives in this study the effects of saffron (c. sativus) stigma aqueous extract...

PURPOSE Chronic stress has been reported to induce oxidative damage of the brain. A few studies have shown that Crocus Sativus L., commonly known as saffron and its active constituent crocin may have a protective effect against oxidative stress. The present work was designed to study the protective effects of saffron extract and crocin on chronic - stress induced oxidative stress damage of the ...

Objective: In the present study, the effects of aqueous saffron extract (Crocus sativus L.) on the acquisition and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice were investigated. Materials and Methods: Subcutaneous administration of morphine (40 mg/kg for four days) produced place preference. Intraperitoneal administration of aqueous extract (40 and 80 mg/kg for ...

BACKGROUND Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are relevant allergens, and have recently been proposed as model plant allergens from fruit, vegetables, seeds, and pollens. However, no LTP spice allergen has been characterized to date. OBJECTIVES To identify and isolate saffron LTPs and to explore their relevance in saffron allergy. METHODS Six patients with rhinitis and positive skin prick test ...