Open Access

Active constituents of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and their prospects in treating neurodegenerative diseases (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Weijing Yang
    • Xue Qiu
    • Qinghua Wu
    • Fei Chang
    • Tao Zhou
    • Mingmei Zhou
    • Jin Pei
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: April 3, 2023     https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2023.11934
  • Article Number: 235
  • Copyright: © Yang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Crocus sativus L. (saffron) is widely used as a traditional spice for flavoring, coloring and medicinal purposes. As a traditional Chinese herb, saffron promotes blood circulation, removes blood stasis, cools and detoxifies the blood, relieves depression and calms the mind. According to modern pharmacological studies, the active constituents of saffron, including crocetin, safranal and crocus aldehyde, exhibit antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, mitochondrial function‑improving and antidepressant effects. Thus, saffron has the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and impaired mitochondrial function, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and cerebral ischemia. The present article provides a review of the pharmacological effects of saffron and its constituents in terms of neuroprotective effects, including antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory effects and the improvement of mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as their clinical application in treating NDs.
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May-2023
Volume 25 Issue 5

Print ISSN: 1792-0981
Online ISSN:1792-1015

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Spandidos Publications style
Yang W, Qiu X, Wu Q, Chang F, Zhou T, Zhou M and Pei J: Active constituents of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and their prospects in treating neurodegenerative diseases (Review). Exp Ther Med 25: 235, 2023.
APA
Yang, W., Qiu, X., Wu, Q., Chang, F., Zhou, T., Zhou, M., & Pei, J. (2023). Active constituents of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and their prospects in treating neurodegenerative diseases (Review). Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 25, 235. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2023.11934
MLA
Yang, W., Qiu, X., Wu, Q., Chang, F., Zhou, T., Zhou, M., Pei, J."Active constituents of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and their prospects in treating neurodegenerative diseases (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 25.5 (2023): 235.
Chicago
Yang, W., Qiu, X., Wu, Q., Chang, F., Zhou, T., Zhou, M., Pei, J."Active constituents of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and their prospects in treating neurodegenerative diseases (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 25, no. 5 (2023): 235. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2023.11934