Abstract

REVIEW ON PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SAFFRON (CROCUS SATIVUS)

*Priyanka Sadaphal and *Kavita Dhamak

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Abstract

In this review different pharmacological properties of saffron petal such as antibacterial, antispasmodic, immunomodulatory, antitussive, antidepressant, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, antihypertensive, antidiabetic and antioxidant activity have been introduced. Clinical trials conducted on women with premenstrual syndrome showed that saffron could reduce suf-fering symptoms more than the placebo and similar to standard treatments. Saffron contains chemicals that might alter mood, kill cancer cells, decrease swelling, and act like antioxidants. Their antidepressants effects are also very evident. Crocus sativus (saffron) may inhibit the aggregation and deposition of amyloid bin thehuman brain and may therefore be useful in Alzheimer‟s disease (AD). It originated in Greece, where it was revered for its medicinal properties. Furthermore, advanced research is needed to elabo-rate the role of saffron in health management and its mechanism of action in the modulation of biological activities. Thus the aqueous extract of saffron can improvefertility, which may be attributed to crocetin and/or flavonoids contents of the extract. According to the obtained results saffron-based beverage is a suitable medium for the growth of lactic acid bacteria and production of functional beverages.

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