Saffron Chemoprevention in Biology and Medicine: A Review

Abstract

A growing body of evidence indicate that carotenoids possess anticarcinogenic, anti-mutagenic and immunomodulating effects. Saffron obtained from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L., is an important spice, rich in carotenoids, consumed commonly in different parts of the world. Our laboratory first reported the anticancer activity of saffron extract (dimethyl-crocetin) against a wide spectrum of murine tumors and human leukemia cell lines. The present report reviews the role of saffron in serving as a chemopreventive agent in modifying cancer risk. Dose-dependent cytotoxic effect to carcinoma, sarcoma and leukemia cells in vitro were noted. Saffron delayed ascites tumor growth and increased the life span of the treated mice compared to untreated controls by 45-120%. In addition, it delayed the onset of papilloma growth, decreased incidence of squamous cell carcinoma and soft tissue sarcoma in treated mice. Understanding the mechanisms of action of saffron have been solitarily based on their carotenoid-like action. Our results indicated significant inhibition in the synthesis of nucleic acids but not protein synthesis. It appears now that saffron (dimethyl-crocetin) disrupts DNA-protein interactions e.g. topoisomerases II, important for cellular DNA synthesis.

Effect of Saffron on Histomorphometric Changes of Testicular Tissue in Rat

“…Saffron's extract's anti diabetic effects and its efficiency in reduction of blood's sugar and fat amount is also proven (Bisset and Wichtl, 2001;El Daly, 1998;Gainer and Jones, 1975;Mohajeri et al, 2008). The studies have displayed that saffron's extract has anti tumorous (Abdullaev and Espinosa-Aguirre, 2004) and anti mutation (Fernandez, 2004) properties and prevents the nucleic acid synthesis in malignant cells on humans (Abdullaev and Ferenkel, 1992;Mohajeri et al, 2008;Nair et al, 1995). Saffron's extract has various compounds like α-Krustyn, crocins including the crocin and tricrocin, pykrvkrvsyn and safranal (Alonso et al, 1998;Li et al, 1999;Lozano et al, 2000;Tarantilis et al, 1994;.…”

“…Also it has been cleared that this grass improves the memory power and has some removal effects on free radicals. It also has anti tumorous properties (Jafarova et al, 2002;Abdullaev and Ferenkel, 1992;Escribano et al, 1996;GarciaOImo et al, 1999;Nair et al, 1995). Saffron's extract effect on declining blood pressure and its loosening influences on smooth muscles on rats and guinea pigs has been examined (Fatehi et al, 2003).…”

“…Regarding valuable alkaloids due to the body of eruption and saffron's root in majority of pharmacopoeia, it has been introduced as a very important herbal medicine and its properties have been stated. This herb, enjoying valuable alkaloids like lycopene and crocin (that both have anti tumor functions), has got a special place in pharmaceutics (Abdullaev, 1993;Nair et al, 1995). The most significant medical advantage of saffron is in curing prostate cancer.…”

“…This disease emerges due to hormonal changes such as decreased andrstron or increased serum estrogen, estradiol and androgen amounts. Alkaloid lycopene through reducing the androgens leads in epithelial cells atrophy and prevents the androgen effect on tissues; this way it can cure the prostate cancer (Nair et al, 1995). Considering contradictory reports about toxicity of saffron, there has been confusion on applying it as a herbal medicine.…”

Evaluation of antioxidant activities of bioactive compounds and various extracts obtained from saffron (Crocus sativus L.): a review

“…Interest in the impact of saffron carotenoids on human health is due to their high antioxidant capacity which was investigated by many researchers (Makhlouf et al 2011;Asdaq and Inamdar 2010;Karimi et al 2010;Bathaie and Mousavi 2010;TavakkolAfshari et al 2008;Kanakis et al 2007;Soeda et al 2007;Magesh et al 2006;Ochiai et al 2004;Selim et al 2000;Verma and Bordia 1998;Nair et al 1995). One of hypothesis for the modes of anti carcinogenic and anti tumor actions of saffron has been proposed the inhibitory effect on free radical chain reactions (Makhlouf et al 2011).…”