Effect of Saffron (Croucus sativus L.) Extract on Central Nervous System of Male Albino Rats

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 weeks and subsequence withdrawal caused a significant increase in epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) content in all the tested brain regions at most of the time intervals studied. This is may be in a part, due to the presence of safranal which are mediated through agonized GABA and blocked calcium A channel a result the release of neurotransmitter is decreased and the content is increased. Saffron may be useful as a herbal medicine having sedative effect.