The present study investigated the cytogenetic and testicular damage induced by the antiepileptic drug, sodium valporate (SVP) in albino rats and the effect of saffron aqueous extracts. Treating rats with SVP caused a significant increase in the chromosomal aberrations either structural or numerical and decreased the mitotic index. Besides, animals administered SVP showed DNA damage appeared in...

From ancient times, saffron dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. is widely used as a drug against different human diseases. In the beginning of 1990 ́s scientific literature reported for the first time the antitumor activity of saffron. During the last decade different laboratories of the world (including ours) have accumulated sufficient scientific evidence to suggest that saffron, and its main i...

Saffron, obtained from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L., is an important spice, rich in carotenoids. Carotenoids are capable of protecting cells from the attack of free radicals, which naturally develop during sunbathing, smoking, exercise – even breathing oxygen. It has been estimated that our body needs 6 to 30 mg of carotenoids per day to protect its cells. These amounts are normally c...

Background Metabolic control is a major concern in preventing diabetic complications. Saffron as a natural source of antioxidants could play a role in alleviating diabetes insults. The aim of this study was to investigate effect of saffron hydroalcoholic extract on metabolic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus. Materials and Methods This randomized triple blind study was included 54 T2D...

Objective(s) Anti-Helicobacter pylori effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L., Iridacea) and its major constituents, crocin and safranal, were evaluated. Materials and Methods Macerated aqueous and methanol extracts tested against 45 clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori, using paper disc diffusion method (DDM) on modified egg yolk emulsion agar (EYE agar). Four antibiotics also tested agai...

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 and 1...

Introduction: Stroke causes high rate of mortality in different societies. The medicinal uses of saffron (Crocus sativus) have a long history. Some metabolites derived from saffron stigmas exert numerous therapeutic effects due to hypolipidemic, antitussive, antioxidant, antidiabetic activities and many others. Materials and Methods:  Experiment performed with 120 ...

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) belongs to the Iridaceae family. The stigma of saffron has been widely used as spice, medicinal plant, and food additive in the Mediterranean and Subtropical countries. Recently, attention has been paid to the identification of new sources of safe natural antioxidants for the food industry. The antioxidant activities of spices are mainly attributed to their phenolic ...

Background: Given the concerns about the use of chemical preservatives in food, the consumers and producers have been interested in natural alternatives, such as plant essential oils and extracts. Since there are limited studies about the effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on the behavior of foodborne pathogens in food models, this study aimed to determine the inhibitory effect of aqueous ex...