Crosit, thanks to its neuroprotective and radical scavenging action, is able to effectively perform its activity in cases of chronic and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). It also represents an excellent ally in regulating mood.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

The main pharmacological qualities of saffron are undoubtedly its neuroprotective, antioxidant, and mood-regulating properties. Among the molecules in the phyto-complex, both carotenoids, such as crocin and crocetin, and flavonoids and terpenoid derivatives, including safranal, have demonstrated a high protective capacity and radical scavenging ability. Thanks to these actions, saffron has long been an excellent candidate in developing therapies for chronic and degenerative CNS diseases. Moreover, using the whole flower, not just the stigmas, gives the drug a more complex and amplified potential for action. Among the main biologically relevant molecules in the petals, flavonoids are found, with particular attention given to kaempferol. This molecule has shown a pronounced potential for action in the field of neuroprotection due to its antioxidant effect and a good antidepressant power, interacting with the serotonergic system (at the 5-HT2 receptors) and leading to a decrease in MAO-A levels in the cerebral cortex, striatum, and liver.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

● Srivastava, R., Ahmed, H., Dixit, R. K., & Saraf, S. A. (2010). Crocus sativus L.: a comprehensive review. Pharmacognosy reviews, 4(8), 200. ● Bhargava, V. (2011). Medicinal uses and pharmacological properties of Crocus sativus Linn (Saffron). Int. J. Pharm. Pharm. Sci, 3(3). ● Khazdair, M. R., Boskabady, M. H., Hosseini, M., Rezaee, R., & Tsatsakis, A. M. (2015). The effects of Crocus sativus (saffron) and its constituents on nervous system: A review. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine, 5(5), 376. ● Zarei, M., Mohammadi, S., Komaki, A., & Golipour Choshali, Z. (2022). Antidepressant-like effects of intra-cerebroventricular microinjection of kaempferol in male rats: involvement of 5-HT2 receptors. Avicenna Journal of Neuro Psycho Physiology, 9(1), 23-30.