Effect of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) in hepatocellular carcinoma: A narrative review of current evidence and prospects

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation Science, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Endovascular Section, Neurosurgical Department, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

4 Clinical Research Development Unit, Shahid Hasheminejad Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

10.22038/ijbms.2025.84172.18204

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a considerable worldwide health concern that requires novel therapeutic approaches. Herbal therapy, with its rich historical origins and diverse pharmacological properties, provoked interest in its possible involvement in HCC treatment. Crocus sativus L. (saffron) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) are two frequently employed herbs in traditional Persian medicine for hepatoprotective properties. As a result, this review article aims to investigate the present landscape of therapies using saffron and rosemary, as well as their main components in the management of HCC. A thorough search was undertaken on Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science for in vivo and in vitro studies on the effects of these two herbs on HCC. No time limitations were imposed, with the search extending until December 2024. Saffron and rosemary have shown promising anticancer activities against HCC through several mechanisms for instance, increasing apoptosis, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, decreasing colony formation, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation, reducing the activity of Janus kinases (JAK)1, JAK2, protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, as well as lowering vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) amounts in preclinical fields. While research into saffron, rosemary, and their main components in controlling HCC shows promise, it is critical to note that the belief that herbal therapy is always safe can be misleading. Caution is recommended while evaluating these approaches, as their effects and interactions with standard treatments may differ. More thorough clinical studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy profiles of these herbal medicines in HCC thoroughly. 

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Main Subjects

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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
Volume 28, Issue 8
August 2025
Pages 986-1003

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