Toxicology effects of saffron and its constituents: a review

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

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

2 Pharmaceutical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Neurocognitive Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has been considered as a medicinal plant since ancient times and also widely used as food additive for its color, taste and odor. The pharmacological properties of saffron and its main constituents, crocin and safranal have been evaluated using different in vivo and in vitro models. Additionally, other lines of studies have found toxicological effects of saffron.  However, a comprehensive review that covers all aspects of its toxicity has not been published yet. The current study provides classified information about the toxic effects of saffron and its constituents in various exposure conditions including acute, sub-acute, sub-chronic and chronic studies. Therapeutic doses of saffron exhibits no significant toxicity in both clinical and experimental investigations.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
Volume 20, Issue 2
February 2017
Pages 110-121

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