Source: MDPI
Abstract
Saffron is a valued herb, obtained from the stigmas of the C. sativus Linn (Iridaceae), with therapeutic effects. It has been described in pharmacopoeias to be variously acting, including as an anti-depressant, anti-carcinogen, and stimulant agent. The therapeutic effects of saffron are harbored in its bioactive molecules, notably crocins, the subject of this paper. Crocins have been demonstrated to act as a monoamine oxidase type A and B inhibitor. Furthermore, saffron petal extracts have experimentally been shown to impact contractile response in electrical field stimulation. Other research suggests that saffron also inhibits the reuptake of monoamines, exhibits N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonism, and improves brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling. A host of experimental studies found saffron/crocin to be similarly effective as fluoxetine and imipramine in the treatment of depression disorders. Saffron and crocins propose a natural solution to combat depressive disorders. However, some hurdles, such as stability and delivery, need to be overcome.
1. Introduction
Dried stigmas of the perennial flower Crocus sativus Linn (Iridaceae) produce a valued herb: saffron. Dubbed as “red gold” and “golden condiment”, saffron has been named in cookbooks and pharmacopoeias throughout history and geography, including Ebers papyrus (Egyptian, 1550 BC), Apicius (Roman, 1st century), Materia Medica (Greek, 1st century), Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine (Persian, 11th century), and Indian Ayurvedic literature [1,2,3,4,5]. Furthermore, it also serves as a dye in food products and textiles and as an aromatic in perfumes and cosmetics. These dried floral constituents most often are the vibrant stigmas of the flower, but sometimes also include styles and other floral tissue (e.g., filaments) [6]. The herb is of a red color and has a bitter taste and a pleasant fragrance. It has been employed in traditional medicine as an anti-depressant, anti-carcinogen, and stimulant, along with a great host of other functions [1,7].
Saffron is presently cultivated in Iran, India, Spain, Russia, and many other countries [6,7]. Geography varies widely, spanning Eurasia and including some of Africa. The saffron is sterile through its polyploidy, and propagation only occurs vegetatively via the daughter corms. Because of this asexual reproduction, no breeding efforts can be employed, limiting improvements to the selection of advantageously mutated corms. Only slight morphological and biochemical differences exist between these clones geographically. Morphological abnormalities rarely occur. This usually manifests in more or less than three-branched stigmas, through the fusion of flowering buds [8]. Saffron’s value is tied to its limited production methods. Harvesting is a laborious manual process and difficult to mechanize [9,10]. Saffron flowers in the autumn. Harvesting is only possible upon first bloom, as the frost of the superseding night will damage the flower. Therefore, harvesting is only done on a per flower basis. The subsequent separation of the styles and stigmas is most often also manual work, where the worker must regard not damaging the herb.
Ancient civilizations recognized saffron’s multitude of therapeutic effects. Second millennium B.C. Assyrians and Babylonians employed saffron as a medicine against dyspnea, neurological disorders, menstruation, and painful urination [11]. The Greeks used saffron against insomnia, addiction withdrawal, and hangovers [1]. The Egyptians used it as an incense with sedative qualities [12].
The present study provides an overview of saffron and its constituent crocin as an anti-depressant in historic medicine and the respective modern evidence. To this end, Scopus and Google Scholar were queried for reports on the pharmacological activities of saffron constituents, with particular focus on crocin, relating to mechanisms pertaining to depressive disorders. Additionally, the bioavailability of crocins and delivery mechanisms were investigated.
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