[Studies on the pharmacological effects of saffron(Crocus sativus L.)--a review].
OBJECTIVE
Reviewing the studies on the chemical components and medicinal value.


METHODS
Philological method.


RESULTS
Saffron is a conventional effective medicine in improving blood circulation and curing the bruise. The late of evidesnces indicate that saffron possesses anticancer activity against a wide spectrum of tumors, such as leukemia, ovarian carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, papilloma, squamous cell carcinoma, and soft tissue sarcoma. It has low biochemical toxic effects on animals. In addition, saffron can be used to cure coronary heart disease and hepatitis, and to promote immunity.


CONCLUSIONS
Saffron is a highly valuable medicine. And producing it in a large quantity has a wide application prosperity.
Deng
Ying
Y
Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Guo
Zhi-gang
ZG
Zeng
Zhao-lin
ZL
Wang
Zhao
Z
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D027622:Crocus / Q000737:chemistry; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000266:history / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D035264:Flowers / Q000737:chemistry; D049669:History, 16th Century; D006801:Humans; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal