Saffron in phytotherapy: pharmacology and clinical uses.
Saffron (stigmata of Crocus sativus L.) has been used for medicinal purposes for millennia. Throughout history, uses against cancer and depressive mood can regularly be identified. These applications have also been in the focus of modern research. Promising and selective anti-cancer effects have been observed in vitro and in vivo, but not yet in clinical trials. Antidepressant effects were found in vivo and in clinical pilot studies. Saffron extracts thus have the potential to make a major contribution to rational phytotherapy.
Schmidt
Mathias
M
Herbresearch Germany, Tussenhausen, Germany. schmidt@herbresearch.de
Betti
Georges
G
Hensel
Andreas
A
D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D027622:Crocus / Q000737:chemistry; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007053:Ice; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012106:Research; D012449:Safety; D013997:Time Factors; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects
D007053:Ice; D010936:Plant Extracts
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