July 26, 2025
Saffron is derived from dark red stigmata of a bulbous and perennial herbal plant known as Crocus sativus L. It belongs to the Iridaceae family that is considered the most expensive carotenoid-rich spice and is widely available in Iran, India, and some European countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece, and France. Four main bioactive secondary metabolites which contribute to the overall appearance, taste, and potential biological activities of saffron are picrocrocin (bitter taste), crocetin (yellow-orange color), crocin (yellow-orange color), and safranal (hay-like fragrance). Besides, saffron is constituted by other metabolites such as carotenoids, terpenes, isophorones, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. Saffron has been used to treat a variety of diseases such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, Alzheimer's disease, depression, epilepsy, cancer, cardiovascular, and sexual disorders. Various investigations suggested that saffron may possess a plethora of pharmacologic effects including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, anti-genotoxic, anti-nociceptive, anti-atherosclerotic, insulinotropic, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxic effects.
While there are a variety of claimed medicinal properties of saffron, it is essential to assess the effects of saffron on liver function. Liver is an important organ responsible for many functions such as metabolism of xenobiotics, regulation of blood coagulation, storage of nutrients, synthesis of bile and proteins, and elimination of microorganisms in the body.
Upon exposure of xenobiotics (for example drugs, complementary medicines, pesticides, food additives, and environmental pollutants), enzymes in the liver metabolize them via many phases of biotransformation which results in the formation of metabolites. These metabolites may become reactive species which are capable to deplete glutathione enzymes, induce apoptosis and mitochondrial injury, impair DNA synthesis, disrupt calcium homeostasis, and eventually lead to hepatocellular injury. Untreated hepatocellular injuries can ultimately cause fulminant hepatitis with poor prognostic outcomes that require supportive care.
Saffron intake showed beneficial impacts on circulating AST levels. Saffron may possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effect. According to the recent study, saffron intake may have beneficial effects regarding liver protection.