Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Crocus sativus on Serum Cytokine Levels in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- Controlled Trial.

Background/aims: A growing body of evidence supports an important role of inflammatory cytokines in the development and progression of the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), which explains, at least in part, its relationship with an increased cardiovascular-risk. Several studies have reported the therapeutic-impact of crocus-sativus in a preclinical/clinical setting. Here we have explored the effects of crocus-sativus, on the serum concentrations of twelve serum cytokines in subjects with MetS in a randomized control trial.

A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

Background: Depression and anxiety are prevalent serious psychiatric disorders. Several drugs are used to treat these conditions but these are often associated with serious side effects. For this reason alternative therapies, including herbal medication such as saffron, have been proposed.

Saffron in metabolic syndrome: its effects on antibody titers to heat-shock proteins 27, 60, 65 and 70.

Background: The metabolic syndrome is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The heat shock proteins (HSPs) are highly conserved families of proteins expressed by a number of cell types following exposure to stressful environmental conditions include several known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have shown the potential of constituents of saffron in the treatment of atherosclerosis.