Evaluation of the Phytochemical Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) in Light of Current Approaches

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), belonging to the Iridaceae family, is an important medicinal plant that attracts attention in both traditional and modern medicine due to its high economic value and rich phytochemical content. The main bioactive components of saffron, crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal, are responsible for the plant's color, aroma, and taste characteristics, as well as its pharmacological effects (Rios et al., 1996; Pitsikas, 2016). Throughout history, saffron has been used in the treatment of digestive system diseases, pain, insomnia, depression, and various inflammatory conditions (Mousavi and Bathaie, 2011; Ceylan, 2005).

In this study, the phytochemical properties of saffron and its therapeutic effects on different disease groups were evaluated in line with current scientific data. Research shows that saffron exhibits strong antioxidant effects and can reduce cellular damage caused by oxidative stress (Amin et al., 2011; Sadeghnia et al., 2017). Furthermore, it has been reported to exhibit positive effects in mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders; some studies have shown similar efficacy to standard antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Noorbala et al., 2005; Marx et al., 2019). In neurodegenerative diseases, compounds such as crocin and safranal are stated to have shown neuroprotective effects and beneficial results in Alzheimer's disease (Hatziagapiou et al., 2019; Hadipour et al., 2020).

Studies on the anticancer effects of saffron show that this plant may be effective in various types of cancer by suppressing cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and reducing oxidative stress (Ashktorab et al., 2019; Lambrianidou et al., 2020). In conclusion, saffron is considered an important natural resource in the development of new pharmaceutical products in the future thanks to its multifaceted biological activities.