Preventing Dementia Using Saffron, The Kampo Medicine, Kamiuntanto, and Their Combination, Kamiuntantokabankoka

Abstract

The objective of this review is to evaluate the anti-dementia activities of saffron and its combination with Kampo medicine. The Kampo formula Kamiuntanto composed of 13 crude drugs is well known for its anti-dementia activity. A significant increase in choline acetyltransferase activity and mRNA levels were observed. Polygala radix was identified as the most essential component drug in Kamiuntanto, probably due to the saponins, tenuifolin, and sinapinic acid. Ginseng was also identified as an essential Kamiuntanto component in terms of its synergistic functions with Polygala radix. Saffron, which was recommended in the Bencao Gangmu for memory and dementia, and is used as an anti-spasmodic, anti-catarrhal, and sedative herbal drug. Saffron and its major constituent, crocin were shown to enhance learning-memory, non-rapid eye movement (rem) sleep, and inhibit depression and neuronal cell death due to strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation activities. In addition based on the epidemiological studies such as the treatment of sleeping disorders and the clinical trials of saffron for Alzheimer patients, we demonstrated the indirect and direct anti-dementia activities of crocin and saffron.

Vertigoheel promotes rodent cognitive performance in multiple memory tests

“…Notably, such supplementary and alternative medicines often contain multiple chemical entities and, therefore, able to engage a broader set of targets. Such multicomponent treatments have a long history of safe and effective usage in Eastern medicine, for example traditional Chinese medicine, ayurvedic and Kampo preparations ( Wang et al, 2016 ; Takayama et al, 2020 ; Kuchta et al, 2021 ; Gayathri et al, 2022 ). Even in the case of single plant species, the overall effects on cognition may also be due to the diversity of chemical constituents and their multiple biological actions, as suggested, for example, for Ginkgo biloba and Crocus sativus (saffron) preparations ( Sanaie et al, 2022 ; Villegas et al, 2022 ).…”

Determination of Saffron Quality through a Multi-Analytical Approach

“…Saffron is mainly used as a spice added to numerous foods and drinks [ 5 ], as well as a key component of many dyes used in the cosmetic industry [ 6 ]. Saffron is also a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent with several therapeutic properties [ 7 ]. For centuries, saffron extracts have been used to treat numerous conditions such as genital diseases, eye diseases and menstrual disorders [ 8 ].…”