Therapeutic potential of saffron, and its chemical components in the treatment of cancers and cardiovascular disorders – a review

Abstract

Crocus sativus L., a medicinally important species of the Iridaceae family which produces the herb saffron, plays an effective role in combating various pathogenic disorders including cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Apart from its conventional colorant and aroma-inducing attributes, various phytochemical compounds associated with saffron are now being intensively studied. More than 300 phytochemical compounds, derived from saffron stigmas alone, belong to various classes of secondary metabolites such as carotenoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins; and they have immense therapeutic applications. Furthermore, pharmacogenomic studies of saffron extracts have revealed promising biocompatible and anticancer potentials against various drug-resistant cell lines which reduce cellular division and proliferation of malignant cells. Keeping in view with the numerous pharmacological properties associated with saffron, the present review explicitly discusses the role of its elemental contents in the prevention and treatment of various cancers and cardiovascular ailments.