Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its main constituents, i.e., crocin and crocetin, are natural carotenoid compounds, which have been reported to possess a wide spectrum of properties and induce pleiotropic anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and neuroprotective effects. An increasing number of experimental, animal, and human studies have investigated the effects and mechanistic pathways of these compounds in order to assess their potential therapeutic use in ocular diseases (e.g., in age related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic maculopathy). This narrative review presents the key findings of published clinical studies that examined the effects of saffron and/or its constituents in the context of ocular disease, as well as an overview of the proposed underlying mechanisms mediating these effects.
Highlights
In addition to uncorrected refractive error, age related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataract, and other retinal diseases are the major causes of blindness worldwide [1,2,3,4]
While the lower crocin dose did not induce significant reductions compared to placebo, the study authors noted that this dose could clinically improve Central macular thickness (CMT), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), HbA1c, and fasting glycaemia [39]
The exact mechanisms by which saffron and/or were its constituents of the 15 tested animals [42]. These findings suggest that crocins may be resynthesized from circulating crocetin, which can reach the retina following blood-brain barrier damage, as supported by the fact that no crocin or crocetin metabolites were found in healthy retinas or other parts of the central nervous system [42]
Summary
Aston University, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK;. Aston Medical Research Institute, Aston Medical School, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK;. WISDEM, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK. Translational & Experimental Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
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