Protective properties of the aqueous extract of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in ischemic stroke, randomized clinical trial. (28th June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Asadollahi, Mostafa; Nikdokht, Parisa; Hatef, Boshra; Sadr, Seyed Shahabeddin; Sahraei, Hedayat; Assarzadegan, Farhad; Pirzad Jahromi, Gila
• Is Part Of: Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 238(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-06-28
• Subjects: Barthel scale -- Ischemic stroke -- Neuron specific enolase -- National institute of health stoke scale -- Aqueous extract of saffron -- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor -- S100; Ethnopharmacology -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosie -- Périodiques; Herbes -- Périodiques; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.111833
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-8741

Abstract

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Crocus sativus L. has been used throughout the world in traditional medicine as a treatment for neurological disorders such as depression. Growing attention is currently being paid to the use of neuroprotective agents in ischemic strokes. Aim of the study: This study assed the effect of saffron as a neuroprotective natural product in cerebral ischemia in human. Study design: Patients with acute ischemic stroke were randomly allocated to receive either routine stroke care (control group, n = 20) or routine care plus aqueous extract of saffron capsule (200 mg/day) (saffron-treated group, n = 19). Both groups were monitored during their four-day hospital stay and the three-month follow-up period. The groups were compared in terms of short- and long-term effects of saffron capsules using the National Institute of Health Stoke Scale (NIHSS), Barthel Scale, and serum neuron specific enolase (NSE), Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), S100 levels. Results: Based on the NIHSS, the severity of stroke during the first four days was significantly lower in the saffron-treated group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared to the levels on the first day, serum NSE and s100 levels were significantly decreased and BDNF concentration was increased in the saffron-treated group on the fourth day. Also, our results showed there was a negative significant non-linear cubic regression between BDNF concentration and score of NIHSS. At the end of the three-month follow-up period, the mean Barthel index was significantly higher in the saffron-treated group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study confirmed the short and long-term neuroprotective effects of aqueous extract of saffron on ischemic stroke in humans. Graphical abstract: Image 1