Saffron ( Crocus sativus L. ) and morphine dependence: A systematic review article

Morphine dependence is considered as a major health problem in word wide. However, the efforts for overcoming the problem are failed because of the severity of drug dependence nature. In recent years, focus on the herbal drugs for treatment of drug dependence increases. Crocus sativus Linn (saffron) plant has potential therapeutic usage such as depression and Alzheimer disease. Some evidences reported that saffron has interaction with opioid system. In this review, the attempts were made to categorizing the accumulating data indicating the possible interaction of some constituents of saffron extracts on morphine-induced psychological or physical dependence. Saffron extract consists of several constituents including safranal; crocin and crocetin which may interact with several physical and psychological signs of the morphine dependence. Administration of saffron extract can reduce the morphine sensitization and morphine tolerance. Also aqueous and ethanolic extracts may have interaction with the opioid system to reduce withdrawal syndrome in morphine dependence