EFFECTS OF CROCUS SATIVUS PETALS EXTRACT ON BIOCHEMICAL BLOOD PARAMETERS IN MALE RATS

Background: Saffron (Crocus Sativus) petals consist of, glycosides, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Due to the increasing use of medicinal plants in treatment of diseases and identifying their side effects on various organs, this study is to evaluate the effects of Crocus Sativus petals on biochemical blood parameters in male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 male Wistar rats with the mean body weight of 215±15 g were randomly assigned into five groups of 6 animals each. Control group received normal saline (10 ml/kg) and treatment groups received 75, 150, 220 and 450 mg/kg body weight of saffron petals extract, for 14 days. Body weight measured in days 0, 7, and 14. At the end of experiment, serum levels of liver function marker enzymes such as AST and ALT, total proteins, albumin, creatinine, cholesterol and triglyceride were assessed. Results: Compared to control group, ethanol extract of saffron petals significantly increased serum albumin and also significantly decreased levels of serum cholesterol and AST (p 0.05). Conclusion: Increase in levels of albumin and decrease in liver enzymes may indicate the lack of liver damage. Reduction in cholesterol which is probably due to flavonoid extracts of saffron and no effect on body weight can be beneficial in the use of saffron petals. Keyword: blood lipids, liver enzymes, rat, saffron petals.