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

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  Conclusion The results of this study confirmed the short and long-term neuroprotective effects of aqueous extract of saffron on ischemic stroke in humans.