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Research: ZHANG and COLLEAGUES,
Listed in Issue 216
Abstract
ZHANG and COLLEAGUES, Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research, The Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA review the effects of Crocus sativus and its main ingredients, such as crocin, on cancer therapeutics.
Background
Cancer dramatically impacts human life expectancy and quality of life. Natural substances from vegetables, herbs and spices could be beneficial in the prevention or treatment of a variety of cancers. Crocus sativus (Iridaceae), which has been used as a folk medicine for treating diseases for ages, showed obvious cancer chemoprevention potential.
Methodology
The authors reviewed research data from saffron, a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, and its constituents using the major databases, namely, Web of Science, SciFinder and PubMed.
Results
Saffron possesses free radical-scavenging properties and antitumor activities. Significant cancer chemopreventive effects have been shown in both in vitro and in vivo models.
Conclusion
Based on current data, saffron and its ingredients could be considered as a promising candidate for clinical anticancer trials.
References
Zhang Z, Wang CZ, Wen XD, Shoyama Y and Yuan CS. Role of saffron and its constituents on cancer chemoprevention. [Review] Pharmaceutical Biology. 51(7):920-4. Jul 2013.
