Italian Crocus
Crocus sativus
Crocus sativus, commonly known as saffron, is a traditional plant used primarily for its vibrant color and distinctive flavor in culinary practices. It has a long-standing tradition in various cultures, particularly in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, where it is valued for its rich history and therapeutic properties. While there are no recorded traditional uses of Crocus sativus for medicinal purposes, scientific research indicates that factors such as rainfall and minimum temperature can influence the quality of saffron by affecting gene expression and stigma differentiation. Studies have also identified 57 developmentally regulated proteins involved in apocarotenoid metabolism across different stages of saffron flower growth. At low concentrations, safranal, a compound found in saffron, acts as a neuroprotective antioxidant; however, high doses can cause mitochondrial uncoupling and cell death. In animal studies, 40 mg/kg of saffron (TSC) reduced oxidative stress and liver enzyme levels in rats exposed to bisphenol A (BPA). No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Crocus sativus.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that rainfall and minimum temperature influenced the expression of specific genes and saffron quality in different growing locations.
- The study identified 57 developmentally regulated proteins involved in stigma differentiation and apocarotenoid metabolism across saffron flower stages.
- Safranal acts as a neuroprotective antioxidant at low concentrations but can induce mitochondrial uncoupling and cell death at high doses.
- TSC at 40 mg/kg reduced oxidative stress and liver enzyme levels in rats exposed to BPA.
Frequently asked questions
What is Italian Crocus?
Italian Crocus (Crocus sativus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Italian Crocus?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Italian Crocus; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that rainfall and minimum temperature influenced the expression of specific genes and saffron quality in different growing locations.
How strong is the evidence for Italian Crocus?
The strongest finding for Italian Crocus carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Italian Crocus safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Italian Crocus in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Italian Crocus interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Italian Crocus in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Italian Crocus?
Italian Crocus is also known as: шафран посевной, Crocus cultive.
Is Italian Crocus a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Trans sodium crocetinate protects against hepatotoxicity induced by bisphenol A in rats. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Stage-Resolved Proteomic and Structural Insights Into Apocarotenoid Biosynthesis During Saffron (Crocus sativus) Flower Development. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The dual face of safranal: Neuroprotective antioxidant or mitochondrial uncoupler? literature abstract metadata
- T2 Rainfall and minimum temperature modulate the expression of CsβCH and CsCCD1 genes in saffron stigma and improve its quality: comparison of traditional, non-traditional and indoor sites. literature abstract metadata