Researchers measured wound size on day 25 and determined the average wound area to be 5.5, 4.1, 4, and 0.9 cm
Bioactive Components
In 2004, Giaccio evaluated the known constituents of saffron as well as its characteristics (e.g., antitoxic effects, hormonelike effects, and anticarcinogenic properties). Crocetin (8,8'-diapo-8,8'-carotenoic acid), a carotenoid and one of the main active ingredients in saffron, was of particular focus. This carotenoid is known to enhance oxygen's capacity to diffuse through liquids, including plasma, and has been shown to increase alveolar transport and cerebral and pulmonary oxygenation. Notably, crocetin also suppresses skin tumor promotion in mice and exhibits other anticarcinogenic properties, which are typically ascribed to its antioxidant activity. Although Giaccio highlighted the significant properties of a key constituent of saffron, the author acknowledged that the promising results associated with crocetin have been identified in vitro or in laboratory animals, but not in humans (Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. 2004;44:155-72).
In 2005, Assimopoulou et al. reported on a C. sativus extract (including crocin and safranal, two bioactive components). They found that a methanol extract of saffron demonstrated significant antioxidant activity against the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical. Crocin exhibited greater radical scavenging activity than safranal, but the scavenging capacity of the latter compound was still noted to be high. The investigators concluded that saffron has the potential for functional uses in foods, beverages touted for antioxidant activity, and medical purposes, namely in pharmaceutic and cosmetic formulations intended to confer antioxidant and antiaging activity (Phytother. Res. 2005;19:997-1000).
Conclusion
Although saffron has a long history of traditional uses, it is no turmeric in terms of the body of modern research and evidence. Nevertheless, current scientific investigations appear to be promising, suggesting a significant potential for the contemporary uses of this spice in medical practice. The data supporting saffron's antioxidant properties and successful topical use in animal models are encouraging. That said, while saffron is used as an oral supplement and in Ayurvedic medicine, much more research is necessary to determine its efficacy and effectiveness in topical skin care.