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Saffron and retina: Neuroprotection and pharmacokinetics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 May 2014

SILVIA BISTI ,
RITA MACCARONE  and
BENEDETTO FALSINI
SILVIA BISTI*
Affiliation:
University of L’Aquila, DISCAB, L’Aquila, Italy
RITA MACCARONE
Affiliation:
University of L’Aquila, DISCAB, L’Aquila, Italy
BENEDETTO FALSINI
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Scienze Otorinolaringoiatriche e Oftalmologiche, University La Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a retinal neurodegenerative disease whose development and progression are the results of a complex interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. Both oxidative stress and chronic inflammation play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AMD. Experimental studies in rats with light-induced photoreceptors degeneration demonstrated that saffron may protect photoreceptor from retinal stress, preserving both morphology and function and probably acting as a regulator of programmed cell death, in addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, a randomized clinical trial showed that in patients with early AMD, dietary supplementation with saffron was able to improve significantly the retinal flicker sensitivity suggesting neuroprotective effect of the compound. Here, we examine the progress of saffron dietary supplementation both in animal model and AMD patients, and discuss the potential and safety for using dietary saffron to treat retinal degeneration.

Keywords

Age-related macular degenerationFocal electroretinogramNeuroprotectionPhotoreceptorsSaffron
Type
Review Articles
Information
Visual Neuroscience , Volume 31 , Issue 4-5: Strategies for Restoring Sight in Retinal Dystrophies , September 2014 , pp. 355 - 361
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014 

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