Association of Crocus sativus with Cognitive Dysfunctions and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is known as a principle basis of cognitive impairment in the elderly population. Current available therapeutic approaches are not applicable enough for the reason of intolerable side effects, low patients’ compliance due to the short half-life, and biopharmaceutical limitations. Therefore discovery alternative and multi-targeted therapeutic approaches are sought. Crocus sativus is a distinguished medicinal plant with a wide range of biological and pharmacological belongings, exclusively antioxidant and anti-inflammatory possessions. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted by search in Electronic databases comprising Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase using the keywords cognitive OR cognition OR memory OR nootropic OR Alzheimer OR amnesia OR dementia AND “Crocus sativus” OR saffron OR crocin OR crocetin OR safranal until 21st February 2020. The results display that saffron and its major constituents are capable of having remarkable properties on memory and cognitive deficiency. Cell signaling pathways, anti-oxidative stress experiments, modulation in inflammatory and proinflammatory mediators, tauopathy, clearance of amyloid-beta aggregation, and histopathological alterations are indicated. Cognition tests and scores allied with memory loss are specified. The administration of saffron in experimental models seems to be an encouraging attitude in AD even though it is recommended that further studies for the valuation of pharmacokinetic properties and bioavailability enhancing carriers of these phytochemicals must be directed.