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Abstract
Chemoprevention strategies are very attractive and have earned serious consideration
as potential means of controlling the incidence of cancer. An important element of
anticancer drug development using plants is the accumulation and analysis of pertinent
experimental data and purported ethnomedical (folkloric) uses for plants. The aim
of this review is to provide an updated overview of experimental in vitro and in vivo
investigations focused on the anticancer activity of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and
its principal ingredients. Potential use of these natural agents in cancer therapy
and chemopreventive trials are also discussed.
A computerized search of published articles was performed using the MEDLINE database
from 1990 to 2004. Search terms utilized including saffron, carotenoids, chemoprevention,
and cancer. All articles were obtained as reprints from their original authors. Additional
sources were identified through cross-referencing.
Studies in animal models and with cultured human malignant cell lines have demonstrated
antitumor and cancer preventive activities of saffron and its main ingredients, possible
mechanisms for these activities are discussed. More direct evidence of anticancer
effectiveness of saffron as chemopreventive agent may come from trials that use actual
reduction of cancer incidence as the primary endpoint
This work suggests that future research be warranted that will define the possible
use of saffron as effective anticancer and chemopreventive agent in clinical trials.