Effect of Saffron on Learning and Memory

CNS neurodegenerative disorders often accompany the impairment of memory and other cognitive functions. This impairment is probably due to selective neuronal death in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, brain regions that are crucially involved in learning and memory. It has recently been found that the alcohol extract of pistils of C. sativus L. (CSE) affects learning and memory in mice. Oral administration of CSE (125 to 500 mg/kg) alone had no effect on learning behavior of mice in passive avoidance tests, but significantly improved ethanol-induced impairment of memory acquisition. 

The effect of CSE was reproduced by crocin, a major constituent in CSE. Oral administration of crocin (50 to 200 mg/kg) alone had no effect, but significantly improved ethanol-induced 

FIGURE 58.1 Chemical structures of crocetin (A), crocetin diglucose ester (B), crocetin gentiobiose glucose ester (C), and crocin (D). 

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