Memory saffron

Crocus sativus L. Shi Hong Hua (Saffron) (root) Crocetin, crocetin geniobiose glucose ester, crocetin di-glucose ester, crotin, lycopene, beta-carotene.33-450 Ameliorating effect on ethanol-induced impairment of learning and memory. 

We already indicated that intravenous injection of ethanol blocked the LTP induced by tetanic stimulation [18]. However, when saffron crude extracts were injected intracerebroventricularly, the blocking effect of ethanol on the LTP decreased dose-dependently [19]. Moreover, crocin prevents the ethanol-induced impairment of memory acquisition in ST and SD tests [20], From these results it is easily suggested that crocin antagonized the blocking effect of ethanol on the induction of LTP. 

An oral administration of crocin had no effect on memory acquisition in normal mice but improved the ethanol-induced impairment of learning behaviors of mice in passive avoidance performance tasks. This phenomenon resembled that of crude extract of saffron as reported previously. The tendencies of the effect between CSE and crocin are similar to each other. From these results it can be easily speculated that crocin is the most important principle in crude extract of saffron. Other crocetin glucoside esters weakly antagonized the blocking effect of ethanol on the LTP compared to crocin. 

Alcohol extract from saffron has been also examined for learning and memory, in step through (ST) and step down (SD) tests, in normal and in leaming-and memory-impaired mice. The results showed that this extract ameliorates the impairment effects of ethanol on learning and memory processes and possesses a sedative effect [85-87]. In addition, recent experiments have shown that crocin and crocetin derivatives inhibit promotion of tumor in mice [88]. 

Herbs have been used as medicine for thousands of years. Perhaps the most expensive herb is saffron, which costs between 500 and 1,000 per pound. Some herbalists recommend saffron for memory enhancement and antis ing. 

Saffron extracts and their crocin compounds inhibit amyloid-beta protein deposition and improve learning and memory functions in mice which suggests a possible benefit in the management of Alzheimer s disease and other memory impairment conditions.This effect may be attributed to the antioxidant/ free radical scavenging activity frequently reported for saffron and its major constitu-... 

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