Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Nowadays one of the most common causes of death is cancer worldwide, which its incidence and mortality rate dramatically increasing in Iran. Saffron herb is locally grown in South Khorasan. The present study reviewed the anticancer properties of saffron stigma on various macromolecule, cell, and animal models. In traditional medicine saffron herb treated many diseases including diabetes, blood pressure and cancer. The modern medical findings indicate that this herb and its active metabolites can be used to produce alternative antitumor drugs. Saffron selectively suppressed growth and proliferation of cancer cells while did not show any inhibitory effect on growth of normal cells. In addition, it reduced the side effects of common therapies. The main components of saffron stigma are monoterpene aldehydes and carotenoides. Its carotenoids, for instance crocin and crocetin, illustrated antioxidant, anticancer and antimutagenic properties more than other metabolites. This review suggested that anti-tumor drugs from saffron stigma can be applied as alternative, safe and promising agents.