Life Extension
Nov/Dec 2012
A recent article published in the Journal of Immunology by a group of medical researchers at the University of Alberta have found that an active ingredient in the Persian spice saffron may be used to treat diseases involving neuroinflammation, such as multiple sclerosis.*
In experiments conducted by the Alberta scientists, the use of a compound called crocin suppressed both inflammation and certain cell stresses, resulting in decreased neurological impairment in lab models and cell cultures with MS.
"We found there is a compound in saffron, known as crocin, that exerts a protective effect in brain cell cultures and other models of MS. It prevented damage to cells that make myelin in the brain," said researcher Chris Power of the University. He noted that they are not close to clinical trials, but the results thus far are exciting.
—M. Richmond
Reference
* Available at: http://www.research.ualberta.ca/en/VP Research News/2011/11/Saffronandmultiplesclerosis.aspx. Accessed August 25, 2012.
Nov/Dec 2012
A recent article published in the Journal of Immunology by a group of medical researchers at the University of Alberta have found that an active ingredient in the Persian spice saffron may be used to treat diseases involving neuroinflammation, such as multiple sclerosis.*
In experiments conducted by the Alberta scientists, the use of a compound called crocin suppressed both inflammation and certain cell stresses, resulting in decreased neurological impairment in lab models and cell cultures with MS.
"We found there is a compound in saffron, known as crocin, that exerts a protective effect in brain cell cultures and other models of MS. It prevented damage to cells that make myelin in the brain," said researcher Chris Power of the University. He noted that they are not close to clinical trials, but the results thus far are exciting.
—M. Richmond
Reference
* Available at: http://www.research.ualberta.ca/en/VP Research News/2011/11/Saffronandmultiplesclerosis.aspx. Accessed August 25, 2012.