Abstract
PC-12 cells were used to study the mechanism of cell death by apoptosis. Crocin showed strong anti-oxidant activity. Crocin decreased the level of ceramide by inhibition of sphindomyerinase activity and increased glutathione concentration resulting in inhibition of apoptosis. Saffron extract and/or crocin ameliorated learning and memory performance inhibited by ethanol in mice. Long term potentiation blocked by ethanol shows recovery by the addition of saffron extract and/or crocin to mouse hippocampus tissues. Mice injected with crocin expressed non-rem sleeping even during an activating period. The clinical trial of saffron extract ameliorated symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients. A Chinese formula prescribed with saffron reversed brain vascular dementia. From these findings saffron and crocin can potentially be applied for treatment and prevention of dementia in patients.
