Saffron helps protect brain cells from diseases

A key ingredient in the Indian spice saffron may potentially protect brain cells from diseases involving neuro-inflammation, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Inflammation is a protective attempt by an organism to remove injurious stimuli such as pathogens, damaged cells or irritants and to initiate the healing process. MS is characterized by inflamed brain (neurons) that have lost their protective insulation, known as myelin, The Journal of Immunology reports. Symptoms range from mild to severe and include visual disturbances, muscle spasms, loss of sensation, speech impediment, dizziness, depression, etc, according to a University of Alberta statement. Chris Power, from the University of Alberta, who led the research, said: "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." "This research highlights a potential treatment role for crocin in diseases involving chronic neuroinflammation - something that had not been recognized until now," concludes Power.