Saffron as potential candidate for cancer chemoprevention trials
Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico D.F, Mexico
Chemoprevention strategies are very attractive and have earned serious consideration as a potential means of controlling cancer incidence. AIM: To provide an updated overview of experimental in vitro and in vivo investigations focused on the anticancer activity of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its principal ingredients. Potential use of these natural agents in cancer chemopreventive trials is also discussed. METHODS: A computerized search of articles published through May 2003 was performed using the MEDLINE database from the period of 1990 to present. Search terms utilized included saffron, carotenoids, chemoprevention, and cancer. All publications were obtained from their authors. Additional sources were identified through cross-referencing. RESULTS: Studies in animal models and with cultured human malignant cell lines have demonstrated antitumor and cancer preventive activities of saffron and its main ingredients Some of possible mechanisms for these activities of saffron are discussed. More direct evidence of chemoprevention effectiveness of saffron may come from trials that use actual reduction of cancer incidence as the primary endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: This work suggests that future research be warranted to evaluate the possible use of saffron as effective chemopreventive agent in cancer clinical trials. In the near future, it is hoped that studies will future define the possible use of saffron as effective chemopreventive agent in cancer clinical trials.
Paper presented at the International Symposium on Predictive Oncology and Intervention Strategies; Nice, France; February 7 - 10, 2004; in oral session 893 (Molecular pathology - Part I).