Oxidative stress in neurodegenerative conditions and the protective potential of a natural antioxidant, dietary saffron

Abstract

Sivaraman Purushothuman

Age-related disorders of the central nervous system such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and retinal degenerations are debilitating conditions that pose major health, economic and social problems. Current treatments for these conditions have failed to provide fully effective treatments for the condition. Detrimental oxidative changes that are associated with metabolic activities affect the brain and cognitive function over time and tend to lead to the onset of dementia and several other neurodegenerative diseases. Over the past decade, extensive epidemiological studies have shown significant associations of regular phytochemical consumption of fruits, vegetables, tea leaves with health improvements as well as reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, some cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, evidence is presented to show that increased levels of oxidative stress leads to the aging and neurodegenerative process, and dietary saffron, a potent antioxidant, could be beneficial to combat the debilitating disorders of the central nervous system. Beneficial actions of antioxidant saffron include anti-carcinogenic, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic and anxiolytic effects; and these beneficial effects have been demonstrated to contribute to improvements in cellular integrity and function in animal and human studies. However, the mechanism of action of saffron is yet to be completely understood and this needs to be further explored.