Saffron Shifts the Degenerative and Inflammatory Phenotype in Photoreceptor Degeneration

Photoreceptor neurodegenerative processes are induced by a variety of factors: genetic mutations, environmental stresses, aging, and a combination of them. The final outcome is photoreceptors malfunction and eventually death leading to progressive deterioration of visual function. At present, there is no cure for most retinal diseases. Recently, saffron has become an interesting candidate to cope with morphological and functional consequences of retinal neurodegeneration. Data obtained in both animal models and clinical trials in age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt patients provided evidence that saffron treatment reduces photoreceptor death, slows down the progression of neuroinflammatory processes, and eventually improves and maintains visual function. The ways of action are complex and not limited to reducing reactive oxygen species production. In fact, saffron treatment is also able to activate many genes. In addition, the chemical composition of saffron's components (mainly the ratio between different crocins) is a critical factor in defining the efficacy of treatment.