The analgesic effect of saffron extract in rats as compared with morphine sulfate

Objectives: In Iranian traditional medicine saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is known as a sedative, tranquilizer and antispasmodic agent. Crocetin with potent anti-inflammatory activities is a major ingredient of saffron. So in this study we conducted to evaluate the effect of saffron extract on inflammatory pain in rats.

Methods: In this study 30 male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 grams selected randomly and divided into 5 groups. Animals in the first group received normal saline as control group, 3 groups received 3 different doses of saffron extract (0.5, 1 and 2mg/kg respectively) and the last group received 1mg/kg morphine sulfate. Aqueous extract of 2g saffron was obtained at room temperature and was injected to rats intraperitoneally. Morphine sulfate (1mg/kg) was used as positive control. The formalin test was used as a method of inflammatory pain inducing and pain scoring test.

Results: Our findings showed that different doses of saffron extract (0.5, 1 and 2mg/kg) reduce pain sensation during chronic phase of formalin test (1.68±0.37, 1.51±0.251and1.21±0.41respectively) as compared to the control group (2.35±0.34) in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05). The analgesic effect in animals receiving 2mg/kg saffron extract was more prominent and comparable to 1mg/kg morphine sulfate. Mean pain score was 1.21±0.41in test vs1.1±0.25 in morphine injected group (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Our findings support the claim of traditional medicine indicating the saffron's antinociceptive activity.