Immunomodulatory, Anti-oxidant and Cardio-protective Activities of Style & Stigma of Z‘afrān (Crocus sativus L.): A Unani Medicine used for promotion of healthy ageing (Research Article)

Author(s): Shamim, Amanullah, Asim Ali Khan, Saad Ahmed, Fouzia Bashir and Shagufta Parveen

Abstract: Z‘afrān (Crocus sativus L.), commonly known as saffron, is a perennial stemless herb that is widely cultivated in Iran (commonly) and other countries such as India, Spain and Greece. In India it is cultivated in the Kashmir valley, especially in the Pampore and Budgam at about 1600 m. The degeneration continues in the human body with increasing age. The resultant effects, though, cannot be overcome but by the help of certain measures, the ageing process can be slowed down and the diseases of old age can either be prevented or treated. The Unani single drug Z‘afrān is one of the most important in Unani Medicine used for longevity and geriatric care since long time and has Mu‘mmir (Longevity promoting agent), Muqawwī-i-Ḥarārat Gharīziyya (Tonic for Innate heat), Muqawwī-i-Qalb (Cardiotonic), Muqawwī-i-Dimāgh (Brain tonic), Muqawwī-i-Baṣar (Eye tonic), Muqawwī-i-Kabid (Hepatotonic), Muqawwī-i Bāh (Aphrodisiac), Muḥallil-i-Waram (Anti-inflammatory), Mufarriḥ (Exhilarant), etc. properties. It is used in Ḍu‘f-i-Ḥarārat Gharīziyya (Innate heat insufficiency), Amrāḍ-i-Qalb (Cardiac diseases), Ḍu‘f-i-Qalb (Cardiac insufficiency), Ḍu‘f-i-Kabid (Hepatic insufficiency), Ḍu‘f-i-Dimāgh (Cerebrasthenia), Ḍu‘f-i-Baṣar (Poor eyesight), Nisyān (Forgetfulness) etc. It showed radical immunomodulatory, anti-ageing, anti-oxidant, cardio-protective, memory enhancer anti-depressant, antianxiety activities. In this paper, an attempt has been made to review the Unani pharmacological actions & therapeutic uses for a comprehensive understanding of the importance of Z‘afrān (Crocus sativus L.) for promotion of longevity and healthy ageing.

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