Saffron: A Comprehensive Review of its Cancer-Preventive and Curative Properties in Different Types of Cancer

Cancer has emerged as an immedicable and fatal disease all around the world. It ranks as the second most common cause of death worldwide. Cancer is estimated by the WHO to be the cause of 1 in 6 deaths. Many modern cancer treatment methods like chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, catalytic therapy and radiotherapy have been developed, albeit these are restricted, noncurative and generate certain side effects. Therefore, naturopathic medicines are used along with standard treatment procedures as an adjunct to treat cancerous cells without producing any deleterious effects. Due to several bioactive components, Crocus sativus L. (saffron) has been utilized in traditional herbal therapy since ancient times. Anticancer activities of saffron and its ingredients - crocin, crocetin, and safranal are established by several workers in various animal models. This review article has focused on the cancer-preventive and curative properties of saffron and its ingredients in different types of cancers, along with pharmaceutical importance and toxicity.