Saffron and retinal degeneration in animals and people
What it found
In rats, saffron protected light-damaged photoreceptors, and in a randomised trial in people with early age-related macular degeneration, saffron supplements improved retinal flicker sensitivity.
The authors discuss whether dietary saffron could be used to treat retinal degeneration.
What they found
Studies in people
Retinal sensitivity in people
A randomised clinical trial found that in patients with early age-related macular degeneration, dietary supplementation with saffron significantly improved retinal flicker sensitivity. This suggests a neuroprotective effect of the compound.
Animal and lab studies
Photoreceptor protection in rats
In rats with light-induced photoreceptor degeneration, saffron protected photoreceptors from retinal stress, preserving both their structure and function. It probably acts as a regulator of programmed cell death, in addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
What the authors conclude
- They discuss the potential and safety for using dietary saffron to treat retinal degeneration.
How it was done
Age-related macular degeneration is a retinal neurodegenerative disease caused by a complex mix of genetic and environmental risk factors. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation both play a significant role in its development.
The authors examined the progress of saffron dietary supplementation in animal models and in patients with age-related macular degeneration. They also discussed the potential and safety of using dietary saffron to treat retinal degeneration.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- The animal results come from rats with light-induced retinal damage, so they may not reflect what happens in people.
- The trial in people looked at retinal flicker sensitivity, not at whether saffron prevents or slows age-related macular degeneration itself.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- University of L'Aquila, Italy; University La Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy
The paper
- Title
- Saffron and retina: neuroprotection and pharmacokinetics
- Type
- ReviewThe authors read earlier studies and describe what they found. It isn’t a new study.
- Evidence
- Studies in people · animals · lab
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Bisti S, Maccarone R, Falsini B (2014). Saffron and retina: neuroprotection and pharmacokinetics. Visual neuroscience. doi:10.1017/S0952523814000108PubMed 24819927DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error