Saffron and its effects on the retina in animals and people
What it found
In rats, saffron protected light-sensitive eye cells from damage caused by bright light.
In a trial of people with early age-related macular degeneration, taking saffron improved how well the retina responded to flickering light.
What they found
Studies in people
Retina sensitivity in people
A randomised trial found that people with early age-related macular degeneration who took saffron had better retinal flicker sensitivity. This suggests saffron may protect nerve cells in the human eye.
Animal and lab studies
Eye cell protection in rats
In rats exposed to damaging light, saffron kept light-sensitive eye cells working and looking normal. It seemed to control how cells die naturally, while also fighting oxidation and inflammation.
What the authors conclude
- They examined how saffron supplements have been used in both animal models and people with age-related macular degeneration.
- They discuss whether using dietary saffron to treat retinal degeneration has potential and is safe.
How it was done
Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease driven by oxidative stress and long-term inflammation. The authors wanted to see if saffron could help protect the retina against this condition.
They looked at rat studies where bright light damaged eye cells, and one randomised trial in people with early age-related macular degeneration. They examined how saffron was taken in and whether it helped the retina.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This summary relies on one trial in people, so scientists do not yet know the long-term effects of saffron on vision.
- Animal results showing protection from light damage cannot prove the same thing happens in human eyes over time.
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 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error