Peripheral Neuropathy Patients and the Effectiveness of Crocin of Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.)

Cancer patients treated with chemotherapeutic drugs often suffer from Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). In animal models, peripheral neuropathy has been diminished by the use of Saffron. A previous clinical trial has demonstrated that Saffron has the ability to relieve pain in patients suffering from fibromyalgia. Bozorgi and colleagues have for the very first time, studied the potential analgesic properties of an important constituent of Saffron- Crocin. Between December 2018 and March 2020, a total of 177 eligible patients suffering from mild to moderate CIPN for at least a month were recruited for the trial. The patients were categorized into two main groups: Placebo tablet and Crocin 15 mg tablet twice a day for a duration of 8 weeks. A crossover study design with a washout period of 2 weeks was adopted. Their study revealed that a significant decline in neuropathic, sensory, and motor pain was observed in the Crocin group vs the placebo group. Only mild toxicity and no significant difference in adverse effects were seen between the two groups. The authors argue that Crocin does have the ability to substantially reduced CIPN in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Nonetheless, the authors also suggest further investigations, especially compared to Lamotrigine, gabapentin, and antidepressants. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021 Dec 5;281:114511.