Effect of saffron aqueous extract onhuman's innate and humoral immune system

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a member of Iridaceae family and beside its usefulness nutrition, it is considered to be a valuable plant in phytomedicine. This plant propagates by corms. To evaluate the effect of corms aqueous extract on the human immune system, the aqueous extract was given to volunteer candidates as a soft drink. Blood samples were taken from candidates before and after administration. The candidates were divided into three groups on the basis of drinks received between intervals of two blood samples e.g none (control), water alone and aqueous extract.. The analysis of IgG, IgM, C3 and C4 amounts in serum was performed by using appropriate SRID kit. The results showed that the amounts of C4, C3, IgG and IgM of control and water consumption groups slightly increased but the third group who used corms aqueous extract showed that the concentration of C4, C3, IgG increased while IgM decreased. This primary evaluation study revealed that the aqueous extract of corms stimulates human’s innate and humoral immune system.