Effects of Crocus sativus petals extract on blood parameters in Rat

Saffron (Crocus Sativus) petals consist of anthocyanins، glycosides and flavonoids، have strong antioxidative activities. In this study، effects of Crocus Sativus petals extract on blood parameters have been evaluated in rats. 30 male Wistar rats with the mean body weight of 215±15 g were randomly assigned in to 5 groups of 6 animals. Control group received normal saline (10 ml/kg) and treatment groups received 75، 150، 220 and 450 mg/kg BW of saffron petals extract، for 14 days. Body weight measured in 0، 7 and 14 days. At the end of experiment، levels of liver function marker enzymes (AST، ALT)، total proteins، albumin، creatinine، cholesterol and triglyceride were assessed in serum of the rats. This study showed that ethanol extract of saffron petals، significantly increased serum albumin compared to control and caused to significantly decreased levels of serum cholesterol، AST. No changes were observed on serum total proteins، creatinine، AlT، triglyceride levels and body weight in control and saffron groups. The results of this study indicated the petals of C. sativus are not toxic in given dose، with no cause liver tissue damage.