Pathological and Doppler Ultrasonographic Study of Kidney Hemodynamic Response in Saffron (Crocus Sativua) Pretreated Rats

To evaluate kidney hemodynamic response including blood flow velocity in segmental arteries shortly after administration of various dose of saffron extract (10, 40 and 90 mg/kg).Design: Technical assessment, experimental study.Animals- 20 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats.Procedures: In this study, using a real-time pulsed doppler analysis, kidney hemodynamicresponse including blood flow velocity in segmental arteries shortly after administration ofvarious doses of saffron (10, 40 and 90 mg/kg) was investigated and eventually the datarepresented for each group were interpreted into tissue changes blindly. Saffron at a dose of 10 mg/kg significantly increased renal blood flow withminimum tissue side effects, while at the higher doses it was remarkably associated withtissue lesions such as ATN and glomerulopathy.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Saffron is a scarce and valuable crop because of thestigma’s charming fragrance and pleasant flavor, the aroma of which is naturally furnished bya desirable golden color when dried. Due to innate therapeutic properties, it has been a focusof interest for modern pharmacological studies to comprehensively recognize the advantagesof using saffron, in the light of its low toxicity and powerful anti-oxidant properties. Beyonddirect effects on the epithelial cell function, saffron significantly enhances vascular bloodflow, resulting in an indirect control towards cardiovascular system. In conclusion, saffrontherapy is recommended in ischemic conditions. The preferred doses ranged between 10 to 40mg/kg. At the dose of 10 mg/kg lower tissue side effects is expected.