Pathological and Doppler Ultrasonographic Study of Kidney Hemodynamic Response in Saffron (<i>Crocus sativua</i>) Pretreated Rats

Abstract

Objective- 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 hemodynamic response including blood flow velocity in segmental arteries shortly after administration of various doses of saffron (10, 40 and 90 mg/kg) was investigated and eventually the data represented for each group were interpreted into tissue changes blindly. Results- Saffron at a dose of 10 mg/kg significantly increased renal blood flow with minimum tissue side effects, while at the higher doses it was remarkably associated with tissue lesions such as ATN and glomerulopathy. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- Saffron is a scarce and valuable crop because of the stigma's charming fragrance and pleasant flavor, the aroma of which is naturally furnished by a desirable golden color when dried. Due to innate therapeutic properties, it has been a focus of interest for modern pharmacological studies to comprehensively recognize the advantages of using saffron, in the light of its low toxicity and powerful anti-oxidant properties. Beyond direct effects on the epithelial cell function, saffron significantly enhances vascular blood flow, resulting in an indirect control towards cardiovascular system. In conclusion, saffron therapy is recommended in ischemic conditions. The preferred doses ranged between 10 to 40 mg/kg. At the dose of 10 mg/kg lower tissue side effects is expected.