Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Crocin for multiple sclerosis?

Medical researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered that an active ingredient in the Persian spice saffron may be a potential treatment for diseases involving neuroinflammation, such as multiple sclerosis. Researchers found there is a compound in saffron, known as crocin (see the structure below), that exerts a protective effect in brain cell cultures and other models of MS. It prevented damage to cells that make myelin in the brain.

Lead researcher  Power said. "Myelin is insulation around nerves. MS is characterized by inflamed brain cells that have lost this protective insulation, which ultimately leads to neurodegeneration.......



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