crocin

# Saffron (Crocins) in Optic Neuroprotection: Translating Retinal Evidence to Glaucoma **Saffron** (the dried stigmas of *Crocus sativus* L.) is rich in carotenoid compounds, especially **crocins** (glycosides) and their aglycone **crocetin**. These bioactives have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and bioenergetic effects on retinal cells. In animal and cell models, saffron extracts and purified crocin/crocetin protect photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from oxidative injury ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7215651/#:~:text=and%20distribution,might%20halt%20or%20delay%20disease)) ([www.spandidos-publications.com](https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ijmm.2015.2418#:~:text=crocin%20protected%20RGC,%CE%BAB)). Clinically, most saffron trials have focused on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, showing improved visual function with doses around 20–30 mg/day ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3407634/#:~:text=with%20a%20baseline%20visual%20acuity,up%20period.%20Conclusion.%20These%20results)) ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5342880/#:~:text=Sixty%20patients%20with%20wet%20or,groups%20with%20wet%20AMD%20at)). Emerging data suggest these benefits might extend to **glaucoma**. In one small study of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), 30 mg/day saffron significantly lowered intraocular pressure (IOP) by ~3 mmHg without side effects ([bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com](https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-14-399#:~:text=Mean%20baseline%20IOP%20was%2012,out%20period)). Mechanistically, saffron’s **anti-inflammatory** and **mitochondrial-support** actions – such as dampening pro‐inflammatory cytokines and preserving cellular ATP – likely underlie these effects. Recent longevity research even shows crocetin can boost tissue energy metabolism and extend median lifespan in aged mice ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11475333/#:~:text=and%20other%20vital%20organs,energy%20state%20of%20the%20cells)). Below we review the preclinical evidence of saffron’s retinal neuroprotection and perfusion effects, discuss how these might apply to glaucoma (including potential impacts on RNFL thinning and visual fields), and cover dosing and safety considerations. ## Preclinical Evidence in Retinal Models **Antioxidant neuroprotection.** In vitro and animal studies consistently find that crocin and crocetin guard retinal cells against oxidative stress. For example, *in vitro*, crocin (0.1–1 µM) prevented H₂O₂-induced death of RGC-5 cells by lowering ROS, preserving mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and activating NF-κB ([www.spandidos-publications.com](https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ijmm.2015.2418#:~:text=crocin%20protected%20RGC,%CE%BAB)). Crocin increased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and decreas

Saffron (Crocins) in Optic Neuroprotection: Translating Retinal Evidence to Glaucoma

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