Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2025

Using Optical Coherence Tomography and Optokinetic Response As Structural and Functional Visual System Readouts in Mice and Rats
Published on: January 10, 2019
Crocin as a vision supplement
Mojtaba Heydari1,2, Mousa Zare2, Mohammad Reza Badie2
1Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Department of Persian Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Abstract:
Crocin is a natural ingredient of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) flower that has shown potential for application as a supplement in eye health and preserving vision. Crocin has been examined for its potential to treat various eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular dystrophies, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. This review briefly discusses the role of crocin in different eye diseases. The underlying pathophysiological pathways involved in the effect of crocin on ophthalmic diseases are also reviewed. Preclinical evidence shows the cytoprotective, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and blood-flow enhancing effects of crocin in retinal tissue. Crocin also affects the retinal pathologies by activating PI3K/Akt and inhibiting NF-κB signalling pathways. Clinical evidence suggests that crocin improves outcomes in patients with retinal degenerations, retinal dystrophies, and glaucoma. Overall, crocin can be suggested as a potential vision supplement in healthy populations and patients with eye diseases. However, more clinical studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up durations are needed to confirm the current evidence.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Glaucoma: Overview
Vision
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Vitamins
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

