Does Crocus sativus (Saffron) Have an Influence or Effect on Ocular Health: A Systematic Literature Review

BackgroundCrocus sativus (Saffron) and its bioactive constituents, crocin and crocetin have gained attention for their neuroprotective and antioxidant properties in ocular health. This review synthesises clinical evidence from extracted studies evaluating their efficacy, safety and dosing across Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR), Stargardt Disease (STGD1) and Paediatric Myopia (PM).MethodologyA systematic literature review was undertaken assessing randomized trials, observational or cohort studies, case studies or series written in English between January 2015 to January 2025. Studies were identified using PubMed, AMED, CINHAL, ScienceDirect and Scopus as well as the grey literature.ResultsTen clinical trials were identified from 529 citations. Interventions involved oral supplementation of saffron (20-50mg/day), crocin (5-15mg/day) and crocetin (7.5mg/day) over durations ranging from 6 weeks to 12 months. Primary outcomes included visual acuity, retinal electrophysiology, intra-ocular pressure, macular thickness, and safety profiles.ConclusionSaffron, crocin and crocetin, demonstrate consistent efficacy and exceptional safety profiles across a range of ocular conditions. Saffron's dose-dependent therapeutic effects are a promising adjunctive therapy in ophthalmology. Further large-scale trials are warranted to confirm these findings and refine condition specific dosing.