Tehran, Sept 13, IRNA - Researchers at Mashhad Medical University have developed an antidepressant pill using saffron extract, an official said.Dr. Bijan Malaekeh, head of the Pharmaceutical Research Center affiliated to the university, added that Irans Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the new drug named 'Crocin', wrote Saturday's edition of 'Iran Daily'.
Drs. Ahmad Mohajeri, Abolqasem Sajjadi, Farzin Hadizadeh and Ali Talaei, faculty members of the university, have successfully conducted clinical trials, he said.
Malaekeh added that researchers found crocin to be more effective compared to placebo in treating depression and anxiety.
The expert explained that antioxidants and therapeutic properties of saffron can be attributed to a chemical named crocin, adding that it is also useful in treating retinal diseases and Alzheimers.
The country aims to mass produce crocin tablets, he said.
Crocin is also a natural carotenoid chemical compound found in the flowers crocus. It has a deep red color and forms crystals with a melting point of
186C. When dissolved in water, it forms an orange solution.
Crocin is the chemical ingredient primarily responsible for the color of saffron.
It has also been shown to have an antiproliferative action against cancer cells.
By IRNA
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