@article {1509, title = {A Comprehensive Review of Crocus sativus L.: Botanical Characteristics, Phytochemical Composition, and Therapeutic Applications}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {September 2025}, pages = {1163-1170}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {1163}, abstract = {

Known as saffron (syn. Kesar), Crocus sativus L., a member of the Iridaceae family, is mostly grown in Iran, though it is also grown in India and Greece. It is made from the dried red stigmas of the flower. Terpenes, terpene alcohols, and their esters make up the majority of the more than 150 volatile and aromatic substances that this plant produces. Picrocrocin and safranal are responsible for the characteristic bitter taste and hay-like or iodoform-like scent of saffron, respectively. Anti-hypertensive, anti-convulsant, anti-tussive, anti-genotoxic, cytotoxic, anxiolytic, aphrodisiac, antioxidant, anti-depressant, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and smooth muscle relaxant properties are only a few of the many pharmacological activity that Crocus sativus demonstrated. Additionally, it has been demonstrated to improve cognitive abilities including memory and learning as well as ocular perfusion by boosting blood flow to the retina and choroid. The historical use, phytochemical profile, pharmacodynamic characteristics, medicinal uses, possible adulterants and replacements, and toxicity data related to Crocus sativus L. are all extensively examined in this extensive review. In addition, it covers the qualitative chemical tests, pharmaceutical formulations, and analytical assessment that are relevant to its standardization and quality control.

}, keywords = {Anticonvulsant, Antinociceptive, Aphrodisiac, Crocin, Crocus sativus, Safranal}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252301}, author = {Mahavir M Sharma and HarshKumar Brahmbhatt and Salaj Khare and Kautuukumar P Shah} } @article {755, title = {Anticonvulsant and Anxiolytic Evaluation of Leaf Extracts of Ocimum gratissimum, a Culinary Herb}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {2}, year = {2010}, month = {March 2010}, pages = {36-40}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {36}, abstract = {

Anticonvulsant and anxiolytic activities of leaf extracts and fraction of Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae) were studied using seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol and open-field tests in mice. The results showed that the extracts and fraction increased the latency of tonic and tonic-clonic seizures and death and elicited 50\% protection against mortality. In the open-field test, the extracts and fraction decreased the frequency of line crossing, center square entries, rearing against a wall and grooming, whereas grooming duration and freezing frequency and duration were increased. Acute toxicity test in mice gave an oral LD 50 greater than 5000 mg/kg for the methanol extract. These findings suggest that extracts of this plant possess anticonvulsant and anxiolytic-like properties.

}, keywords = {Anticonvulsant, Anxiolytic, Ocimum gratissimum, Open field}, doi = { 10.4103/0974-8490.60580}, author = {CO Okoli and AC Ezike and OC Agwagah and PA Akah} }