Potential Therapeutic Effects of Saffron on Long COVID
Abstract
Individuals with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, alternatively called long COVID, have been found to have traces of the virus, viral RNA, and viral proteins. The mechanism behind long COVID is related to a destabilized and hyperactive immune system, impaired oxygen delivery caused by micro-clotting, chronic inflammation, and disruption of cellular energy metabolism. No specific treatment has been developed for long COVID to date. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) suggests that saffron may help activate blood circulation, dissipate blood stasis (thrombosis), and toxins (free radicals). Saffron contains crocin, crocetin, and safranal, which have anti-inflammatory properties, promote blood circulation, scavenge blood clots, and enhance oxygen transport as well as diffusivity. Moreover, safranal has protective effects on the central nervous system (CNS), and is an anti-ischemic agent. Thus, saffron tea may have therpeutic effects on long COVID, either alone or in combination with anti-viral capsules of 1,8-cineoles, which is an over-the-counter medicine to combat respiratory diseases.References
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