Background: Numerous studies have shown the protective effects of saffron against oxidative damage in a global model of cerebral ischemia, but its effects on brain edema and oxidative ischemic injury in focal ischemic stroke are not completely understood. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effects of saffron on brain edema, infarct volume, antioxidant enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in ischemic brain tissue in an experimental model of stroke.

Methods: Focal brain ischemia was established with the temporary occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for one hour in rats. Saffron (100 mg/kg) was given intra-peritoneally at the onset of ischemia. 24 hours later, brain edema and infarct volume were evaluated and glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities and MDA concentration were measured in the ischemic brain tissue using a specific kit.

Results: The results showed that saffron reduced infarct volume by 77% (P<0.001) and brain edema by 60% (P<0.001) compared with the control group in 24 hours following ischemia. Moreover, saffron significantly reduced the content of MDA (P<0.001) and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (P<0.001) and glutathione peroxidase (P<0.001) in the cortex of the ischemic brain tissue.

Conclusion: Saffron has protective effects against oxidative ischemic damage and brain edema in a transient model of focal cerebral ischemia in rats. This protective effect is probably induced by increasing the capacity of antioxidant enzymes and decreasing the production of free radicals.