In experiments conducted by scientists in Alberta,  the use of a compound called crocin, contained in the saffron,  suppressed both inflammation and certain cell stresses, resulting in decreased neurological impairment in lab models and cell cultures with MS.

The results of the research, recently published in the Journal of Immunology by a group of medical researchers at the University of Alberta have found that an active ingredient in the Persian spice saffron may be used to treat diseases involving neuroinflammation, such as multiple sclerosis.

Chris Powell, from the university said: “We found there is a compound in saffron, known as crocin, that exerts a protective effect in brain cell cultures and other models of MS. It prevented damageto cells that make myelin in the brain.”