Saffron-Derived Compounds as Adjuncts in Cancer-Related Inflammation and Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Authors

  • Ifunanya Clara Agu University of Nigeria, Nigeria; University of Leeds, United Kingdom Author
  • Kara Barnao Stanford University, United States Author
  • Fan Yang University of Cambridge, United Kingdom Author

Keywords:

saffron, crocin, cancer pain, inflammation, meta-analysis, supportive oncology

Abstract

Background: Preclinical and early clinical studies have evaluated saffron and its constituents for inflammatory, oxidative and symptom-related outcomes in cancer, but the evidence has not been synthesised specifically for supportive oncology.

Objective: To estimate the direction and magnitude of effects of saffron-derived interventions on pain and inflammatory outcomes in cancer-related models and patient studies.

Methods: Six databases were searched from inception to June 2026. Eligible studies evaluated saffron, crocin, crocetin, safranal or defined saffron fractions in tumour-bearing animals or people with cancer and reported pain, inflammatory or oxidative-stress outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened records and extracted data. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed where at least three sufficiently comparable datasets were available.

Results: Twenty-one studies met inclusion criteria, including 16 animal experiments and five small clinical studies. Pooled preclinical data indicated lower pain-behaviour scores (standardised mean difference [SMD] -0.88; 95% CI -1.23 to -0.53; I²=58%) and reduced circulating or tissue inflammatory markers (SMD -0.71; 95% CI -1.02 to -0.40; I²=61%). Clinical studies were heterogeneous in dose, cancer type and symptom measurement; the pooled pain estimate favoured saffron-derived interventions but was imprecise (SMD -0.36; 95% CI -0.74 to 0.02). Risk-of-bias concerns were common in allocation concealment and blinding.

Conclusion: Saffron-derived compounds show consistent preclinical signals for reducing pain and inflammation, while current human evidence remains insufficient for treatment recommendations. Future trials require standardised preparations, pharmacokinetic reporting, preregistered outcomes and clinically meaningful symptom endpoints.

Publication format: research abstract. No full-text manuscript accompanies this record.

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Published

2026-10-01

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): October 2026 — Inaugural Issue

Section

Research Papers

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Copyright (c) 2026 Lina Al-Harbi, Minh Anh Nguyen, Aria Wilson

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