Crocus sativus L., commonly known as saffron, is a precious spice coming from Asia, in particular from Iran, the country leader in its production. The spice is derived exclusively from dried stigmas and it is the most expensive one in the world. The areas of application of saffron are multiple, in fact ranging across the food, drinks, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics sectors. As is the case with other phytochemicals, not only the final product but also saffron by-products are considered a valuable source of bioactive natural compounds. In fact, its healthy effects, especially as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories (via reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines), are well-recognized in internal medicine. In particular, its healthy effects are related to counteracting degenerative maculopathy, depression and anxiety, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome, cancer and chronic kidney disease, by promoting glucose metabolism. In this review, we summarize the most important papers in which saffron has turned out to be a valuable ally in the prevention and treatment of these pathologies. Moreover, we would like to promote the use of saffron by-products as part of a bio-circular economy system, aimed at reducing wastes, at maximizing the use of resources and at promoting environmental and economic sustainability.

Long coronavirus disease (COVID) syndrome leads to chronic inflammatory state onset that can have a multisystem impact and compromise organ function. Moreover, long COVID syndrome is often characterized by the presence of chronic fatigue, which affects subjects’ daily activities and worsens their quality of life. The aim of our double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial (protocol code RS 150.21, approved on 4 November 2021) was to evaluate the beneficial effects of the consumption of 2 cps/day, for two months, of an oral food supplement (OFS), based on Echinacea angustifolia, rosehip, propolis, royal jelly and zinc, in long COVID patients, compared to a two-month placebo period. The OFS’s vitamin C content was equal to 22.17 mg/g (8.87 mg/capsule). The OFS’s total polyphenol content was 43.98 mg/g gallic acid equivalents. At the end of the in vivo study, we highlighted a significant decrease in the inflammatory parameters in the OFS period, compared to the placebo period (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, p = 0.0455; monocyte to-lymphocyte ratio, p = 0.0005; C-reactive protein, p = 0.0145). Our study also highlighted a significant increase in vitamin D serum values (p = 0.0005) and, at the same time, an improvement in patients’ life quality and a reduction in fatigue, monitored by the fatigue severity scale. This study showed the OFS’s beneficial effects on the inflammatory state, fatigue and quality of life in long COVID patients.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients have impaired hypothalamic regulatory functions involved in food intake and energy expenditure and suffer from a state of meta-inflammation. Pre-clinical studies demonstrated that ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) acts both on the adipose tissue and the central nervous system, while hydroxytyrosol (HTyr) counteracts several types of dysmetabolism. Objectives: The aim of our randomized crossover double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study was to evaluate the potential effects of a food supplement (FS) containing a co-micronized formulation of PEA and rutin along with HTyr, combined with a tailored calorie-controlled Mediterranean diet, in patients with MetS. Methods: Nineteen patients were enrolled and block-randomized to an eight-week MD together with the FS or placebo. After a two-week washout period, the treatments were reversed. Data on laboratory parameters and those detected by capillary sampling, anthropometry, body composition analysis, ultrasound examination, blood pressure monitoring, the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire, handgrip strength test, and physical performance tests were collected at each time point (protocol code R.S. 262.22, registered on 20 December 2022). Results: At the end of the study, patients supplemented with the FS showed a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index, fat mass, and inflammation biomarkers (CRP and ESR), compared to placebo-supplemented patients. In contrast, the fat-free mass, phase angle, and body cell mass were increased in FS compared to placebo patients. Conclusions: Although preliminary, the results of our clinical study suggest that co-micronized PEA–rutin and HTyr may be of help against adiposopathy in patients with MetS.