The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) on Periodontal Indices of Patients with Generalized Periodontitis

Many therapeutic properties have been reported for saffron (Crocus sativus L.), including anti-inflammatory effects due to its strong antioxidant properties and the ability to accumulate oxygen free radicals by components such as crocin and crocetin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of saffron on the treatment of patients with periodontitis. 40 patients with moderate to severe generalized periodontitis were selected and divided randomly into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group was instructed to use a mouthwash containing aqueous saffron extract twice a day for 2 weeks; while the control group members were asked to apply chlorhexidine as the gold standard mouthwash. The participants’ gingival probing depth index, modified gingival index, and gingival bleeding index were measured before and one month after the intervention. The patients’ level of satisfaction on the taste of mouthwash was also measured. T-test and Mann-Whitney test were run for statistical analysis. A significant difference was observed in terms of the gingival indices before and four weeks after using both saffron and chlorhexidine mouthwashes (p value: 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was found between two groups. Patients reported higher levels of taste satisfaction after using saffron aqueous extract mouthwash than the chlorhexidine mouthwash (p value: 0.021). Saffron mouthwash showed comparable therapeutic effect to the gold standard mouthwash, chlorhexidine, and may be helpful as an adjunct treatment for management of periodontitis.