Effect of Saffron (Crocus Sativus) Administration on Kidney Function in Normal Cats as Determined by Use of 99mTc-DTPA Renal Scintigraphy

Objective- To evaluate and compare kidney function with and without saffron administration and consider the diuretic and nephroprotective effects of aqueous extract of this substance in normal cats. Design- Descriptive study Animals- 6 female healthy cats (age: 2 to 4 years, average weight: 4 kg) - no clinical sign of renal disorders and prior to presentation Procedures- The scintigraphy of right and left kidney was performed using Gamma camera (Piker Model) and 99mTc-DTPA as radiopharmaceutical with and without saffron administration. The average quantities of Total and individual GFR, Time to peak activity (TOP), Emptying half time and 3-min activity are the determined parameters in this evaluation. Results- A significantly higher amount of total GFR was present at the end of the study with Saffron administration compared with control study with saline administration (P= 0.017). Also T1/2 of the treatment renograms was significantly shorter than that of the control renograms (P=0.002 for right kidney and p=0.001 for left kidney). Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- Administration of saffron increased the glomerular filtration rate and shortened the emptying half-time of radiopharmaceutical. This study shows that Saffron as a harmless substance can play as a diuretic substance, therefore can play a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases.