Saffron is well known for giving a yellowish coloring to foods, making them more lively and attractive. There are several types of saffron: Saffron "true" (Crocus sativus), saffron-of-Indian or turmeric (Curcuma longa) and or safflower (Carthamus tinctorius).
The plant where the saffron-of-Indian is extracted is called turmeric (Curcuma longa), why saffron-of-India itself also is known in some parts of the country. Curcumin is the substance responsible for the yellow color of saffron-of-Indian and has been studied by several research groups.
Although the assessment of the safety of curcumin (the active constituent of turmeric-of-India) is still to be made in 2010 and most recently in 2014 studies in humans have shown that curcumin has the ability to inhibit the enzymes CYP 1A2, 2C9 and 3A4, and also induce CYP 2A6.
Inhibition of CYP 1A2 and CYP 2C9 can result in overdose of some drugs taking by patients, which are the target enzymes of these subfamilies. Examples of medicines metabolized by CYP 1A2 are many, since antipsychotics (Clozapine, Olanzapine, etc.), antidepressants (duloxetine, fluvoxamine, etc.), among others. Furthermore, drugs such as antidepressants (fluoxetine, sertraline), oral hypoglycemic agents (glimepiride, glipizide, etc.), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (diclofenac, ibuprofen, etc.), among others (warfarin, etc) are metabolized by CYP2C9.
Other kind of interactions are correlated to the induction of CYP 2A6 that can lead to a passage of certain drugs by the body much more quickly, because its activity is increased. Cyclophosphamide and Tegafur (fluorouracil pro-drug) are examples of antineoplastic agents (drugs for cancer) whose half-life can be altered. Cyclophosphamide can be eliminated more quickly, Tegafur can reach toxic amounts for generating Fluorouracil faster than expected.
Another study found out that Curcuma longa extracts inhibit isoenzyme 2D6 and may interact with drugs metabolized by this pathway (eg. Ritonavir), which may lead to overdoses of these.
Bibliography:
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Chen Y, Liu W-H, Chen B-L, Fan L, Han Y, Wang G, et al. Plant polyphenol curcumin significantly affects CYP1A2 and CYP2A6 activity in healthy, male Chinese volunteers. The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2010;44(6):1038-45.
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Wang Z, Sun W, Huang C, Wang L, et al. Inhibitory effects of curcumin on activity of cytochrome P450 2C9 enzyme in human and 2C11 in rat liver microsomes. 2014. Drug Dev Ind Pharm, Early Online: 1–4.
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Al-Jenoobi FI, Al-Thukair AA, Alam MA, Abbas FA, Al-Mohizea AM, Alkharfy KM, Al-Suwayeh SA. Effect of Curcuma longa on CYP2D6- and CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of dextromethorphan in human liver microsomes and healthy human subjects. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2014.