Effect of Saffron (Crocus Sativus) Administration on Kidney Function in Normal Cats as Determined by Use of ۹۹mTc-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- ۶ female healthy cats (age: ۲ to ۴ years, average weight: ۴ 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 ۹۹mTc-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 ۳-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= ۰.۰۱۷). Also T۱/۲ of the treatment renograms was significantly shorter than that of the control renograms (P=۰.۰۰۲ for right kidney and p=۰.۰۰۱ 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.

Keywords:

Saffron , Kidney , scintigraphy , ۹۹mTc-DTPA , Cat