The study, by Professor Silvia Bisti and colleagues at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science, University of L'Aquila, Italy, found saffron has high antioxidant value. It also seems to protect the vision cells called photoreceptors from damage caused by aging.

The Italian team had already reported that saffron seems to protect the eye from suffering injury when exposed to bright light. These findings were reported in animal models, but the team is sure they will apply to the human eye as well.

Saffron seems to work by influencing "genes which regulate the fatty acid content of the cell membrane." This action ensured that vision cells become more resilient and hence more insulated from the damage caused by the process of aging.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) happens to be the leading cause of blindness the world over. In order to assess the effects of saffron in this condition, the researchers conducted a clinical trial in Rome and found the rich spice could reverse the adverse effects in AMD patients.

Professor Bisti and her team are now working to isolate the active ingredients in saffron, which confer the vision-protective properties on this herb.

Saffron is a spice found mainly in Southwest Asia and is extracted from the flower of the saffron crocus. Traditionally the herb is used extensively in Persian and continental cuisines. It has been reported to be beneficial in reducing menstrual pain and well as diarrhea and nerve pain.

But clinical evidence has not been extensive. The new study on saffron may just be more than an "eye-opener".