Saffron is most commonly used as a spice, but it has been used effectively as a treatment for depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Crocetin, a potent antioxidant and carotenoid found in saffron, is believed to be the cause of these effects. Crocetin acts differently depending on the condition: it inhibits beta-amyloid protein fibrillogenesis in Alzheimer’s disease, alters the regulation and expression of cytokines and inducible nitric oxide-synthase levels in inflammatory conditions, and shows possible antinociceptive activity.