Saffron extract prevents acetaldehyde-induced inhibition of long-term potentiation in the rat dentate gyrus in vivo

We have previously found that alcohol extract of Crocus sativus L. (CSE), commonly known as saffron, prevents ethanol-induced inhibition of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). In the present study, CSE (250 mg/kg, p.o.) was also effective in preventing acetaldehyde-induced inhibition of LTP in the dentate gyrus of anesthetized rats. These results suggest that CSE can prevent aversive effects induced by ethanol and its metabolite acetaldehyde.