Figure 2.

Illustrative scheme with different pathways of ROS formation and their impact on health. Bioactive compounds of Crocus sativus L. interfere with these mechanisms showing the beneficial effects for human health. Abbreviations and symbols: ↑ (increase, stimulate), ꓕ (decrease, inhibition), CAT (catalase), NO (nitric oxide), MDA (malondialdehyde), ROS (reactive oxidative species), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), GSSG (oxidized glutathione), GSH (reduced glutathione), O₂⁻ (superoxide), H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide), OH^● (hydroxyl ions), and NO (nitric oxide).