BDNF and hypertensive disorder: In a rat model of hypertension induced by angiotensin II and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (a NOS inhibitor), pre-treatment with a hydroalcoholic extract of saffron petals could significantly attenuate the cardiovascular responses [6]; the ethyl acetate fraction from Crocus sativus L. petals inhibited the nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor reuptake in rat C6 glioma cells model, accounting for the antidepressant properties of saffron petals [37].