Background: Crocus sativus L., commonly known as saffron is used for different purposes such as an antispasmodic and expectorant. Recent studies have demonstrated that saffron extracts have antitumor, radical scavenger, hypolipidemic, anticonvulsant effects and it improves activity on learning and memory. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of�aqueous saffron extract�on weight, length, macroscopic and microscopic skeletal malformation in fetuses of rats.

  Methods: Study was carried on 3 groups of female Wistar rats. Group1 was kept as control and received normal saline with equal volume of extract Group 2 received saffron extract with 80mg/kg-IP on 10^th and 11^th day of gestation Group 3 received saffron extract with 200mg/kg-IP on 10^th and 11^th day of gestation. Rats were dissected on day 20 of gestation, embryos harvested by cesarean section. The living status and weight and length of fetuses were detected. After examination for determination of gross malformations, fetuses were placed in alcohol and stained by Alizarin red-Alcian blue method then evaluation was carried by stereomicroscope.

  Results: Saffron extract at dose of 80 mg/kg significantly increased the weights and body-lengths of fetuses in compare with saline and extract at dose 200 mg/kg. Macroscopic and Microscopic studies did not show any skeletal abnormalities by two above doses of saffron.

  Conclusion: The results show short time administration of saffron aqueous extract does not cause malformation on skeletal system.

  Background & objectives: This study evaluated the effect of intravenous magnesium sulphate on clinical improvement of the patients with acute stroke. There is a lot of information about the use of magnesium sulphate in different conditions of brain ischemia while the effect of magnesium sulphate as a neuroprotective agent has been demonstrated in focal and global brain ischemiain animal models. However, the effect of this agent is still unclear.

  Methods: 80 patients (47 % female and 53 % male) with acute ischemic stroke signs and symptoms, lasting less than 12 hours of ischemia, were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups 40 patients received 4 g of MgSO ₄ over 15 minutes and then 16 g over the next 24 hours, and the other 40 patients received serum normal salin as the placebo.

  Results: The results showed that magnesium sulphate administrated group had better clinical improvement rate than control group. The number of patients with grade III decreased in magnesium received group and patients with grade II, I were increased. After 2 weeks, patients with Grade IIIdecreased to 12.5% and the patients with grade II and I increased to 50% and 37.5%, respectively(based on NIHSS score).

  Conclusion: According to this study,magnesiumsulphatecan be used as a neuroprotective agent in patients with acute stroke.