In order to determine the pharmacological effects of Crocus (traditionally classified as an herb helpful in eliminating Blood Stagnation), the 11-dehydro TXB₂, platelet aggregation, blood viscosity and laboratory data of 12 healthy sexually mature females were examined during the menstrual, follicle and corpus luteum phases before the test substance was administered. Compared with the follicle or corpus luteum phases, higher levels of 11-dehydro TXB₂ and increased mean cell volume (MCV) were found during the menstrual phases. This suggested that the increase in blood viscosity may be due to a lowering of erythrocyte deformation resulting from increased mean cell volume. From the fact that the highest endometrial PGE₂ value was exhibited during the menstrual Phase, PGE₂ was thought to be involved in the MCV increase. Next, plain hot water was administered to the six cases in the control group (for four weeks), and Crocus infusion administered to the other six cases (for four weeks), after which a comparative study was made of their indicators. The significant lowering of the MCV and blood viscosity during the menstrual phase upon Crocus administration suggested that an improvement in erythrocyte deformation brought about by decreased MCV played a role in the reduction of blood viscosity. Moreover, a decrease in 11-dehydro TXB₂ was observed during the low blood estrogen follicle phase. It has been reported that there is an overall increase in blood viscosity and acceleration of platelet and thrombin synthesis associated with the disease state known as “Blood Stagnation”. From the clear effects of Crocus upon these indicators, its effectiveness as an herb useful in eliminating Blood Stagnation in healthy sexually mature females was indicated.

The relationship between the fur of the tongue and dysfunctions of Ki, Blood, Body Fluids, Spleen and Stomach was investigated in 167 cases by analyzing both subjective and objective symptoms. The mean score of Ki-deficiency increased with the degree of both thickness and yellowness of the tongue fur. The mean score of upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms also increased with the degree of thickness of the tongue fur. These results suggest that when examining the tongue fur during Oriental Medical diagnosis, it is important to keep in mind its relationship with dysfunction of the Spleen and Stomach and Ki-deficiency.