Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) increases glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity in muscle cells via multipathway mechanisms

► AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has a key role in glucose metabolism of muscle. ► The activation of AMPK leads to GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake in muscle. ► Saffron treatment stimulates glucose uptake via AMPK/ACC and MAPKs pathways. ► Saffron and insulin have a synergistic effect on glucose metabolism in muscle cells.