Methods of preventing the formation of liver cancer in a subject are described herein. In the disclosed methods, a prophylactically effective amount of safranal may be administered to a subject. In some embodiments, the subject may suffer from hepatic oxidative stress and/or hepatic inflammation. In another aspect, methods of preventing the formation of a liver cancer in a subject are disclosed that include monitoring the level of a liver cancer marker and administering a prophylactically effective amount of safranal to the subject, such that the effective amount is effective to maintain a normal level of the liver cancer marker.