Radical scavenging activity of Crocus sativus L. extract and its bioactive constituents

Transcriptomic analysis of saffron at different flowering stages using RNA sequencing uncovers cytochrome P450 genes involved in crocin biosynthesis

Saffron is a well-known Chinese traditional herb, and crocin biosynthesis is related to the yield and quality of saffron. This study aimed to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in saffron at different flowering stages and identify cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes involved in crocin biosynthesis. Saffron samples at different flowering stages were used for RNA sequencing, and DEGs between the samples at three days before the flowering stage (- 3da) and two days after the flowering stage (+ 2da) were screened. Thereafter, significantly differentially expressed CYP genes were identified, and CYP gene expression at different flowering stages and in various tissues of saffron was determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). After sequencing and analysis, 1508 DEGs between the samples at - 3da and + 2da were identified, including 487 upregulated and 1021 downregulated genes, which were enriched in 16 biological processes, 5 cellular components, 3 molecular functions, and 11 KEGG pathways, including protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, starch and sucrose metabolism, estrogen signaling pathway, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. In addition, 12 significantly differentially expressed CYP genes were identified. The RT-qPCR results showed that CYP76C4, CYP72A15, CYP72A219, CYP97B2, CYP714C2, CYP71A1, CYP94C1, and CYP86A8 were all expressed in the pistils, and CYP72A219, CYP72A15, CYP97B2, CYP71A1, and CYP86A8 were highly expressed in the pistils. Our study established a transcriptome library of saffron and found that CYP72A219, CYP72A15, CYP97B2, CYP71A1, and CYP86A8 may be candidates involved crocin biosynthesis in saffron.

Investigational neuroprotective compounds in clinical trials for retinal disease

INTRODUCTION

Retinal neurodegeneration causes irreversible vision loss, impairing quality of life. By targeting neurotoxic conditions, such as oxidative stress and ischemia, neuroprotectants can slow or stop sight loss resulting from eye disease. Despite limimted clinical use of neuroprotectants, there are several promising compounds in early clinical trials (pre-phase III) which may fulfil new therapeutic roles. Search terms relating to neuroprotection and eye disease were used on ClinicalTrials.gov to identify neuroprotective candidates.

AREAS COVERED

Research supporting neuroprotection in eye diseases is focused on, ranging from preclinical to phase II, according to the ClinicalTrials.gov database. The compounds discussed are explored in terms of future clinical applications.

EXPERT OPINION

The major challenge in neuroprotection research is translation from basic research to the clinic. A number of potential neuroprotectants have progressed to ophthalmology clinical trials in recent years, with defined mechanisms of action - saffron and CoQ10 - targeting mitochondria, and both CNTF and NGF showing anti-apoptotic effects. Enhancements in trial design and patient cohorts in proof-of-concept trials with enriched patient populations and surrogate endpoints should accelerate drug development. A further important consideration is optimising drug delivery to improve individualised management and patient compliance. Progress in these areas means that neuroprotective strategies have a much improved chance of translational success.

Protective Effects of Crocin Against Hepatic Damages in D-galactose Aging Model in Rats

Aging is a progressive process which is associated with liver dysfunction and it is due to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell apoptosis. Long-term D-galactose (D-gal) administration is able to develop an aging model in animals. Crocin as a major active ingredient in saffron has shown anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects via its antioxidant capacity. Thus, the aim of the present study was the assessment of crocin effects on hepatic and metabolic disorders induced by D-gal in rats. Aging model was induced in rats by 56-day administration of D-gal (400 mg/kg/day subcutaneously). Protective effects of different doses of crocin (7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg/day) in concomitant with D-gal administration were evaluated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) amounts were measured by means of their reaction, respectively, with thiobarbituric acid and 5,5'-Dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) under a specific condition. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), β-galactosidase, induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and carboxymethyllysine (CML) levels were determined by western blotting method. Additionally, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured in serum. D-gal administration significantly elevated ALT, AST, ALP levels, which were markedly inhibited by crocin administration. Crocin suppressed the overgeneration of lipid peroxidation products such as MDA. iNOS was elevated by D-gal administration and was returned to the normal extent by crocin. Therefore, Crocin as a powerful antioxidant and radical scavenger, totally exhibited hepatoprotective effects against D-gal-induced toxicity in rats.

The role of Safranal and saffron stigma extracts in oxidative stress, diseases and photoaging: A systematic review

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced as a result of various environmental factors and cellular metabolism reactions creating oxidative stress. The reversible oxidative modification on proteins such as cysteine oxidation may be useful and can play positive role. ROS generated offer some benefits such as cellular signalling and tissue repair when present in low concentration. However, most of the times, these reactive species cause detrimental effects to cell components which leads to various pathological conditions which causes or aggravates diseases due to oxidative stress. The degenerative diseases due to oxidative stress are diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, cancer and aging. Antioxidants are the compounds which scavenge these free radicals and hence neutralize their effects. Research has enabled the use of natural antioxidants as therapeutic agent in the treatment of diseases. Safranal is one such natural agent which is a major volatile component of saffron. Saffron, Red gold is the most expensive spice found in limited region of the planet and is also reported to be used in traditional systems of medicine. Chemically, safranal is a monoterpene aldehyde possessing a sweet fragrance. While exploring for the photoprotective properties of safranal, we learnt about the immense antioxidant potential of safranal. Investigation by various research groups established safranal as an anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anxiolytic, antiasthamatic, antihypertensive, anticonvulsant, anticancer and antitussive and antigenotoxic agent. It has brought researchers over the world to explore the antioxidant benefits of saffron for human health. In the present paper, potential of safranal and its related molecules as radical scavenger in combating oxidative stress, diseased conditions is collated and the underlying mechanisms have been explained. Various cell lines and animal models used for study of Safranal have been discussed.

Study of the cardioprotective effects of crocin on Human Cardiac Myocyte cells and reduction of oxidative stress produced by aluminum phosphide poisoning

OBJECTIVES

The effects of Crocin as a cardioprotective material against Aluminum phosphide poisoning by reducing the oxidative stress is investigated.

METHODS

The level of biomarkers of oxidative stress (Catalase, Superoxide dismutase, Malondialdehyde and Protein carbonyl) were measured in the cell culture model on Human Cardiac Myocyte cells to detect the protective effect of crocin. Initially, to define the pure impact of aluminum phosphide poison and crocin on the heart cells, their effects on the biomarkers quantity in cell line were measured, separately, using the standard related kits. Later the effect of crocin with different concentration as a treatment on the oxidative stress biomarkers of the poisoned heart cells were monitored. Note that in pre-treatment case, the crocin was initially added to the cells before poisoning them. Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance method.

KEY FINDINGS

Results showed that crocin treatment reduced the aluminum phosphide (AlP) poisoning effect significantly. The treatment resulted in substantial deviation in the biomarkers of oxidative stress at the pre- and post-treatment phases for all groups. The oxidative markers values of the poisoned cells were recovered by crocin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Crocin is proposed as a potentially powerful antioxidant to treat the cardiotoxicity caused by aluminum phosphide poisoning.

The Role of Oxidative Stress and Natural Antioxidants in Ovarian Aging

The ovarian system comprises vital organs in females and is of great significance for the maintenance of reproductive potential and endocrine stability. Although complex pathogenesis undoubtedly contributes to ovarian aging, increasing attention is being paid to the extensive influence of oxidative stress. However, the role of oxidative stress in ovarian aging is yet to be fully elucidated. Exploring oxidative stress-related processes might be a promising strategy against ovarian aging. In this review, compelling evidence is shown that oxidative stress plays a role in the etiology of ovarian aging and promotes the development of other ovarian aging-related etiologies, including telomere shortening, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and inflammation. In addition, some natural antioxidants such as quercetin, resveratrol, and curcumin have a protective role in the ovaries through multiple mechanisms. These findings raise the prospect of oxidative stress modulator-natural antioxidants as therapeutic interventions for delaying ovarian aging.

Study of Synergistic and Protective Effects of Three Different Polar Saffron Extracts and Photon Radiation on Human Colorectal Cancer Cells (HT-29) and Normal Human Fibroblasts

Background: There are some hypotheses about radiation-sensitizing and radiation-protective effects of antioxidants. Saffron, dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L., is a precious medicinal plant that contains an impressive variety of plant compounds such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal that act as antioxidants. The present study examined the cytotoxic effects of saffron extracts with different polarity and their synergism or protective effects with radiation on a colorectal cancer cell line (HT-29) and normal human fibroblasts. Objectives: The aim was to find a natural agent to improve radiotherapy efficacy. Methods: HT-29 colorectal cancer cells and normal human fibroblasts were cultured in RPMI1640 medium, incubated with different concentrations of different saffron extracts (50-250 µg/ml), and then were exposed to a dose of 8 Gy of X-rays. The cytotoxicity effect was determined by the MTT assay. Results: Saffron extracts decreased cell viability in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells and normal human fibroblasts as a concentration-dependent manner. Combination radiotherapy with polar saffron extract in most doses showed synergistic effects on HT-29 cell death while it did not show any distinctive synergistic effect in normal cells. Semi-polar and non-Polar extracts just in low doses had synergistic effects on tumor cells. These two extracts did not show any protective effects on normal cells. Conclusions: Among the various saffron extracts, polar saffron extract and low doses of non-polar saffron extract in combination with radiation increase radiation sensitivity and cell death in tumor cells, while they do not increase radiation sensitivity in normal cells and even protect normal cells to some extent.

Effect of crocin and naringenin supplementation in cryopreservation medium on post-thaw rooster sperm quality and expression of apoptosis associated genes

The aim of our study was to examine the effects of crocin (0.5 (C0.5), 1 (C1) and 1.5 (C1.5) mM) and naringenin (50 (N50), 100 (N100) and 150 (N150) μM) in cryopreservation extender for freezing rooster semen. Sperm motility, viability, abnormalities, membrane functionality, active mitochondria, apoptosis status, lipid peroxidation (LP), GPX, SOD, TAC, the mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic (CASPASE 3) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) genes, fertile eggs, hatched eggs and hatching rate were investigated following freeze-thawing. C1 and N100 resulted in higher (P < 0.05) total motility and progressive motility in comparison to the control group. The C1 and N100 groups improved viability, membrane functionality and reduced lipid peroxidation. We found higher values for active mitochondria with C1 and N100 compared to control group. The C1 and N100 groups showed lower percentages of early apoptosis when compared with control group. Also, C1 and N100 had higher TAC, compared to the control group. The mRNA expressions of BCL-2 in the C1 and N100 groups were significantly higher than that of other treatments. The expression of CASPASES 3 was significantly reduced in C1 and N100 group (P < 0.05) when compared to control group. Significantly higher percentages of fertile eggs, hatched eggs and hatching rate were observed in C1 and N100 compared to the control group. In conclusion, crocin at 1 mM and naringenin at 100 μM seem to improve the post-thawing rooster semen quality, fertility and could protect the sperm by reducing the pro-apoptotic (CASPASE 3) and increasing anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) genes.

Effects of Intestinal Microbiota on Pharmacokinetics of Crocin and Crocetin in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

In addition to the hepatic metabolism, the role of intestinal microbiota in drug metabolism has been considered important in the biotransformation of xenobiotics. Crocin and its aglycone, crocetin, isolated from many plants, including the dried stigma of Crocus sativus and the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides, have been used in treatment of inflammation, cancer, and metabolic disorders. In this study, the effect of intestinal microbiota on the pharmacokinetics of crocin was studied following single oral treatment with 600 mg/kg crocin to male rats pre-treated with a mixture of antibiotics, such as cefadroxil, oxytetracycline, and erythromycin, for three consecutive days. Following crocin treatment, blood, urine, and feces were collected at various time points for evaluating pharmacokinetic characteristics of crocin and crocetin by using LC-MS. Results showed that intestinal absorption of crocin was relatively marginal when compared with that of crocetin, and that crocin metabolism to crocetin by intestinal microbiota would be a critical step for absorption. The present results clearly suggested that the in vivo pharmacological effects of crocin might be considered as the effects by its aglycone, crocetin, mainly, and that the metabolism of glycosidic natural products by intestinal microbiota should be considered to understand their pharmacodynamic actions.

Quercetin and Naringenin Provide Functional and Antioxidant Protection to Stored Boar Semen

In this study, we evaluated the impact of 5-50 μM quercetin (QUE) and naringenin (NAR) on extended boar spermatozoa in the BTS (Beltsville Thawing Solution) medium for 72 h. Spermatozoa motion, membrane, acrosome, and DNA integrity were investigated immediately after sample dilution (0 h) as well as after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of semen storage. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide production, as well as the extent of oxidative damage to the sperm proteins and lipids, were assessed to determine the potential of QUE and NAR to prevent a potential loss of sperm vitality due to oxidative stress development. Our results indicate that the most notable parameter influenced by QUE was the mitochondrial activity, which remained significantly higher throughout the experiment (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001; 10 μM), and which correlated with the most prominent maintenance of sperm motility (p < 0.01, 48 h; p < 0.05, 72 h). A significant membrane stabilization (p < 0.01, 24 h and 48 h; p < 0.0001, 72 h) and prevention of lipid peroxidation (p < 0.05, 24 h and 48 h; p < 0.01, 72 h) was primarily observed following administration of 10 and 25 μM NAR; respectively. Administration of 10 μM QUE led to a significant decrease of superoxide (p < 0.0001, 48 h and 72 h) while the most notable decline of ROS generation was recorded in the case of 10 and 25 μM NAR (p < 0.001). This study may provide new information on the specific mechanisms of action involved in the favorable effects of natural biomolecules on spermatozoa.

Protective antioxidant effects of saffron extract on retinas of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objective: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Crocus sativus L. styles (saffron) extract on oxidative stress indices of retina in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (n=20) were randomized into the following 4 groups (n=6-7/ group): Control group (C): normal, Control + Saffron group (CS): non-diabetic rats treated with 60 mg/ kg of saffron extract, Diabetic group (D) and Diabetic + Saffron group (DS): diabetic rats treated with 60 mg/ kg saffron extract. We determined the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) as markers of antioxidant response, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of lipid peroxidation. Results: Induction of diabetes caused a significant decline in the activities of CAT (76.43%), SOD (53.43%) and GPx (77.58%). MDA levels were significantly lower in the DS group (0.878 ± 0.375 nmol MDA/ mg protein) as compared to D group (1.950 ± 0.299 nmol MDA/ mg protein, p<0.01) and in the CS group (0.503 ± 0.221) in comparison to C group (1.699 ± 0.454, p<0.01). Moreover, SOD and GPx activities were significantly higher (more than 1.5 and 3.5-fold respectively) after treatment with saffron (p<0.01). Regarding the retinas of non-diabetic animals, the administration of the extract caused an > 1.8-fold increase in the activity of CAT (p<0.05) and a 3-fold decrease in MDA levels (p<0.01). Conclusions: This study showed that saffron extract has a protective antioxidant action in retinas of diabetic rats. Abbreviations: C = Control group, CS = non-diabetic rats diabetic rats treated with 60 mg/ kg saffron extract, D = diabetic group, DS = diabetic rats treated with 60 mg/ kg saffron extract, SOD = superoxide dismutase, GPx = glutathione peroxidase, CAT = catalase, MDA = malondialdehyde, DM = diabetes mellitus, DR = diabetic retinopathy, ROS = reactive oxygen species, STZ = streptozotocin, GSH = reduced glutathione.

Mechanisms of Photoreceptor Death in Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common cause of inherited blindness and is characterised by the progressive loss of retinal photoreceptors. However, RP is a highly heterogeneous disease and, while much progress has been made in developing gene replacement and gene editing treatments for RP, it is also necessary to develop treatments that are applicable to all causative mutations. Further understanding of the mechanisms leading to photoreceptor death is essential for the development of these treatments. Recent work has therefore focused on the role of apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell death pathways in RP and the various mechanisms that trigger these pathways in degenerating photoreceptors. In particular, several recent studies have begun to elucidate the role of microglia and innate immune response in the progression of RP. Here, we discuss some of the recent progress in understanding mechanisms of rod and cone photoreceptor death in RP and summarise recent clinical trials targeting these pathways.

The effect of crocin supplementation on lipid concentrations and fasting blood glucose: A systematic review and meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of crocin supplementation on fasting blood glucose (FBG) and lipid profile levels in clinical trial studies.

DESIGN

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases for clinical trials published from the beginning up to November 2019. Of the 547 papers identified from all searched databases, eight eligible studies with nine effect sizes have all needed criteria for inclusion in this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Results of the pooled random-effect size analysis showed just a significant decreasing effect of crocin supplementation on FBG (WMD: -6.52 mg/l, 95 % CI, -11.96, -1.08; p = 0.019) and TC (WMD: -4.64 mg/l, 95 % CI, -8.19, -1.09; p = 0.010). Crocin supplements did not have any significant effect on serum TG (p = 0.144) levels, LDL-C (p = 0.161), and HDL-C (p = 0.872) levels. Results showed that crocin supplementation could beneficially have effect on TG level only when trial duration less than 12 weeks and LDL-C levels in trials that used high dose intervention and trials that conducted on subjects with metabolic disorders. However, crocin supplementation did not significantly change FBG in trials that used low dose intervention. Meta-regression analysis indicated a linear relationship between the duration of intervention and significant change in FBG (p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis study have shown that crocin supplementation can decrease significantly FBS and TC without any beneficial effects on TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels.

Novel Neuroprotective Potential of Crocin in Neurodegenerative Disorders: An Illustrated Mechanistic Review

Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequently oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis that contribute to neuronal cytotoxicity and degeneration. Recent studies reported that crocin, a carotenoid chemical compound common in crocus and gardenia flowers, has protective effects in neurodegenerative disorders due to its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties in the nervous system. This article reviews the new experimental, clinical, and pharmacological studies on the neuroprotective properties of crocin and its potential mechanisms to modulate metabolic oxidative stress and inflammation in neurodegenerative disorders.

Salycilic Acid Induces Exudation of Crocin and Phenolics in Saffron Suspension-Cultured Cells

The production of crocin, an uncommon and valuable apocarotenoid with strong biological activity, was obtained in a cell suspension culture of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) established from style-derived calli to obtain an in-vitro system for metabolite production. Salycilic acid (SA) was used at different concentrations to elicit metabolite production, and its effect was analyzed after a 4 days of treatment. HPLC-DAD analysis was used for total crocin quantification while the Folin-Ciocâlteu method was applied for phenolic compounds (PC) content. Interestingly, despite cell growth inhibition, a considerable exudation was observed when the highest SA concentration was applied, leading to a 7-fold enhanced production of crocin and a 4-fold increase of phenolics compared to mock cells. The maximum antioxidant activity of cell extracts was evidenced after SA 0.1 mM elicitation. Water-soluble extracts of saffron cells at concentrations of 1, 0.5, and 0.1 µg mL⁻¹ showed significant inhibitory effects on MDA-MB-231 cancer cell viability. The heterologous vacuolar markers RFP-SYP51, GFPgl133Chi, and AleuRFP, were transiently expressed in protoplasts derived from the saffron cell suspensions, revealing that SA application caused a rapid stress effect, leading to cell death. Cell suspension elicitation with SA on the 7th day of the cell growth cycle and 24 h harvest time was optimized to exploit these cells for the highest increase of metabolite production in saffron cells.

The effects of the combination of Cyperus rotundus, Crocus sativus, Piper nigrum, and Boswellia serrata on learning and memory deficit and oxidative damage in brain tissue of hypothyroid rats

In the present study, the impact of a combination of four memory-enhancer herbs on cognitive impairment and brain tissue oxidative damage due to hypothyroidism was evaluated. Propylthiouracil (PTU; 0.05%) was administrated in drinking water. Rats were treated with a combination of four herbal products (Cyperus rotundus, Crocus sativus, Piper nigrum, and Boswellia serrata) mixed with honey at two doses (640 and 1,280 mg/kg) or donepezil (0.5 mg/kg), for 6 weeks. Memory performance on the Morris water maze (MWM) and avoidance behavior in passive avoidance was impaired by hypothyroidism, and brain tissue oxidative damage occurred. Herbal combination and donepezil significantly improved memory impairment, reduced malondialdehyde concentration, and nitric oxide metabolites while increased the thiol contents and catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes activity in the brain. Our findings suggest that the mixture of herbal products improves learning and memory deficits caused by hypothyroidism, probably by reducing the brain tissue oxidative damage. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Learning and memory impairment is a common feature of thyroid hormones deficiency. Several studies are showing that hypothyroidism in juvenile and mature rats induces significant cognitive impairment. Likewise, in humans, a close relationship between thyroid hormone deficiency and cognitive impairment has been reported. We used a mixture of herbal products, including Cyperus rotundus, Crocus sativus, Piper nigrum, and Boswellia serrata, to treat hypothyroidism-induced memory impairment. All these herbs are widely used as a food additive across the world. In Iranian traditional medicine, this herbal combination traditionally used to treat cognitive impairments. Numerous studies have indicated that these herbs show neuroprotective and memory-enhancing properties. Our finding indicated that a traditionally used herbal combination could potentially use as a treatment of cognitive impairment induced by thyroid hormone deficiency.

Effects of crocin on frozen-thawed sperm apoptosis, protamine expression and membrane lipid oxidation in Yanbian yellow cattle

Glycerol is used as a bovine semen osmotic cryoprotectant that greatly improves the quality of frozen and thawed bovine sperm. However, high glycerol concentrations can have a toxic effect on frozen and thawed bovine sperm. Therefore, this experiment investigated the effect of replacing a portion of the glycerol in a cryoprotectant solution with crocin on the sperm apoptosis, protamine deficiency and membrane lipid oxidation of frozen and thawed Yanbian yellow cattle sperm. The experiment included a control group (6% glycerol) and four treatment groups: I (3% glycerol), II (3% glycerol +0.5 mM crocin), III (3% glycerol + 1 mM crocin) and IV (3% glycerol + 2 mM crocin). Computer assisted semen analysis was used to detect sperm motility, Hoechst 33,342, propidium iodide, and JC-1 staining were used to analyse sperm viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, chromomycin A3 staining was used to detect protamine deficiency and DNA damage, flow cytometry was used for sperm membrane lipid disorder detection and analysis, and real-time quantitative RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of protamine-related genes (PRM2, PRM3), sperm acrosome-associated genes (SPACA3), oxidative stress-related genes (ROMO1) and apoptosis-related genes (BCL2, BAX). Compared to the control group, replacing a portion of glycerol with 1 mM crocin significantly improved sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, membrane lipid disorders (p < .05) and viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, protamine deficiency (p < .01). The expression level of PRM2, PRM3, SPACA3 and BCL2 significantly increased (p < .05), while the expression levels of ROMO1 and BAX significantly decreased (p < .05). Accordingly, the BCL2/BAX ratio significantly increased (p < .05). In summary, the substitution of a portion of glycerol with crocin in cryoprotective solution improved the quality of Yanbian yellow cattle sperm after freezing and thawing.

Effect of crocetin added to IVM medium for prepubertal goat oocytes on blastocyst outcomes after IVF, intracytoplasmic sperm injection and parthenogenetic activation

Crocetin is an active constituent of saffron recently used as antioxidant for embryo culture. The aim of this study was to test the effect of crocetin added in the in vitro maturation (IVM) of prepubertal goat oocytes on the embryo development after in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and parthenogenetic activation (PA). Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were released from slaughterhouse ovaries of prepubertal goats and in vitro matured in supplemented TCM 199 medium during 24 h without (control group) and with crocetin. In Experiment 1, we evaluated the effect of the IVM supplementation with 0 μM (control), 0.5 μM, 1 μM and 2 μM of crocetin on the blastocyst development after IVF. No significant differences were obtained on blastocyst formation among groups (12, 7, 10, 11%; respectively). Although the blastocyst total cell number was higher in 1 μM crocetin group (150.7 cells) compared to the control (105.5), 0.5 μM (116.2) and 2 μM (93.7) crocetin groups, no significant differences were detected. In experiment 2, we assessed the effect of 1 μM crocetin supplementation in the IVM medium on the oocyte GSH level, ROS level and mitochondrial activity. ROS was significantly higher in the control than in the crocetin group (P < 0.05), but no differences in GSH level and mitochondrial activity were observed. In experiment 3, we evaluated the effect of 1 μM crocetin on the blastocyst development of oocytes after ICSI and PA. No statistical differences were found on blastocyst rate or cell number. However, compared with control, crocetin groups led to higher cleavage (59 vs. 67%, respectively, P = 0.09) and blastocyst rates (19 vs. 12%, respectively; P = 0.12) after ICSI. Although crocetin reduced ROS levels in prepubertal goat oocytes, it did not have a significant effect on oocyte embryo developmental competence.

Protective effect of crocin on electromagnetic field-induced testicular damage and heat shock protein A2 expression in male BALB/c mice

Objective(s):

Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from mobile phones may cause a deleterious effect on human health and may affect the male reproductive system. Crocin, a carotenoid isolated from Crocus Sativus L. (Saffron), is a phar¬macologically active component of saffron. So, this study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of crocin on the male reproductive system of 60 day old mice after EMF exposure.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-four male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: 1. Em group (2100 MHZ); 2. Cr group (50 mg/kg); 3. Em+Cr group (2100 MHZ+50 mg/kg), and 4. Control group. Sperm parameters (count, and abnormal percent), testis weight index, testis volume, seminiferous tubule diam¬eter, germinal epithelium thickness, LH, FSH and testosterone serum level, testicular Heat shock protein A2 (HspA2) immunoreactivity, and apoptosis were evaluated.

Results:

HspA2 immunoreactivity, apoptosis in the germinal epithelium and abnormal sperm were increased in Em group compared with the control group (P<0.05). Sperm count, LH, and testosterone serum level were decreased in the Em group compared with the control group (P<0.05). These parameters were improved in the Em+Cr group compared with Em group significantly (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

our findings revealed that EMF exposure leads to harmful impressions on the male reproductive system, while crocin can attenuate EMF-induced destructive effects.

The hepatoprotective and antioxidative effect of saffron stigma alcoholic extract against vincristine sulfate induced toxicity in rats

Vincristine (VCR) is an important anti-cancer drug, which is highly toxic for the liver. This study aimed at evaluating the protective effect of alcoholic extract of saffron stigma against vincristine hepatotoxicity in the rat. A total number of 50 rats were randomly divided into 10 groups, including controls, rats receiving 0.25 mg/kg (A group), 0.5 mg/kg (B group), 0.75 mg/kg (C group) VCR, 0.25 mg/kg VCR + 0.5 mg/kg saffron (D group), 0.5 mg/kg VCR + 0.5 mg/kg saffron (E group), 0.75 mg/kg VCR + 0.5 mg/kg saffron (F group), 0.25 mg/kg VCR + 1mg/kg saffron (G group), 0.5 mg/kg VCR + 1 mg/kg saffron (H group), and 0.75 mg/kg VCR + 1 mg/kg saffron (I group) groups. Serum level of liver enzymes, including aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin were measured using specific kits at the end of the experimental period. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) values were measured using ferric reducing antioxidant of power (FRAP) and thiobarbituric acid reaction (TBAR) methods, respectively. Administration of VCR, especially at the concentration of 0.75mg/kg, caused severe hepatic injury with significant increase in the levels of AST (582.0±39.45 UI), ALT (124.0±5.92 UI), ALP (939.8±89.8 UI) enzymes and bilirubin (0.17±0.008). VCR administration also significantly increased the serum MDA level (0.49±0.021 nmol/ml), while TAC value was declined significantly (241.27±18.27 μmol/l). These effects were dose-dependent. Treatment with saffron extract decreased the activity of liver enzymes and MDA values in hepatotoxic rats with a significant enhancement in serum TAC content. These effects were notable for rats that received 1mg/kg plant extract. Administration of saffron, especially at higher concentration, can reduce VCR-induced hepatotoxicity, antioxidant depletion and lipid peroxidation, presumably due to its antioxidative properties.

Saffron carotenoids change the superoxide dismutase activity in breast cancer: In vitro, in vivo and in silico studies

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an important member of the antioxidant defense system and is proposed as a therapeutic agent against the ROS-mediated diseases, and a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Saffron carotenoids, crocin (Cro) and crocetin (Crt), are antioxidants with anticancer activity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Cro/Crt on the SOD activity in both in vivo and in vitro models of breast cancer. Both Cro and Crt showed strong radical scavenging activity and SOD inhibition in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The UVVis, circular dichroism and fluorometry studies proposed the binding of both Cro and Crt with SOD; the ΔG° of binding at 310 °K was -8.6 and -4.4 kcal/mol, respectively. The docking analysis predicted the Cro/Crt binding near the active site channel, but in different sites. According to the obtained data, Cro inhibits SOD activity by scavenging superoxide radical (O2), while Crt inhibits SOD by affecting the copper-binding site. In contrast to the in vitro data, both Cro and Crt effectively increased SOD activity in breast tumors of BALB/c mice, after one month of treatment. The mechanism that is important to compensate for the SOD decreased activity in cancer.

Effect of Saffron Extract and Crocin in Serum Metabolites of Induced Obesity Rats

The effect of saffron extract (Crocus sativus L.) and its primary compound crocin was studied on an induced obesity rat model. Our study is aimed at investigating and comparing the metabolite changes in obese and obese treated with saffron extract and crocin and at improving the understanding of the therapeutic effect of saffron extract and crocin. Two different doses of saffron extracts and crocin (40 and 80 mg/kg) were incorporated in a high-fat diet (HFD) and were given for eight weeks to the obese rats. The changes in metabolite profiles of the serum were determined using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). Pattern recognition by multivariate data analysis (MVDA) showed that saffron extract and crocin at 80 mg/kg was the best dosage compared to 40 mg/kg. It also showed that both treatments work in different pathways, especially concerning glucose, lipid, and creatinine metabolism. In conclusion, although the pure compound, crocin, is superior to the saffron crude extract, this finding suggested that the saffron extract can be considered as an alternative aside from crocin in treating obesity.

Effect of crocin on antioxidant gene expression, fibrinolytic parameters, redox status and blood biochemistry in nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background

Diabetes is regarded as an epidemiological threat for the twenty-first century. Phytochemicals with known pharmaceutical properties have gained interest in the field of alleviating secondary complications of diseases. Such a substance is crocin, a basic constituent of saffron (Crocus sativus). The present study aimed at examining the beneficial effects of per os crocin administration on the antioxidant status, blood biochemical profile, hepatic gene expression and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity (PAI-1) in the liver, kidney and plasma (an important marker of pre-diabetic status and major factor of thrombosis in diabetes) of healthy rats, as well as of rats with nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Results

Diabetes disrupted the oxidation-antioxidation balance, while crocin improved the antioxidant state in the liver by significantly affecting SOD1 gene expression and/or by restoring SOD and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels. In the kidney, crocin improved hydrogen peroxide decomposing activity and TAC. In blood, hepatic transaminases ALT and AST decreased significantly, while there was a trend of decrease regarding blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. The expression of PAI-1 gene was affected in the liver by the dose of 50 mg kg⁻¹.

Conclusions

Crocin treatment contributed in restoring some parameters after diabetes induction, primarily by affecting significantly hepatic transaminases ALT and AST, SOD1 and PAI-1 gene expression and nephric H₂O₂ decomposing activity. In conclusion, crocin did contribute to the alleviation of some complications of diabetes.

Effect of crocin on morphine tolerance and serum BDNF levels in a rat model of neuropathic pain

BACKGROUND

Chronic use of morphine treatment for neuropathic pain leads to morphine-induced analgesic tolerance. Crocin contained in Crocus sativus L., exerts anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This study examined the effects of crocin on morphine tolerance and serum BDNF levels on neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) in rats.

METHODS

CCI model of neuropathic pain was done in male Wistar rats (200-250 g). Rats were treated with crocin (15 or 30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) alone or simultaneously with morphine (10 mg/kg, subcutaneously) during or after induction of CCI. Pain behavioral responses including mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were measured from days of 15-27 after CCI. Then, rats were evaluated for serum BDNF levels on days 14 and/or 27.

RESULTS

We found that morphine tolerance developed after the induction of neuropathic pain. The injection of crocin (15 and 30 mg/kg) was able to enhance analgesic effect of morphine by reduction of mechanical allodynia on days 15-27 post-surgery in CCI rats. While preemptive administration of crocin at a lower dose (15 mg/kg) maintained the analgesic effect of morphine. Morphine injection and/or co-administration with crocin (15, 30 mg/kg) decreased serum BDNF levels in CCI rats.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that crocin may have a therapeutic effect to maintain morphine analgesic efficacy and also to prevent the development of morphine tolerance in neuropathic pain, but probably not through BDNF.

Natural antioxidants' effects on endoplasmic reticulum stress-related diseases

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a normal molecular process induced by the over-accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins. ER stress induces the unfolded protein response (UPR), which reduces global protein synthesis, increases ER capacity and protein degradation, to restart ER homeostasis, allowing cell survival. However, the over-induction of UPR can also trigger inflammatory processes, tissue damage and cell death. ER stress is involved in several pathologies, like endothelial dysfunction, diabetes and heart, liver, kidney or neurological diseases. Although the progression of these diseases is the result of several pathological mechanisms, oxidative stress has been widely related to these pathologies. Moreover, ER stress can establish a progressive pathological cycle with oxidative stress. Therefore, the use of natural antioxidants, able to modulate both oxidative and ER stress, can be a new strategy to mitigate these diseases. This review is focused on the effects of natural antioxidant compounds on ER stress in endothelial dysfunction, diabetes and heart, liver, kidney or neurological diseases.

Beneficial effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in ocular pathologies, particularly neurodegenerative retinal diseases

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has been traditionally used in food preparation and as a medicinal plant. It currently has numerous therapeutic properties attributed to it, such as protection against ischemia, as well as anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anxiolytic, hypolipidemic, anti-atherogenic, anti-hypertensive, antidiabetic, and anti-cancer properties. In addition, saffron has remarkable beneficial properties, such as anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, due to its main metabolites, among which crocin and crocetin stand out. Furthermore, increasing evidence underwrites the possible neuroprotective role of the main bioactive saffron constituents in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, both in experimental models and in clinical studies in patients. Currently, saffron supplementation is being tested for ocular neurodegenerative pathologies, such as diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, among others, and shows beneficial effects. The present article provides a comprehensive and up to date report of the investigations on the beneficial effects of saffron extracts on the main neurodegenerative ocular pathologies and other ocular diseases. This review showed that saffron extracts could be considered promising therapeutic agents to help in the treatment of ocular neurodegenerative diseases.

Crocins: The Active Constituents of Crocus Sativus L. Stigmas, Exert Significant Cytotoxicity on Tumor Cells In Vitro

Background::

Tumors of the childhood are considered to be grave and devastating pathologies, with high mortality rates. Current therapeutic options like cytotoxic drugs and radiotherapy target both healthy and malignant cells, thus resulting in long-term neurological and intellectual sequelae and endocrinological disorders.

Objectives::

In this study, we focused on the anticancer potency of crocins, the main constituents of Crocus sativus L, stigmas. Crocins were first extracted using organic solvents from the dried stigmas and then were identified using the HPLC analysis.

Materials and Methods::

TE-671 cells were treated with the extract of crocins using a range of concentrations between 0.25-mg/ mL and 16 mg/mL. Viability of the cells was measured at 24h, 48h, 72h and 96h. In addition, we have examined the expression levels of the p53 gene using Real-Time Reverse Transcription PCR.

Results::

Results showed that crocins exerted significant cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects in a concentration and time - dependent-manner on TE-671 cells. Furthermore, p53 manifested similar expression pattern as the anti-proliferative effect of crocin.

Conclusion::

Our data demonstrate that crocins could be a novel promising agent for the improvement of tumor treatment.

Role of anti-inflammatory interventions in high-fat-diet-induced obesity

Lipotoxicity is defined as deposition of excess fat associated with an inflammatory response. Metabolomic analysis of fatty acids (FAs) can be a marker of silent inflammation. ω3-Enriched diet, celecoxib, and safranal may have a protective anti-inflammatory role. In this work, total FAs extracted from red blood cells and arachidonic acid-to-eicosapentaenoic acid (AA-to-EPA) ratios were assessed using GC-MS assay in single-ion monitoring mode. The study was conducted on 64 male rats divided into eight groups: I, controls; II, rats received high-fat diet (HFD), III, rats received ω-6-enriched HFD; IV, rats received ω-3-enriched HFD; V, rats received celecoxib with HFD; VI, rats received safranal with HFD; VII and VIII, rats received celecoxib and safranal with ω-3 HFD, respectively. GC-MS Gas chromatography Mass spectrometry was performed for analysis of fatty acid methyl ester. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to analyze serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) concentrations. A statistically significant decrease of AA-to-EPA ratio was observed in group VII when compared with the groups receiving HFDs. This group also showed the lowest serum IL-6 level and highest TGF-β1 level. In conclusion, ω3-enriched diet along with drugs (e.g. celecoxib) and herbal medications (e.g. safranal) may have an anti-inflammatory effect in lipotoxicity. GC-MS with single-ion monitoring is valid for the analysis of FAs.

Characterization of human serum albumin's interactions with safranal and crocin using multi-spectroscopic and molecular docking techniques

Interaction mechanisms of human serum albumin (HSA) with safranal and crocin were studied using UV–Vis absorption, fluorescence quenching and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies as well as molecular docking techniques. Changes in absorbance and fluorescence of HSA upon interactions with both compounds were attributed to their binding to amino acid chromophores located in subdomains IIA and IIIA. Fluorescence secondary inner filter effect was excluded using 278 nm and 340 nm as the wavelengths of HSA's excitation and fluorescence while safranal and crocin absorbed at 320 nm and 445 nm, respectively. Stern-Volmer model revealed a static quenching mechanism involve the formation of non-fluorescent ground state complexes. Stern-Volmer, Hill, Benesi-Hilbrand and Scatchard models gave apparent binding constants ranged in 4.25 × 10³ - 2.15 × 10⁵ for safranal and 7.67 × 10³ - 4.23 × 10⁵ L mol⁻¹ for crocin. CD measurements indicated that 13 folds of safranal and crocin unfolded the α-helix structure of HSA by 7.47–21.20%. In-silico molecular docking revealed selective exothermic binding of safranal on eight binding sites with binding energies ranged in −3.969 to −6.6.913 kcal/mol. Crocin exothermally bound to a new large pocket located on subdomain IIA (sudlow 1) with binding energy of −12.922 kcal/mol.

These results confirmed the formation of HSA stable complexes with safranal and crocin and contributed to our understanding for their binding characteristics (affinities, sites, modes, forces … etc.) and structural changes upon interactions. They also proved that HSA can solubilize and transport both compounds in blood to target tissues. The results are of high importance in determining the pharmacological properties of the two phytochemical compounds and for their future developments as anticancer, antispasmodic, antidepressant or aphrodisiac therapeutic agents.

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Interaction mechanisms of human serum albumin with safranal and crocin were studied using multi-spectroscopic techniques.

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Stern-Volmer, Hill, Benesi-Hilbrand and Scatchard models gave apparent binding constants ranged in 4.25 × 10³ – 4.23 × 10⁵ L.mol^-1.

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In-silico molecular docking revealed selective exothermic binding on multiple HSA sites with ΔE between −3.96 and −12.92 kcal/mol

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The results confirmed that HSA can solubilize and transport safranal and crocin to target tissues through forming stable complexes.

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The results are important in determining the pharmacodynamics of both compounds and in their future development as therapeutic agents.

Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Hydrophilic Saffron Extract in a Model of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). An increase in the intraocular pressure is the principal risk factor for such loss, but controlling this pressure does not always prevent glaucomatous damage. Activation of immune cells resident in the retina (microglia) may contribute to RGC death. Thus, a substance with anti-inflammatory activity may protect against RGC degeneration. This study investigated the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of a hydrophilic saffron extract standardized to 3% crocin content in a mouse model of unilateral, laser-induced ocular hypertension (OHT). Treatment with saffron extract decreased microglion numbers and morphological signs of their activation, including soma size and process retraction, both in OHT and in contralateral eyes. Saffron extract treatment also partially reversed OHT-induced down-regulation of P2RY12. In addition, the extract prevented retinal ganglion cell death in OHT eyes. Oral administration of saffron extract was able to decrease the neuroinflammation associated with increased intraocular pressure, preventing retinal ganglion cell death. Our findings indicate that saffron extract may exert a protective effect in glaucomatous pathology.

Antioxidant Properties of Crocus Sativus L. and Its Constituents and Relevance to Neurodegenerative Diseases; Focus on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, which are collectively called reactive oxygen-nitrogen species, are the inevitable by-products of cellular metabolic redox reactions, such as oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, phagocytosis, reactions of biotransformation of exogenous and endogenous substrata in endoplasmic reticulum, eicosanoid synthesis, and redox reactions in the presence of metal with variable valence. Among medicinal plants, there is growing interest in Crocus Sativus L. It is a perennial, stemless herb, belonging to Iridaceae family, cultivated in various countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain, Israel, Morocco, Turkey, Iran, India, China, Egypt and Mexico.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to address the protective role of Crocus Sativus L. in neurodegeneration with an emphasis in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic literature search was conducted by two of the authors from 1993 to August 2017. Original articles and systematic reviews (with or without meta-analysis), as well as case reports were selected. Titles and abstracts of papers were screened by a third reviewer to determine whether they met the eligibility criteria, and full texts of the selected articles were retrieved.

RESULTS

Hence, the authors focused on the literature concerning the role of Crocus Sativus L. on its anti-oxidant and neuroprotective properties.

CONCLUSION

Literature findings represented in current review herald promising results for using Crocus Sativus L. and/or its active constituents as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agents.

Bioactivity and Bioavailability of the Major Metabolites of Crocus sativus L. Flower

Crocus sativus L. has been cultivated throughout history to obtain its flowers, whose dried stigmas give rise to the spice known as saffron. Crocetin esters, picrocrocin, and safranal are the main metabolites of this spice, which possess a great bioactivity, although the mechanisms of action and its bioavailability are still to be solved. The rest of the flower is composed by style, tepals, and stamens that have other compounds, such as kaempferol and delphinidin, which have an important antioxidant capacity, and these can be applied in foods, phytopharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The aim of this work was to provide an updated and critical review of the research on the main compounds of Crocus sativus L. flower, including the adequate analytical methods for their identification and quantification, with a focus on their bioactivity and bioavailability.

Beneficial Cardiovascular Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract from Crocus Sativus in Hypertension Induced by Angiotensin II

Objectives

Angiotensin II (AngII), a major product of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has important role in induction of hypertension and antihypertensive effect of several medicinal plant was mediated by effect on this agent. Therefore, this study examined the possible effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Crocus sativus (C. sativus) on hypertension induced by AngII.

Methods

Six groups (n = 6) of rats were used as follow: 1) Control, 2) AngII (300 ng/kg), 3) Losartan (Los, 10 mg/kg) + AngII and 4-6) C. sativus extract (10, 20 & 40 mg/kg,) + AngII. The femoral artery and vein were cannulated for recording cardiovascular parameters and drugs administration, respectively. All drugs were injected intravenously (i.v). Los and all doses of C. sativus injected 10 min before AngII. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded throughout the experiment and those peak changes (Δ) were calculated and compared to control and AngII.

Results

AngII significantly increased ΔMAP, ΔSBP and ΔHR than control (P < 0. 01 to P < 0.001) and these increments were significantly attenuated by Los. All doses of C. sativus significantly reduced peak ΔMAP, ΔSBP, and ΔHR than AngII group (P < 0. 05 to P < 0.001). In addition, peak ΔMAP, ΔSBP in doses 10 and 20 were significant than Los + AngII group (P < 0.05 to P< 0.01) but in dose 40 only MAP was significant (P < 0.05). Peak ΔHR in all doses of C sativus was not significant than Los+ AngII.

Conclusion

Regarding the improving effect of the C. sativus extract on AngII induced hypertension, it seems that this ameliorating effect partly mediated through inhibition of RAS.

A Nutraceutical Strategy to Slowing Down the Progression of Cone Death in an Animal Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal dystrophy characterized by progressive degeneration of the visual cells and abnormalities in retinal pigment epithelium, the vision is lost slowly, and the final outcome is total blindness. RP primarily affects rods, but cones can also be affected as a secondary effect. Photoreceptor cell death is usually triggered by apoptosis, however the molecular mechanisms linking the rod degeneration to the secondary cone death are poorly understood. Possible causes of the secondary cone death are oxidative stress and/ or the release of toxic factors from dying rods. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of nutraceutical molecules with antioxidant properties, on the progression of the disease in an established animal model of RP, and rd10 mice. We show that chronic treatment per os with a flavanone (naringenin) or a flavonol (quercetin) present in citrus fruits, grapes and apples, preserves retinal morphology, and ameliorates functionality. These actions are associated with a significant reduction of stress-oxidative markers, such as the detoxifying enzymes Sod1 and Sod2. In addition, naringenin and quercetin treatment reduces the levels of acrolein staining associated with a reduction of ROS in the cellular environment. The study demonstrates the beneficial effects of naringenin and quercetin, two molecules that possess antioxidant properties, limiting neurodegeneration, and thus preventing cone damage.

Effects of short-term saffron (Crocus sativus L.) intake on the in vivo activities of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in healthy volunteers

Crocus sativus L., a perennial plant grown mainly around the Mediterranean and Iran, has many medicinal properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-depressive and cancer preventing properties. Aqueous herbal extracts may affect the activity of Phase I and II enzymes involved in xenobiotic metabolism. The present study was designed to determine whether C. sativus infusion alters the activity of CYP1A2, CYP2A6, XO and NAT2 enzymes in humans. Thirty-four healthy volunteers consumed infusion prepared from C. sativus stigmata for six days. Enzyme phenotyping was assessed in saliva and urine using caffeine metabolite ratios as follows: CYP1A2: 17X/137Χ (saliva) and CYP1A2: (AFMU+1U+1X)/17U, CYP2A6: 17U/(17U + 17X), XO: 1U/(1U+1X) and NAT2: AFMU/(AFMU+1U+1X) (urine). Following C. sativus intake, CYP1A2 index was reduced by ∼13.7% in saliva (before: 0.51 ± 0.22, after: 0.44 ± 0.14; p = 0.002) and ∼6.0% in urine (before: 3.81 ± 1.20, after: 3.58 ± 0.92; p = 0.054). CYP1A2 index was significantly reduced only in males (saliva, before: 0.65 ± 0.22, after: 0.51 ± 0.16; p = 0.0001; urine, before: 4.53 ± 1.19, after: 4.03 ± 0.87; p = 0.017) suggesting sexual dimorphism in CYP1A2 inhibition. There was no effect of C. sativus intake on CYP2A6, XO or NAT2 indices. Short-term consumption of C. sativus infusion is unlikely to result in significant herb-drug interactions involving the enzymes studied, with the exception of potential herb-CYP1A2 substrate interaction in males.

The possible alleviating effect of saffron on chlorpyrifos experimentally induced cardiotoxicity: Histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical study

INTRODUCTION

Pesticides are responsible for many occupational health hazards among farmers in developing countries. Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the broad-spectrum organophosphorus (OP) insecticides used for agricultural, domestic and industrial purposes.

AIM OF THE WORK

The present study was designed to examine the effects of CPF on cardiac muscles and to evaluate the possible protective role of crocin using biochemical and histological methods with the intention to recognize the molecular tools of its probable cardioprotective effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six adult male albino rats were used in this study and were divided into 4 equal groups (9 rats each): negative control group, positive control group, CPF treated group and CPF & crocin treated group. The heart was removed for histological and immunohistochemical studies.

RESULTS

Stained sections of cardiac muscle fibers of group III with H&E revealed remarkable histological changes in the form of disorganization of the fibers with increase in the interstitial spaces between these fibers. Congested dilated blood capillaries could be observed with extravasation of the red blood cells leading to interstitial hemorrhage. Focal areas of mononuclear cellular infiltration could be seen in the interstitial tissue. A number of cardiac fibers achieved pale acidophilic vacuolated sarcoplasm while others achieved dark homogenous acidophilic sarcoplasm. Some nuclei were peripherally situated and pyknotic while others were centrally situated and encircled with halos. Apparently increased masses of collagen fibers among the cardiac muscle fibers and around the congested dilated blood vessels with the presence of focal parts of extensive collagen fiber deposition were noticed in Mallory-stained sections of group III. Strong positive immunoreactions in the endomysium and perimysium of the cardiac fibers, along with the walls of blood capillaries and in interstitial cells, could be detected in immunohistochemical staining sections of group III with vimentin antibody. Immunoreactivity to caspase 3 was higher in the sarcoplasm of the cardiac fibers of group III compared to that of control group. A highly significant decrease in the cardiac level of SOD and CAT; however, a highly significant increase in MDA level was noted between the control groups and CPF treated group. Additionally, there was a significant improvement of the chemical and histological representations of group IV, and these improvement pictures were toward the normal.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that crocin can alleviate the toxic effect of chlorpyrifos caused by oxidative stress on cardiac muscle.

Pretreatment with crocin along with treadmill exercise ameliorates motor and memory deficits in hemiparkinsonian rats by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms

The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are preceded by non-motorized symptoms including memory deficits. Treatment with dopamine replacement medications, such as L-DOPA only control motor symptoms and does not meet the clinical challenges of the disease, such as dyskinesia, non-motor symptoms, and neuroprotection. The purpose of the current study was to examine the neuroprotective potential of crocin and physical exercise in an animal model of PD. Male Wistar rats ran on a horizontal treadmill and/or pretreated with crocin at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Then, 16 μg of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was microinjected into left medial forebrain bundle. Crocin treatment and/or exercise continued for 6 more weeks. Spatial and aversive memories, rotational behaviour, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters were assessed at the end of week 6 post surgery. The results showed that pretreatment with crocin alone and in combination with exercise decreased the total number of rotaions as compared with 6-OHDA-lesioned group. Furthermore, treatment of parkinsonian rats with crocin along with exercise training improved aversive and spatial memories. Biochemical analysis showed that crocin and exercise (alone and in combination) reduced tumor necrosis factor- (TNF) α levels in the striatum. Moreover, treatment with crocin at a dose of 100 mg/kg decreased the lipid peroxidation levels in the hippocampus, while exercise training increased the total thiol concentration. In conclusion, our findings indicated that pretreatment with crocin along with treadmill exercise ameliorated motor and memory deficits induced by 6-OHDA, which is considered to be due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The results suggest that combined therapy with crocin and exercise may be protective for motor and memory deficits in PD patients.