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Avgerinos KI, Vrysis C, Chaitidis N, Kolotsiou K, Myserlis PG, Kapogiannis D. Effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on cognitive function. A systematic review of RCTs. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:2747-2754. [PMID: 32445136 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04427-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Improvement of cognitive function may be desirable for healthy individuals and clinically beneficial for those with cognitive impairment such as from Alzheimer's disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the cognitive effects of oral saffron intake, in patients with MCI/AD and/or in non-demented individuals, by following the PRISMA guidelines. METHODS We performed a literature search on MedLine, Cochrane library, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of oral saffron administration in patients with MCI/AD and/or in non-demented individuals. RESULTS Five studies (enrolling 325 individuals) met our inclusion criteria. Four studies included patients with MCI/AD, and one study included cognitively normal individuals. Saffron was well-tolerated in all groups. Regarding cognitively impaired patients, scores on Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale or Mini mental state examination were significantly better when saffron was compared with placebo and did not differ significantly when saffron was compared with donepezil or memantine. Saffron effects on functional status were similar with its effects on cognition. CONCLUSIONS Saffron was shown to be equally effective to common symptomatic drugs for MCI/AD and resulted in no difference in the incidence of side effects, when compared with placebo or drugs. The promising results should be seen cautiously, since the evidence was derived from studies with potentially high risk of bias (ROB). RCTs with larger sample sizes and low ROB are required to definitively assess the potential role of saffron as an MCI/AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos I Avgerinos
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aginga, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 3001 S Hanover St, Baltimore, MD, 21225, USA
| | - Christos Vrysis
- 251 Hellenic Airforce General Hospital, Kanellopoulou 3, 11525, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Chaitidis
- 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, Kanellopoulou, 11525, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Kolotsiou
- 251 Hellenic Airforce General Hospital, Kanellopoulou 3, 11525, Athens, Greece
| | - Pavlos G Myserlis
- 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, Kanellopoulou, 11525, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kapogiannis
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aginga, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 3001 S Hanover St, Baltimore, MD, 21225, USA. .,Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, 251 Bayview Blvd, 8C228, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Vaiserman A, Koliada A, Lushchak O. Neuroinflammation in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease: Phytochemicals as potential therapeutics. Mech Ageing Dev 2020; 189:111259. [PMID: 32450086 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2020.111259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of neurotoxic forms of amyloid-β proteins in senile plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau proteins in neurofibrillary tangles is a well-known pathophysiological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, clinical trials with drugs targeting amyloid-β and tau have failed to demonstrate efficacy in treating AD. All currently FDA-approved anti-AD drugs have symptomatic effects only and are not able to cure this disease. This makes necessary to search for alternative therapeutic targets. Accumulating evidence suggests that systemic inflammation and related vascular dysfunction play important etiological roles in AD and precede its clinical manifestation. Therefore, novel therapeutic modalities targeted at these pathophysiological components of AD are intensively developed now. Phytochemicals such as resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, genistein and catechins are promising anti-AD therapeutics due to their ability to affect major pathogenetic mechanisms of AD, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. The implementation of innovative approaches for phytochemical delivery, including the nanotechnology-based ones which enable to significantly enhance their oral bioavailability, would likely provide an opportunity to address many challenges of conventional anti-AD therapies. In this review, roles of inflammation and vascular dysregulation in AD are described and phytobioactive compound-based treatment strategies for AD are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Vaiserman
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, D.F. Chebotarev Institute of Gerontology, NAMS, 67 Vyshgorodska str., Kyiv, 04114, Ukraine.
| | - Alexander Koliada
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, D.F. Chebotarev Institute of Gerontology, NAMS, 67 Vyshgorodska str., Kyiv, 04114, Ukraine
| | - Oleh Lushchak
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, 57 Shevchenka str., Ivano-Frankivsk, 76018, Ukraine
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Mottaghipisheh J, Mahmoodi Sourestani M, Kiss T, Horváth A, Tóth B, Ayanmanesh M, Khamushi A, Csupor D. Comprehensive chemotaxonomic analysis of saffron crocus tepal and stamen samples, as raw materials with potential antidepressant activity. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 184:113183. [PMID: 32105944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Saffron crocus (Crocus sativus L.) has been widely grown in Iran. Its stigma is considered as the most valuable spice for which several pharmacological activities have been reported in preclinical and clinical studies, the antidepressant effect being the most thoroughly studied and confirmed. This plant part contains several characteristic secondary metabolites, including the carotenoids crocetin and crocin, and the monoterpenoid glucoside picrocrocin, and safranal. Since only the stigma is utilized industrially, huge amount of saffron crocus by-product remains unused. Recently, the number of papers dealing with the chemical and pharmacological analysis of saffron is increasing; however, there are no systematic studies on the chemical variability of the major by-products. In the present study, we harvested saffron crocus flowers from 40 different locations of Iran. The tepals and stamens were separated and subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis by HPLC-DAD. The presence and amount of seven marker compounds, including crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, safranal, kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, and quercetin-3-O-sophoroside were determined. The analytical method was validated for filter compatibility, stability, suitability, accuracy, precision, intermediate precision, and repeatability. Tepal and stamen samples contained three flavonol glycosides. The main constituent of the tepals was kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside (62.19-99.48 mg/g). In the stamen, the amount of flavonoids was lower than in the tepal. The amount of kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, as the most abundant compound, ranged between 1.72-7.44 mg/g. Crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal were not detected in any of the analysed samples. Our results point out that saffron crocus by-products, particularly tepals might be considered as rich sources of flavonol glucosides. The data presented here can be useful in setting quality standards for plant parts of C. sativus that are currently considered as by-products of saffron production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Mottaghipisheh
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mohammad Mahmoodi Sourestani
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, 61357-43311, Iran
| | - Tivadar Kiss
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Horváth
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Barbara Tóth
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mehdi Ayanmanesh
- Department of Horticultural Science, Islamic Azad University, Estahban Branch No. 69, Niroo Av., Satarkhan Str., 14536-33143, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Khamushi
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Dezső Csupor
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary.
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Rajabian A, Hosseini A, Hosseini M, Sadeghnia HR. A Review of Potential Efficacy of Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) in Cognitive Dysfunction and Seizures. Prev Nutr Food Sci 2019; 24:363-372. [PMID: 31915630 PMCID: PMC6941716 DOI: 10.3746/pnf.2019.24.4.363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocus sativus (saffron) is traditionally used to relieve several ailments. Experimental researches have also investigated applications of saffron and its active constituents for the treatment of a wide spectrum of disorders. This review discusses pharmacological/therapeutic properties of saffron and its main components on memory function, learning ability and seizures, to highlight their merit for alleviating these disorders. An extensive literature review was carried out using various databases including ISI Web of Knowledge, Medline/PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase, Biological Abstracts, and Chemical Abstracts. The growing body of evidence showed the value of saffron and its' components, alone, or in combination with the other pharmaceuticals, for improving learning and memory abilities and controlling seizures. These findings may provide pharmacological basis for the use of saffron in cognitive disturbance and epilepsy. However, further preclinical and clinical studies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Rajabian
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177944553, Iran
| | - Azar Hosseini
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177944553, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Hosseini
- Division of Neurocognitive Sciences, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177944553, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Sadeghnia
- Division of Neurocognitive Sciences, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177944553, Iran
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Rao SV, Hemalatha P, Yetish S, Muralidhara M, Rajini PS. Prophylactic neuroprotective propensity of Crocin, a carotenoid against rotenone induced neurotoxicity in mice: behavioural and biochemical evidence. Metab Brain Dis 2019; 34:1341-1353. [PMID: 31214956 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-019-00451-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Previously we have demonstrated the potential neuroprotective propensity of saffron and Crocin (CR) employing a Drosophila model of Parkinsonism. Rotenone (ROT) has been extensively used as a model neurotoxin to induce Parkinson's disease (PD) like symptoms in mice. In the present study, as a proof of concept we evaluated the efficacy of CR prophylaxis (25 mg/ kg bw/d, 7d) to attenuate ROT(0.5 mg/Kg bw/d,7d) -induced neurotoxic effects in male mice focussing on neurobehavioural assessments and biochemical determinants in the striatum. CR prophylaxis significantly alleviated ROT-induced behavioural alterations such as increased anxiety, diminished exploratory behaviour, decreased motor co-ordination, and grip strength. Concomitantly, we evidenced diminution of oxidative stress markers, enhanced levels of antioxidant enzyme and mitochondrial enzyme function in the striatal region. Further, varying degree of restoration of cholinergic function, dopamine and α-synuclein levels were discernible suggesting the possible mechanism/s of action of CR in this model. Based on our earlier data in flies and in worm model, we propose its use as an adjuvant therapeutic agent in oxidative stress-mediated neurodegenerative conditions such as PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriranjini Venkata Rao
- Department of Biochemistry, Mysuru, India.
- Food Protectants and Infestation Control Department, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, Karnataka, 570 020, India.
| | - P Hemalatha
- Food Protectants and Infestation Control Department, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, Karnataka, 570 020, India
| | - S Yetish
- Food Protectants and Infestation Control Department, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, Karnataka, 570 020, India
| | | | - Padmanabhan S Rajini
- Food Protectants and Infestation Control Department, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, Karnataka, 570 020, India
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Hatziagapiou K, Kakouri E, Lambrou GI, Bethanis K, Tarantilis PA. Antioxidant Properties of Crocus Sativus L. and Its Constituents and Relevance to Neurodegenerative Diseases; Focus on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:377-402. [PMID: 29564976 PMCID: PMC6482475 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x16666180321095705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Hatziagapiou
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Choremeio Research Laboratory, Hematology/Oncology Unit, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Kakouri
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, School of Food Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George I Lambrou
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Choremeio Research Laboratory, Hematology/Oncology Unit, Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas Bethanis
- Physics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Food Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece
| | - Petros A Tarantilis
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, School of Food Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Moratalla-López N, Bagur MJ, Lorenzo C, Salinas MEMNR, Alonso GL. Bioactivity and Bioavailability of the Major Metabolites of Crocus sativus L. Flower. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24152827. [PMID: 31382514 PMCID: PMC6696252 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24152827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Moratalla-López
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, ETSI Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - María José Bagur
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, ETSI Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Cándida Lorenzo
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, ETSI Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | | | - Gonzalo L Alonso
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, ETSI Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain.
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Effects of the active constituents of Crocus sativus L. crocins and their combination with memantine on recognition memory in rats. Behav Pharmacol 2019; 29:400-412. [PMID: 29462109 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Crocus sativus L., is a plant cultivated in many countries of the world. Crocins are among the active constituents of C. sativus and their implication in cognition has been proposed. The present study was designed to investigate in the rat the effects of crocins on distinct recognition memory components (encoding, storage and retrieval). Subsequently, the potential use of crocins as adjunctive agents for the treatment of memory disorders was examined. Thus, the effects exerted by a combination of subthreshold doses of crocins and memantine on recognition memory were evaluated. To assess the effects of compounds on memory, the novel object-recognition task (NORT) was used. In a preliminary study, the influence of the retention time (the delay between the two trials) on the performance of rats was assessed. Rats' recognition memory abilities remained intact up to 6 h, but were extinguished when a delay of 24 h was utilized. Crocins, at any dose tested (5, 15, and 30 mg/kg), did not affect rats' performance, whereas administration of higher doses (15 and 30 mg/kg) reversed delay-dependent deficits in the NORT. The combination of subthreshold doses of crocins (5 mg/kg) and memantine (3 mg/kg) did not influence the performance, but counteracted delay-dependent deficits in the NORT. These findings suggest that crocins counteract natural forgetting and may modulate different aspects of recognition memory, and that the combined use of crocins and memantine might represent a novel strategy to treat memory disorders.
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Ozsavci D, Ozakpinar OB, Cetin M, Aricioglu F. Level of clinical evidence of herbal complementary therapies in psychiatric disorders. PSYCHIAT CLIN PSYCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/24750573.2019.1625587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Derya Ozsavci
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Mesut Cetin
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Feyza Aricioglu
- Department of Pharmacology and Psychopharmacology Research Unit, School of Pharmacy, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Andrade S, Ramalho MJ, Loureiro JA, Pereira MDC. Natural Compounds for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy: A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2313. [PMID: 31083327 PMCID: PMC6539304 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder related with the increase of age and it is the main cause of dementia in the world. AD affects cognitive functions, such as memory, with an intensity that leads to several functional losses. The continuous increase of AD incidence demands for an urgent development of effective therapeutic strategies. Despite the extensive research on this disease, only a few drugs able to delay the progression of the disease are currently available. In the last years, several compounds with pharmacological activities isolated from plants, animals and microorganisms, revealed to have beneficial effects for the treatment of AD, targeting different pathological mechanisms. Thus, a wide range of natural compounds may play a relevant role in the prevention of AD and have proven to be efficient in different preclinical and clinical studies. This work aims to review the natural compounds that until this date were described as having significant benefits for this neurological disease, focusing on studies that present clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Andrade
- LEPABE, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Maria João Ramalho
- LEPABE, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Joana Angélica Loureiro
- LEPABE, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Maria do Carmo Pereira
- LEPABE, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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Sharma R, Kuca K, Nepovimova E, Kabra A, Rao MM, Prajapati PK. Traditional Ayurvedic and herbal remedies for Alzheimer's disease: from bench to bedside. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 19:359-374. [PMID: 30884983 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1596803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder prevalent worldwide among elderly populations. Owing to limited efficacy, side effects, and poor patient compliance for current rationally designed therapies, options are being searched from alternate therapies such as Indian (Ayurvedic), Chinese, or other traditional systems. Areas covered: Following a comprehensive literature search, the authors provide a review encompassing: (1) pathophysiological changes involved in AD, (2) Ayurvedic holistic approach and herbal medicines to manage dementia and AD, and (3) traditional plants and their phytoconstituents effective in AD with description of possible mechanism of action. Expert opinion: Traditional remedies could be adjunct therapeutic options to allay wide-ranging pathological cascades of AD. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach of treatment along with a list of nootropic herbs and formulations that are the rich sources of antioxidants, anti-amyloidogenic, neuroprotective, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory compounds that are found to modulate neuroendocrine-immune activities, enhance memory, intellect, rejuvenate brain functions, and improve quality of life. A strong knowledge base of traditional systems coupled with contemporary science may provide new functional leads for age-associated neurodegenerative disorders at preventive, promotive, and curative levels, and evolution of new drug therapies and development processes, though further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Sharma
- a Central Ayurveda Research Institute for Drug Development , CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India , Bidhannagar , Kolkata , India
| | - Kamil Kuca
- b Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science , University of Hradec Kralove , Hradec Kralove , Czech Republic
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- b Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science , University of Hradec Kralove , Hradec Kralove , Czech Republic
| | - Atul Kabra
- c Department of Pharmacology , Kota College of Pharmacy , Kota , Rajasthan , India
| | - M M Rao
- d Central Ayurveda Research Institute for Drug Development , Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India , Bidhannagar , Kolkata , India
| | - P K Prajapati
- e Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana , All India Institute of Ayurveda , New Delhi , India
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Yao C, Qian XD, Zhou GF, Zhang SW, Li LQ, Guo QS. A comprehensive analysis and comparison between vacuum and electric oven drying methods on Chinese saffron ( Crocus sativus L.). Food Sci Biotechnol 2019; 28:355-364. [PMID: 30956847 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-018-0487-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The red stigmas of saffron are one of the most expensive spices in the world and serve as a traditional Chinese medicine. More saffron has been cultivated in China, and different drying technologies have been studied. However, a comprehensive and comparative analysis of different drying approaches has not been well studied. In this study, we compared electric oven and vacuum oven drying approaches on saffron. We found saffron was dried quicker under high vacuum drying mode with high temperature and the quicker drying rate provided, the more open microstructural interstices on the saffron surface. Both methods were best fit to Midilli and Kucuk model. Besides, the coloring, aroma and bitterness strength after drying showed the similar results. In sum, our data suggested the optimal drying temperature was 100 °C for 20 min for two evaluated methods, however considering the machine cost, the electric oven drying would be the first choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Yao
- 1Institute of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang Nanjing, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu Province People's Republic of China.,2Pharmaceutical Department, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, 313000 People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Dong Qian
- 2Pharmaceutical Department, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, 313000 People's Republic of China
| | - Gui-Fen Zhou
- 3Pharmaceutical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Wei Zhang
- 4Laboratory for Functional Foods and Human Health, Center for Excellence in Post-Harvest Technologies, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, North Carolina Research Campus, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081 USA
| | - Li-Qin Li
- 2Pharmaceutical Department, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, 313000 People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao-Sheng Guo
- 1Institute of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang Nanjing, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu Province People's Republic of China
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Khazdair MR, Anaeigoudari A, Hashemzehi M, Mohebbati R. Neuroprotective potency of some spice herbs, a literature review. J Tradit Complement Med 2019; 9:98-105. [PMID: 30963044 PMCID: PMC6435951 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Revised: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, growing attention has been given to traditional medicine. In traditional medicine a large number of plants have been used to cure neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other memory related disorders. Crocus sativus (C. sativus), Nigella sativa (N. sativa), Coriandrum sativum (C. sativum), Ferula assafoetida (F. assafoetida), Thymus vulgaris (T. vulgaris), Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) and Curcuma longa (C. longa) were used traditionally for dietary, food additive, spice and various medicinal purposes. The Major components of these herbs are carotenoids, monoterpenes and poly phenol compounds which enhanced the neural functions. These medicinal plants increased anti-oxidant, decreased oxidant levels and inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity in the neural system. Furthermore, neuroprotective of plants occur via reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and total nitrite generation. Therefore, the effects of the above mentioned medicinal and their active constituents improved neurodegenerative diseases which indicate their therapeutic potential in disorders associated with neuro-inflammation and neurotransmitter deficiency such as AD and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Khazdair
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Akbar Anaeigoudari
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Milad Hashemzehi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Reza Mohebbati
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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64
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Baziar S, Aqamolaei A, Khadem E, Mortazavi SH, Naderi S, Sahebolzamani E, Mortezaei A, Jalilevand S, Mohammadi MR, Shahmirzadi M, Akhondzadeh S. Crocus sativus L. Versus Methylphenidate in Treatment of Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind Pilot Study. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2019; 29:205-212. [PMID: 30741567 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2018.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood and adolescence. About 30% of patients do not respond to stimulants or cannot tolerate their side effects. Thus, alternative medication, like herbal medicine, should be considered. The aim of this trial is to compare the safety and efficacy of Crocus sativus (saffron) versus methylphenidate in improving symptoms of children with ADHD. METHODS In a 6-week randomized double-blind study, 54 patients (children 6-17 years old) with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnosis of ADHD were randomly assigned to receive either 20-30 mg/d (20 mg/d for <30 kg and 30 mg/d for >30 kg) methylphenidate (MPH) or 20-30 mg/d saffron capsules depending on weight (20 mg/d for <30 kg and 30 mg/d for >30 kg). Symptoms were assessed using the Teacher and Parent Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) at baseline and weeks 3 and 6. RESULTS Fifty patients completed the trial. General linear model repeated measures showed no significant difference between the two groups on Parent and Teacher Rating Scale scores (F = 0.749, df = 1.317, p = 0.425, and F = 0.249, df = 1.410, p = 0.701, respectively). Changes in Teacher and Parent ADHD Rating Scale scores from baseline to the study end were not significantly different between the saffron group and the MPH group (p = 0.731 and p = 0.883, respectively). The frequency of adverse effects was similar between saffron and MPH groups. CONCLUSION Short-term therapy with saffron capsule showed the same efficacy compared with methylphenidate. Nevertheless, larger controlled studies with longer treatment periods are necessary for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Baziar
- 1 Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Aqamolaei
- 1 Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Khadem
- 2 Department of Persian Medicine, Faculty of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyed Hosein Mortazavi
- 1 Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Naderi
- 1 Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Erfan Sahebolzamani
- 1 Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Mortezaei
- 1 Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shakiba Jalilevand
- 1 Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Mohammadi
- 1 Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Shahmirzadi
- 1 Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Akhondzadeh
- 1 Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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65
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Chalatsa I, Arvanitis DA, Koulakiotis NS, Giagini A, Skaltsounis AL, Papadopoulou-Daifoti Z, Tsarbopoulos A, Sanoudou D. The Crocus sativus Compounds trans-Crocin 4 and trans-Crocetin Modulate the Amyloidogenic Pathway and Tau Misprocessing in Alzheimer Disease Neuronal Cell Culture Models. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:249. [PMID: 30971876 PMCID: PMC6443833 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocus sativus L. natural compounds have been extensively used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Recent research evidence is now emerging in support of its therapeutic potential for different pathologies including neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, the C. sativus L. natural compounds trans-crocin 4 and trans-crocetin were selected for in depth molecular characterization of their potentially protective effects against Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), utilizing two AD neuronal cell culture models (SH-SY5Y overexpressing APP and PC12 expressing hyperphosphorylated tau). Biologically relevant concentrations, ranging from 0.1 μM to 1 mM, applied for 24 h or 72 h, were well tolerated by differentiated wild type SH-SY5Y and PC12 cells. When tested on neuronally differentiated SH-SY5Y-APP both trans-crocin 4 and trans-crocetin had significant effects against amyloidogenic pathways. Trans-crocin 4 significantly decreased of β-secretase, a key enzyme of the amyloidogenic pathway, and APP-C99, while it decreased γ-secretases that generate toxic beta-amyloid peptides. Similarly, trans-crocetin treatment led to a reduction in β- and γ-secretases, as well as to accumulation of cellular AβPP. When tested on the neuronally differentiated PC12-htau cells, both compounds proved effective in suppressing the active forms of GSK3β and ERK1/2 kinases, as well as significantly reducing total tau and tau phosphorylation. Collectively, our data demonstrate a potent effect of trans-crocin 4 and trans-crocetin in suppressing key molecular pathways of AD pathogenesis, rendering them a promising tool in the prevention and potentially the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Chalatsa
- Clinical Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Arvanitis
- Molecular Biology Division, Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Athina Giagini
- Clinical Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexios Leandros Skaltsounis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Zeta Papadopoulou-Daifoti
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anthony Tsarbopoulos
- GAIA Research Center, Bioanalytical Department, The Goulandris Natural History Museum, Athens, Greece.,Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Despina Sanoudou
- Clinical Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Molecular Biology Division, Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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66
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Christodoulou E, Grafakou ME, Skaltsa E, Kadoglou N, Kostomitsopoulos N, Valsami G. Preparation, chemical characterization and determination of crocetin's pharmacokinetics after oral and intravenous administration of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) aqueous extract to C57/BL6J mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 71:753-764. [PMID: 30575029 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To prepare a lyophilized saffron aqueous extract (SFE) and determine its chemical profile and serum and tissue pharmacokinetics after intravenous and oral administration to C57/Bl6J mice. METHODS Lyophilized SFE was prepared, characterized using semi-preparative HPLC and NMR analysis, and stability studies at room temperature, and was quantified for crocin content with an HPLC-PDA method. After intravenous and oral administration of SFE (60 mg/kg, reconstituted with water for injection) to C57/Bl6J mice, crocetin (derived from in vivo crocin hydrolysis) serum and tissue levels (unconjugated and total) were measured with an HPLC-PDA method and subjected to compartmental and non-compartmental PK analysis. KEY FINDINGS Saffron aqueous extract was rich in all-trans-crocin (27.8 ± 0.1% w/w) and stable for more than 15 months. One-compartment PK model described crocetin's (unconjugated) kinetics after intravenous administration of SFE, while a first-order kinetic parameter described the rate of crocetin biotransformation to crocetin metabolite (conjugated). Α οne-compartment PK model with first-order absorption described crocetin and crocetin's metabolite kinetics after SFE oral administration. Relative oral bioavailability was calculated at 1.17 for total crocetin. Tissue NCA PK analysis revealed extensive crocetin distribution to liver and kidneys. CONCLUSIONS SFE is a stable lyophilized extract rich in all-trans-crocin. The PK study allowed the estimation of basic PK parameters and the bioavailability of SFE's main bioactive component, crocetin, after peros administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Christodoulou
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleni Grafakou
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Skaltsa
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Kostomitsopoulos
- Center of Clinical Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Valsami
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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67
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Nootropic and Anti-Alzheimer's Actions of Medicinal Plants: Molecular Insight into Therapeutic Potential to Alleviate Alzheimer's Neuropathology. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:4925-4944. [PMID: 30414087 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1420-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Medicinal plants are the backbone of modern medicine. In recent times, there is a great urge to discover nootropic medicinal plants to reverse cognitive dysfunction owing to their less adverse effects. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the inevitable loss of cognitive function, memory and language impairment, and behavioral disturbances, which turn into gradually more severe. Alzheimer's has no current cure, but symptomatic treatments are available and research continues. The number of patients suffering from AD continues to rise and today, there is a worldwide effort under study to find better ways to alleviate Alzheimer's pathogenesis. In this review, the nootropic and anti-Alzheimer's potentials of 6 medicinal plants (i.e., Centella asiatica, Clitoria ternatea, Crocus sativus, Terminalia chebula, Withania somnifera, and Asparagus racemosus) were explored through literature review. This appraisal focused on available information about neuroprotective and anti-Alzheimer's use of these plants and their respective bioactive compounds/metabolites and associated effects in animal models and consequences of its use in human as well as proposed molecular mechanisms. This review progresses our existing knowledge to reveal the promising linkage of traditional medicine to halt AD pathogenesis. This analysis also avowed a new insight to search the promising anti-Alzheimer's drugs.
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68
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Zhang J, Wang Y, Dong X, Liu J. Crocetin attenuates inflammation and amyloid-β accumulation in APPsw transgenic mice. Immun Ageing 2018; 15:24. [PMID: 30450117 PMCID: PMC6208089 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-018-0132-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crocetin, an agent derived from saffron, has multiple pharmacological properties, such as neuroprotective, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions. These properties might benefit the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we tested whether crocetin attenuates inflammation and amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in APPsw transgenic mice, AD mouse models. Cell viability and the levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in HeLa cells stably transfected with Swedish mutant APP751 were evaluated. Mice with Swedish mutant APP751 transgene were used as transgenic mouse models of AD, and were orally administrated with crocetin. Aβ protein and inflammatory cytokines were measured with ELISA. NF-κB and P53 were measured with western blot assay. Learning and memory were analyzed with Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. RESULTS Crocetin significantly reduced Aβ40 and Aβ42 secretion in Hela cells without effecting cell viability. In AD transgenic mice, crocetin significantly reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokine in plasma, suppressed NF-κB activation and P53 expression in the hippocampus, decreased Aβ in various brain areas, and improved learning and memory deficits. CONCLUSION Crocetin improves Aβ accumulation-induced learning and memory deficit in AD transgenic mice, probably due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Daqing Oilfield General Hospitals, No. 9 Zhongkang Road, Daqing, 163001 China
| | - Yuchao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Daqing Oilfield General Hospitals, No. 9 Zhongkang Road, Daqing, 163001 China
| | - Xueshuang Dong
- Department of Neurology, Daqing Oilfield General Hospitals, No. 9 Zhongkang Road, Daqing, 163001 China
| | - Jianghua Liu
- Department of Neurology, Daqing Oilfield General Hospitals, No. 9 Zhongkang Road, Daqing, 163001 China
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69
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Ovais M, Zia N, Ahmad I, Khalil AT, Raza A, Ayaz M, Sadiq A, Ullah F, Shinwari ZK. Phyto-Therapeutic and Nanomedicinal Approaches to Cure Alzheimer's Disease: Present Status and Future Opportunities. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:284. [PMID: 30405389 PMCID: PMC6205985 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive inability manifested due to the accumulation of β-amyloid, formation of hyper phosphorylated neurofibrillary tangles, and a malfunctioned cholinergic system. The degeneration integrity of the neuronal network can appear long after the onset of the disease. Nanotechnology-based interventions have opened an exciting area via theranostics of AD in terms of tailored nanomedicine, which are able to target and deliver drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The exciting interface existing between medicinal plants and nanotechnology is an emerging marvel in medicine, which has delivered promising results in the treatment of AD. In order to assess the potential applications of the medicinal plants, their derived components, and various nanomedicinal approaches, a review of literature was deemed as necessary. In the present review, numerous phytochemicals and various feats in nanomedicine for the treatment of AD have been discussed mechanistically for the first time. Furthermore, recent trends in nanotechnology such as green synthesis of metal nanoparticles with reference to the treatment of AD have been elaborated. Foreseeing the recent progress, we hope that the interface of medicinal plants and nanotechnology will lead to highly effective theranostic strategies for the treatment of AD in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ovais
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- National Institute of Lasers and Optronics, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Nashmia Zia
- National Institute of Lasers and Optronics, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Irshad Ahmad
- Department of Life Sciences, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Talha Khalil
- Department of Eastern Medicine and Surgery, Qarshi University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abida Raza
- National Institute of Lasers and Optronics, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ayaz
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Sadiq
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Faculty of Health, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Farhat Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan
| | - Zabta Khan Shinwari
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Eastern Medicine and Surgery, Qarshi University, Lahore, Pakistan
- Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan
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70
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Broadhead GK, Grigg JR, McCluskey P, Hong T, Schlub TE, Chang AA. Saffron therapy for the treatment of mild/moderate age-related macular degeneration: a randomised clinical trial. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018; 257:31-40. [PMID: 30343354 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-018-4163-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the efficacy and safety of oral saffron, a natural antioxidant, in treating mild/moderate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS Randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial of 100 adults (> 50 years) with mild/moderate AMD and vision > 20/70 Snellen equivalent in at least one eye. Exclusion criteria included confounding visual lesions, or significant gastrointestinal disease impairing absorption. Participants were given oral saffron supplementation (20 mg/day) for 3 months or placebo for 3 months, followed by crossover for 3 months. Participants already consuming Age-Related Eye Diseases Study (AREDS) supplements or equivalent maintained these. Primary outcomes included changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and changes in multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) response density and latency. Secondary outcomes included safety outcomes and changes in mfERG and BCVA amongst participants on AREDS supplements. RESULTS Mean BCVA improved 0.69 letters (p = 0.001) and mean-pooled mfERG latency reduced 0.17 ms (p = 0.04) on saffron compared to placebo. Amongst participants on AREDS supplements, mean BCVA improved 0.73 letters p = 0.006) and mean-pooled mfERG response density improved 2.8% (p = 0.038). There was no significant difference in adverse event occurrence (p > 0.10). CONCLUSION Saffron supplementation modestly improved visual function in participants with AMD, including those using AREDS supplements. Given the chronic nature of AMD, longer-term supplementation may produce greater benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey K Broadhead
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia.,Sydney Institute of Vision Science, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney Retina Clinic & Day Surgery, Sydney, Australia
| | - John R Grigg
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Peter McCluskey
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Thomas Hong
- Sydney Institute of Vision Science, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney Retina Clinic & Day Surgery, Sydney, Australia
| | - Timothy E Schlub
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew A Chang
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia. .,Sydney Institute of Vision Science, Sydney, Australia. .,Sydney Retina Clinic & Day Surgery, Sydney, Australia.
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71
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Dos Santos TC, Gomes TM, Pinto BAS, Camara AL, Paes AMDA. Naturally Occurring Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors and Their Potential Use for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1192. [PMID: 30405413 PMCID: PMC6201143 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a main cause of dementia, accounting for up to 75% of all dementia cases. Pathophysiological processes described for AD progression involve neurons and synapses degeneration, mainly characterized by cholinergic impairment. This feature makes acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEi) the main class of drugs currently used for the treatment of AD dementia phase, among which galantamine is the only naturally occurring substance. However, several plant species producing diverse classes of alkaloids, coumarins, terpenes, and polyphenols have been assessed for their anti-AChE activity, becoming potential candidates for new anti-AD drugs. Therefore, this mini-review aimed to recapitulate last decade studies on the anti-AChE activity of plant species, their respective extracts, as well as isolated compounds. The anti-AChE activity of extracts prepared from 54 plant species pertaining 29 families, as well as 36 isolated compounds were classified and discussed according to their anti-AChE pharmacological potency to highlight the most prominent ones. Besides, relevant limitations, such as proper antioxidant assessment, and scarcity of toxicological and clinical studies were also discussed in order to help researchers out with the bioprospection of potentially new AChEi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaiane Coelho Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological and Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil.,Health Sciences Graduate Program, Biological and Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
| | - Thaís Mota Gomes
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological and Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
| | - Bruno Araújo Serra Pinto
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological and Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil.,Health Sciences Graduate Program, Biological and Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
| | - Adriana Leandro Camara
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological and Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
| | - Antonio Marcus de Andrade Paes
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological and Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil.,Health Sciences Graduate Program, Biological and Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
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Altinoz E, Erdemli ME, Gul M, Aksungur Z, Gul S, Bag HG, Kaya GB, Turkoz Y. Neuroprotection against CCl4induced brain damage with crocin in Wistar rats. Biotech Histochem 2018; 93:623-631. [DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2018.1519725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E Altinoz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Karabuk University, Karabuk, Turkey
| | - ME Erdemli
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Nigde, Turkey
| | - M Gul
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Z Aksungur
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - S Gul
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - HG Bag
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - GB Kaya
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Y Turkoz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
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73
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Stone J, Mitrofanis J, Johnstone DM, Falsini B, Bisti S, Adam P, Nuevo AB, George-Weinstein M, Mason R, Eells J. Acquired Resilience: An Evolved System of Tissue Protection in Mammals. Dose Response 2018; 16:1559325818803428. [PMID: 30627064 PMCID: PMC6311597 DOI: 10.1177/1559325818803428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review brings together observations on the stress-induced regulation of resilience mechanisms in body tissues. It is argued that the stresses that induce tissue resilience in mammals arise from everyday sources: sunlight, food, lack of food, hypoxia and physical stresses. At low levels, these stresses induce an organised protective response in probably all tissues; and, at some higher level, cause tissue destruction. This pattern of response to stress is well known to toxicologists, who have termed it hormesis. The phenotypes of resilience are diverse and reports of stress-induced resilience are to be found in journals of neuroscience, sports medicine, cancer, healthy ageing, dementia, parkinsonism, ophthalmology and more. This diversity makes the proposing of a general concept of induced resilience a significant task, which this review attempts. We suggest that a system of stress-induced tissue resilience has evolved to enhance the survival of animals. By analogy with acquired immunity, we term this system 'acquired resilience'. Evidence is reviewed that acquired resilience, like acquired immunity, fades with age. This fading is, we suggest, a major component of ageing. Understanding of acquired resilience may, we argue, open pathways for the maintenance of good health in the later decades of human life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Stone
- Discipline of Physiology, Bosch Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Mitrofanis
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Bosch Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel M. Johnstone
- Discipline of Physiology, Bosch Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benedetto Falsini
- Facolta’ di Medicina e Chirurgia, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Universita’ Cattolica del S. Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Department of Biotechnical and Applied Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi dell’Aquila, IIT Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Genova and INBB Istituto Nazionale Biosistemi e Biostrutture, Rome, Italy
| | - Paul Adam
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Arturo Bravo Nuevo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mindy George-Weinstein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca Mason
- Discipline of Physiology, Bosch Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janis Eells
- College of Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Bharate S, Kumar V, Singh G, Singh A, Gupta M, Singh D, Kumar A, Vishwakarma RA, Bharate SB. Preclinical Development of Crocus sativus-Based Botanical Lead IIIM-141 for Alzheimer's Disease: Chemical Standardization, Efficacy, Formulation Development, Pharmacokinetics, and Safety Pharmacology. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:9572-9585. [PMID: 31459089 PMCID: PMC6644748 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b00841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Crocus sativus L. (family: Iridaceae) has been documented in traditional medicine with numerous medicinal properties. Recently, we have shown that C. sativus extract (IIIM-141) displays promising efficacy in a genetic mice (5XFAD) model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) (ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2017, 16, 1756). To translate the available traditional knowledge and the scientifically validated results into modern medicine, herein we aimed to carry out its preclinical development. IIIM-141 is primarily a mixture of crocins containing trans-4-GG-crocin (36 % w/w) as the principal component. The in vitro studies show that IIIM-141 has protective as well as therapeutic properties in assays related to AD. It induces the expression of P-gp, thereby enhancing the amyloid-β clearance from an AD brain. It also inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome and protects SH-SY5Y cells against amyloid-β- and glutamate-induced neurotoxicities. In behavioral models, it decreased the streptozotocin-induced memory impairment in rats and recovered the scopolamine-induced memory deficit in Swiss albino mice at 100 mg/kg dose. The acute oral toxicity study shows that IIIM-141 is safe up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg, with no effect on the body weight and on the biochemical/hematological parameters of the rats. The repeated oral administration of IIIM-141 for 28 days at 100 mg/kg dose did not cause any preterminal deaths and abnormalities in Wistar rats. The pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that after oral administration of IIIM-141, the majority of crocin gets hydrolyzed to its aglycone crocetin. The sustained release (SR) capsule formulation was developed, which showed an improved in vitro dissolution profile and a significantly enhanced plasma exposure in the pharmacokinetic study. The SR formulation resulted in 3.3-fold enhancement in the area under the curve of crocetin and doubling of the crocetin/crocin ratio in plasma compared with the extract. The data presented herein will serve as the benchmark for further research on this botanical candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali
S. Bharate
- Preformulaion
Laboratory, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, Academy of Scientific
& Innovative Research, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, QC-QA Division, and Medicinal Chemistry
Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative
Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Preformulaion
Laboratory, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, Academy of Scientific
& Innovative Research, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, QC-QA Division, and Medicinal Chemistry
Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative
Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Gurdarshan Singh
- Preformulaion
Laboratory, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, Academy of Scientific
& Innovative Research, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, QC-QA Division, and Medicinal Chemistry
Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative
Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Amarinder Singh
- Preformulaion
Laboratory, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, Academy of Scientific
& Innovative Research, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, QC-QA Division, and Medicinal Chemistry
Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative
Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Mehak Gupta
- Preformulaion
Laboratory, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, Academy of Scientific
& Innovative Research, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, QC-QA Division, and Medicinal Chemistry
Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative
Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Deepika Singh
- Preformulaion
Laboratory, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, Academy of Scientific
& Innovative Research, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, QC-QA Division, and Medicinal Chemistry
Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative
Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Preformulaion
Laboratory, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, Academy of Scientific
& Innovative Research, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, QC-QA Division, and Medicinal Chemistry
Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative
Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Ram A. Vishwakarma
- Preformulaion
Laboratory, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, Academy of Scientific
& Innovative Research, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, QC-QA Division, and Medicinal Chemistry
Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative
Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
- E-mail: . Phone: +91 191 2569111. Fax: +91 191 2569333 (R.A.V.)
| | - Sandip B. Bharate
- Preformulaion
Laboratory, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, Academy of Scientific
& Innovative Research, PK-PD Toxicology and Formulation Division, QC-QA Division, and Medicinal Chemistry
Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative
Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
- E-mail: . Phone: +91 191 2569006. Fax: +91 191 2569333 (S.B.B.)
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Leone S, Recinella L, Chiavaroli A, Orlando G, Ferrante C, Leporini L, Brunetti L, Menghini L. Phytotherapic use of theCrocus sativusL. (Saffron) and its potential applications: A brief overview. Phytother Res 2018; 32:2364-2375. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy; G. d'Annunzio University; Chieti Italy
| | - Lucia Recinella
- Department of Pharmacy; G. d'Annunzio University; Chieti Italy
| | | | | | | | - Lidia Leporini
- Department of Pharmacy; G. d'Annunzio University; Chieti Italy
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy; G. d'Annunzio University; Chieti Italy
| | - Luigi Menghini
- Department of Pharmacy; G. d'Annunzio University; Chieti Italy
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Shafiee M, Arekhi S, Omranzadeh A, Sahebkar A. Saffron in the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders: Current evidence and potential mechanisms of action. J Affect Disord 2018; 227:330-337. [PMID: 29136602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression and anxiety are two common mental health problems with high economic and social costs. Currently, a number of treatments are available for patients with depression and anxiety disorders such as psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and antidepressant drugs. Due to safety concerns, adverse effects, limited efficacy and low tolerability associated with many antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications, identification of novel agents with less toxicity and more favorable outcome is warranted. METHODS The current article provides a non-systematic review of the available in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence on the efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action of saffron and its active ingredients in the treatment of anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. RESULTS Several interesting data have been reported about the antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties of saffron, the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L., in several preclinical and clinical studies. In particular, a number of clinical trials demonstrated that saffron and its active constituents possess antidepressant properties similar to those of current antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine, imipramine and citalopram, but with fewer reported side effects. CONCLUSION Saffron may exert antidepressant effects and represents an efficacious and safe treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Shafiee
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Soheil Arekhi
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Evidence Based Medicine Research Group, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Omranzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Evidence Based Medicine Research Group, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Perry NSL, Menzies R, Hodgson F, Wedgewood P, Howes MJR, Brooker HJ, Wesnes KA, Perry EK. A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial of a combined extract of sage, rosemary and melissa, traditional herbal medicines, on the enhancement of memory in normal healthy subjects, including influence of age. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 39:42-48. [PMID: 29433682 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate for the first time the effects of a combination of sage, rosemary and melissa (Salvia officinalis L., Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Melissa officinalis L.; SRM), traditional European medicines, on verbal recall in normal healthy subjects. To devise a suitable study design for assessing the clinical efficacy of traditional herbal medicines for memory and brain function. METHODS Forty-four normal healthy subjects (mean age 61 ± 9.26y SD; m/f 6/38) participated in this study. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled pilot study was performed with subjects randomised into an active and placebo group. The study consisted of a single 2-week term ethanol extract of SRM that was chemically-characterised using high resolution LC-UV-MS/MS analysis. Immediate and delayed word recall were used to assess memory after taking SRM or placebo (ethanol extract of Myrrhis odorata (L.) Scop.). In addition analysis was performed with subjects divided into younger and older subgroups (≤ 62 years mean age n = 26: SRM n = 10, Placebo n = 16; ≥ 63 years n = 19: SRM n = 13, Placebo n = 6). RESULTS Overall there were no significant differences between treatment and placebo change from baseline for immediate or delayed word recall. However subgroup analysis showed significant improvements to delayed word recall in the under 63 year age group (p < 0.0123) with Cohen's effect size d = 0.92. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION This pilot study indicates that an oral preparation of SRM at the selected dose and for the period of administration is more effective than a placebo in supported verbal episodic memory in healthy subjects under 63 years of age. Short- and long- term supplementation with SRM extract merits more robust investigation as an adjunctive treatment for patients with Alzheimer's disease and in the general ageing population. The study design proved a simple cost effective trial protocol to test the efficacy of herbal medicines on verbal episodic memory, with future studies including broader cognitive assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S L Perry
- Dilston Physic Garden, Corbridge, Northumberland, UK.
| | - R Menzies
- The Body Works Centre, 4 Eastgate, Hexham, UK
| | - F Hodgson
- The Body Works Centre, 4 Eastgate, Hexham, UK
| | - P Wedgewood
- The Body Works Centre, 4 Eastgate, Hexham, UK
| | - M-J R Howes
- Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UK
| | - H J Brooker
- Wesnes Cognition Limited, Little Paddock, Streatley Hill, Streatley On Thames, UK
| | - K A Wesnes
- Wesnes Cognition Limited, Little Paddock, Streatley Hill, Streatley On Thames, UK
| | - E K Perry
- Dilston Physic Garden, Corbridge, Northumberland, UK
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José Bagur M, Alonso Salinas GL, Jiménez-Monreal AM, Chaouqi S, Llorens S, Martínez-Tomé M, Alonso GL. Saffron: An Old Medicinal Plant and a Potential Novel Functional Food. Molecules 2017; 23:E30. [PMID: 29295497 PMCID: PMC5943931 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The spice saffron is made from the dried stigmas of the plant Crocus sativus L. The main use of saffron is in cooking, due to its ability to impart colour, flavour and aroma to foods and beverages. However, from time immemorial it has also been considered a medicinal plant because it possesses therapeutic properties, as illustrated in paintings found on the island of Santorini, dated 1627 BC. It is included in Catalogues of Medicinal Plants and in the European Pharmacopoeias, being part of a great number of compounded formulas from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The medicinal and pharmaceutical uses of this plant largely disappeared with the advent of synthetic chemistry-produced drugs. However, in recent years there has been growing interest in demonstrating saffron's already known bioactivity, which is attributed to the main components-crocetin and its glycosidic esters, called crocins, and safranal-and to the synergy between the compounds present in the spice. The objective of this work was to provide an updated and critical review of the research on the therapeutic properties of saffron, including activity on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, in the liver, its antidepressant, anxiolytic and antineoplastic properties, as well as its potential use as a functional food or nutraceutical.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Bagur
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, E.T.S.I. Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (M.J.B.); (S.C.)
- Department of Food Science, Universidad de Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus International de Excelencia Regional “Campus Mare Nostrum”, CIBERobn, ISCIII, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.J.-M.); (M.M.-T.)
| | | | - Antonia M. Jiménez-Monreal
- Department of Food Science, Universidad de Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus International de Excelencia Regional “Campus Mare Nostrum”, CIBERobn, ISCIII, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.J.-M.); (M.M.-T.)
| | - Soukaina Chaouqi
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, E.T.S.I. Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (M.J.B.); (S.C.)
- Laboratory of Materials, Environment and Electrochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ibn Tofaïl University, P.O. Box 242, 14000 Kénitra, Morocco
| | - Silvia Llorens
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine and Regional Centre for Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain;
| | - Magdalena Martínez-Tomé
- Department of Food Science, Universidad de Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus International de Excelencia Regional “Campus Mare Nostrum”, CIBERobn, ISCIII, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.J.-M.); (M.M.-T.)
| | - Gonzalo L. Alonso
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, E.T.S.I. Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (M.J.B.); (S.C.)
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Moazen-Zadeh E, Abbasi SH, Safi-Aghdam H, Shahmansouri N, Arjmandi-Beglar A, Hajhosseinn Talasaz A, Salehiomran A, Forghani S, Akhondzadeh S. Effects of Saffron on Cognition, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Altern Complement Med 2017; 24:361-368. [PMID: 29185780 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2017.0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety are among the major concerns in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Crocus sativus L. (saffron) seems to be a promising candidate for treatment of these conditions. DESIGN In this 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, men and women with on-pump CABG, who had Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) score >70 and age <70 years, received either saffron capsules (15 mg/twice daily) or placebo. Patients were excluded if they had history of treatment with saffron or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders, serious medical conditions other than cardiovascular diseases, and hypersensitivity to herbal compounds. The primary outcome was defined as the difference in mean total score changes for WMS-Revised from the baseline to week 12 between the saffron and placebo groups. Secondary outcomes included difference in mean score changes from baseline to endpoint between the two treatment groups for Mini Mental Status Examination and subscales of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ( www.irct.ir ; IRCT201408071556N63). RESULTS No significant difference was detected in primary or secondary outcomes between the saffron and placebo groups. Also, no significant time × treatment interaction effect was found for any of the scales. CONCLUSIONS The results of this trial do not support the hypothesis of potential benefits of saffron in treatment of CABG-related neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Moazen-Zadeh
- 1 Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hamideh Safi-Aghdam
- 1 Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | | | - Abbas Salehiomran
- 2 Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shahin Akhondzadeh
- 1 Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
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Batarseh YS, Bharate SS, Kumar V, Kumar A, Vishwakarma RA, Bharate SB, Kaddoumi A. Crocus sativus Extract Tightens the Blood-Brain Barrier, Reduces Amyloid β Load and Related Toxicity in 5XFAD Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1756-1766. [PMID: 28471166 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocus sativus, commonly known as saffron or Kesar, is used in Ayurveda and other folk medicines for various purposes as an aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, and expectorant. Previous evidence suggested that Crocus sativus is linked to improving cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The aim of this study was to in vitro and in vivo investigate the mechanism(s) by which Crocus sativus exerts its positive effect against AD. The effect of Crocus sativus extract on Aβ load and related toxicity was evaluated. In vitro results showed that Crocus sativus extract increases the tightness of a cell-based blood-brain barrier (BBB) model and enhances transport of Aβ. Further in vivo studies confirmed the effect of Crocus sativus extract (50 mg/kg/day, added to mice diet) on the BBB tightness and function that was associated with reduced Aβ load and related pathological changes in 5XFAD mice used as an AD model. Reduced Aβ load could be explained, at least in part, by Crocus sativus extract effect to enhance Aβ clearance pathways including BBB clearance, enzymatic degradation and ApoE clearance pathway. Furthermore, Crocus sativus extract upregulated synaptic proteins and reduced neuroinflammation associated with Aβ pathology in the brains of 5XFAD mice. Crocin, a major active constituent of Crocus sativus and known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, was also tested separately in vivo in 5XFAD mice. Crocin (10 mg/kg/day) was able to reduce Aβ load but to a lesser extent when compared to Crocus sativus extract. Collectively, findings from this study support the positive effect of Crocus sativus against AD by reducing Aβ pathological manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazan S. Batarseh
- Department
of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana 71201, United States
| | - Sonali S. Bharate
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu-180001, India
| | - Vikas Kumar
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu-180001, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu-180001, India
| | - Ram A. Vishwakarma
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu-180001, India
| | - Sandip B. Bharate
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu-180001, India
| | - Amal Kaddoumi
- Department
of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana 71201, United States
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Linardaki ZI, Lamari FN, Margarity M. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Tea Intake Prevents Learning/Memory Defects and Neurobiochemical Alterations Induced by Aflatoxin B1 Exposure in Adult Mice. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:2743-2754. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2283-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Webster L, Groskreutz D, Grinbergs-Saull A, Howard R, O'Brien JT, Mountain G, Banerjee S, Woods B, Perneczky R, Lafortune L, Roberts C, McCleery J, Pickett J, Bunn F, Challis D, Charlesworth G, Featherstone K, Fox C, Goodman C, Jones R, Lamb S, Moniz-Cook E, Schneider J, Shepperd S, Surr C, Thompson-Coon J, Ballard C, Brayne C, Burke O, Burns A, Clare L, Garrard P, Kehoe P, Passmore P, Holmes C, Maidment I, Murtagh F, Robinson L, Livingston G. Development of a core outcome set for disease modification trials in mild to moderate dementia: a systematic review, patient and public consultation and consensus recommendations. Health Technol Assess 2017; 21:1-192. [PMID: 28625273 PMCID: PMC5494514 DOI: 10.3310/hta21260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is currently no disease-modifying treatment available to halt or delay the progression of the disease pathology in dementia. An agreed core set of the best-available and most appropriate outcomes for disease modification would facilitate the design of trials and ensure consistency across disease modification trials, as well as making results comparable and meta-analysable in future trials. OBJECTIVES To agree a set of core outcomes for disease modification trials for mild to moderate dementia with the UK dementia research community and patient and public involvement (PPI). DATA SOURCES We included disease modification trials with quantitative outcomes of efficacy from (1) references from related systematic reviews in workstream 1; (2) searches of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group study register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature and PsycINFO on 11 December 2015, and clinical trial registries [International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) and clinicaltrials.gov] on 22 and 29 January 2016; and (3) hand-searches of reference lists of relevant systematic reviews from database searches. REVIEW METHODS The project consisted of four workstreams. (1) We obtained related core outcome sets and work from co-applicants. (2) We systematically reviewed published and ongoing disease modification trials to identify the outcomes used in different domains. We extracted outcomes used in each trial, recording how many used each outcome and with how many participants. We divided outcomes into the domains measured and searched for validation data. (3) We consulted with PPI participants about recommended outcomes. (4) We presented all the synthesised information at a conference attended by the wider body of National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) dementia researchers to reach consensus on a core set of outcomes. RESULTS We included 149 papers from the 22,918 papers screened, referring to 125 individual trials. Eighty-one outcomes were used across trials, including 72 scales [31 cognitive, 12 activities of daily living (ADLs), 10 global, 16 neuropsychiatric and three quality of life] and nine biological techniques. We consulted with 18 people for PPI. The conference decided that only cognition and biological markers are core measures of disease modification. Cognition should be measured by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog), and brain changes through structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a subset of participants. All other domains are important but not core. We recommend using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory for neuropsychiatric symptoms: the Disability Assessment for Dementia for ADLs, the Dementia Quality of Life Measure for quality of life and the Clinical Dementia Rating scale to measure dementia globally. LIMITATIONS Most of the trials included participants with Alzheimer's disease, so recommendations may not apply to other types of dementia. We did not conduct economic analyses. The PPI consultation was limited to members of the Alzheimer's Society Research Network. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive outcomes and biological markers form the core outcome set for future disease modification trials, measured by the MMSE or ADAS-Cog, and structural MRI in a subset of participants. FUTURE WORK We envisage that the core set may be superseded in the future, particularly for other types of dementia. There is a need to develop an algorithm to compare scores on the MMSE and ADAS-Cog. STUDY REGISTRATION The project was registered with Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials [ www.comet-initiative.org/studies/details/819?result=true (accessed 7 April 2016)]. The systematic review protocol is registered as PROSPERO CRD42015027346. FUNDING The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Webster
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Derek Groskreutz
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Rob Howard
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - John T O'Brien
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gail Mountain
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sube Banerjee
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Bob Woods
- Dementia Services Development Centre Wales, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Robert Perneczky
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Louise Lafortune
- Cambridge Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Charlotte Roberts
- International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement, London, UK
| | | | | | - Frances Bunn
- Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - David Challis
- Personal Social Services Research Unit, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Georgina Charlesworth
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Chris Fox
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Claire Goodman
- Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Roy Jones
- Research Institute for the Care of Older People, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Sallie Lamb
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Esme Moniz-Cook
- Faculty of Health and Social Care, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Justine Schneider
- Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sasha Shepperd
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Claire Surr
- School of Health & Community Studies, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Jo Thompson-Coon
- Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care South West Peninsula, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Clive Ballard
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Carol Brayne
- Cambridge Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Orlaith Burke
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alistair Burns
- Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Linda Clare
- Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care South West Peninsula, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Peter Garrard
- Neuroscience Research Centre, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Patrick Kehoe
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Passmore
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Clive Holmes
- School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ian Maidment
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Fliss Murtagh
- Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Louise Robinson
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gill Livingston
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- North Thames Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care, London, UK
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84
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Ni Y, Li L, Zhang W, Lu D, Zang C, Zhang D, Yu Y, Yao X. Discovery and LC-MS Characterization of New Crocins in Gardeniae Fructus and Their Neuroprotective Potential. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2017; 65:2936-2946. [PMID: 27936687 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b03866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Ten new crocins, neocrocins B-J (1-9) and 13-cis-crocetin-8'-O-β-d-gentiobioside (14), along with 10 known crocins, were isolated from the fruits of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (Gardeniae Fructus). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by analyzing HRESIMS, UV/vis, and 1D and 2D NMR spectra, and their neuroprotective effects against hydrogen peroxide- and l-glutamic acid-induced SH-SY5Y cell injury were evaluated. The UPLC-Q/TOF-MS chromatogram of a crocin-rich fraction derived from gardenia fruit extracts was established using the obtained crocin compounds as references. Most of the peaks were identified (the total integral area of the identified peaks accounted for 95% of total peak areas), and bioactive crocins were a large portion of this fraction (the areas of peaks from the neuroprotective compounds accounted for 70% of the total).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ni
- College of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Li
- Institute of TCM & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiyang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology , Macau, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Lu
- Institute of TCM & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Caixia Zang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College , Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College , Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Yu
- Institute of TCM & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinsheng Yao
- Institute of TCM & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
- College of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
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85
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Broadhead GK, Chang A, Grigg J, McCluskey P. Efficacy and Safety of Saffron Supplementation: Current Clinical Findings. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017; 56:2767-76. [PMID: 25875654 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2013.879467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus savitus) is a Middle-Eastern herb with strong antioxidant properties. Its major constituents, safranal, crocin, and crocetin, are also antioxidants and bear structural similarities to other well-known natural antixodant substances, such as zeaxanthin. Given the role of oxidative stress in many diseases, considerable interest has been shown into the potential role of saffron supplementation as a treatment for a range of diseases. In vitro and animal studies have provided evidence that saffron and its constituents may be potent therapies for a range of pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cardiac ischemia. Whether these findings translate into clinical efficacy, however, has as of yet been incompletely assessed. This makes assessing the role of saffron supplementation in these diseases difficult. Here, we review the current human clinical evidence supporting saffron supplementation as a treatment for a range of pathologies and the underlying science supporting its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- G K Broadhead
- a Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - A Chang
- a Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - J Grigg
- a Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - P McCluskey
- a Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
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86
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Omar SH, Scott CJ, Hamlin AS, Obied HK. The protective role of plant biophenols in mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease. J Nutr Biochem 2017; 47:1-20. [PMID: 28301805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembly of amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) into the neurotoxic oligomers followed by fibrillar aggregates is a defining characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Several lines of proposed hypotheses have suggested the mechanism of AD pathology, though the exact pathophysiological mechanism is not yet elucidated. The poor understanding of AD and multitude of adverse responses reported from the current synthetic drugs are the leading cause of failure in the drug development to treat or halt the progression of AD and mandate the search for safer and more efficient alternatives. A number of natural compounds have shown the ability to prevent the formation of the toxic oligomers and disrupt the aggregates, thus attracted much attention. Referable to the abundancy and multitude of pharmacological activities of the plant active constituents, biophenols that distinguish them from the other phytochemicals as a natural weapon against the neurodegenerative disorders. This review provides a critical assessment of the current literature on in vitro and in vivo mechanistic activities of biophenols associated with the prevention and treatment of AD. We have contended the need for more comprehensive approaches to evaluate the anti-AD activity of biophenols at various pathologic levels and to assess the current evidences. Consequently, we highlighted the various problems and challenges confronting the AD research, and offer recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed H Omar
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia.
| | - Christopher J Scott
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
| | - Adam S Hamlin
- School of Science & Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Hassan K Obied
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
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87
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Razak SIA, Anwar Hamzah MS, Yee FC, Kadir MRA, Nayan NHM. A Review on Medicinal Properties of Saffron toward Major Diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/10496475.2016.1272522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saiful Izwan Abd Razak
- IJN-UTM Cardiovascular Engineering Centre, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Syahir Anwar Hamzah
- Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Foong Choi Yee
- Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | | | - Nadirul Hasraf Mat Nayan
- Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
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88
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Finley JW, Gao S. A Perspective on Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) Constituent Crocin: A Potent Water-Soluble Antioxidant and Potential Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2017; 65:1005-1020. [PMID: 28098452 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b04398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. Several factors are thought to play roles in the development and course of AD. Existing medical therapies only modestly alleviate and delay cognitive symptoms. Current research has been focused on developing antibodies to remove the aggregates of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau protein. This approach has achieved removal of Aβ; however, no cognitive improvement in AD patients has been reported. The biological properties of saffron, the dry stigma of the plant Crocus sativus L., and particularly its main constituent crocin, have been studied extensively for many conditions including dementia and traumatic brain injury. Crocin is a unique antioxidant because it is a water-soluble carotenoid. Crocin has shown potential to improve learning and memory as well as protect brain cells. A search of the studies on saffron and crocin that have been published in recent years for their impact on AD as well as crocin's effects on Aβ and tau protein has been conducted. This review demonstrates that crocin exhibits multifunctional protective activities in the brain and could be a promising agent applied as a supplement or drug for prevention or treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Finley
- Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, 111 Food Science Building, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
- 14719 Secret Harbor Place, Bradenton, Florida 34202, United States
| | - Song Gao
- Quality Phytochemicals LLC , 13 Dexter Road, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816, United States
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89
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Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory deficits. Various studies have been carried out to find therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease. However, the proper treatment option is still not available. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but symptomatic treatment may improve the memory and other dementia related problems. Traditional medicine is practiced worldwide as memory enhancer since ancient times. Natural therapy including herbs and medicinal plants has been used in the treatment of memory deficits such as dementia, amnesia, as well as Alzheimer's disease since a long time. Medicinal plants have been used in different systems of medicine, particularly Unani system of medicines and exhibited their powerful roles in the management and cure of memory disorders. Most of herbs and plants have been chemically evaluated and their efficacy has also been proven in clinical trials. However, the underlying mechanisms of actions are still on the way. In this paper, we have reviewed the role of different medicinal plants that play an important role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and memory deficits using conventional herbal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Akram
- Department of Eastern Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
| | - Allah Nawaz
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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90
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Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine on Alzheimer's Disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 135:29-56. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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91
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Trans -crocetin improves amyloid-β degradation in monocytes from Alzheimer's Disease patients. J Neurol Sci 2017; 372:408-412. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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92
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Natural products against Alzheimer's disease: Pharmaco-therapeutics and biotechnological interventions. Biotechnol Adv 2016; 35:178-216. [PMID: 28043897 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe, chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with memory and cognition impairment ultimately leading to death. It is the commonest reason of dementia in elderly populations mostly affecting beyond the age of 65. The pathogenesis is indicated by accumulation of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in brain tissues and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein in neurons. The main cause is considered to be the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to oxidative stress. The current treatment provides only symptomatic relief by offering temporary palliative therapy which declines the rate of cognitive impairment associated with AD. Inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is considered as one of the major therapeutic strategies offering only symptomatic relief and moderate disease-modifying effect. Other non-cholinergic therapeutic approaches include antioxidant and vitamin therapy, stem cell therapy, hormonal therapy, use of antihypertensive or lipid-lowering medications and selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, inhibition of β-secretase and γ-secretase and Aβ aggregation, inhibition of tau hyperphosphorylation and intracellular NFT, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), transition metal chelators, insulin resistance drugs, etanercept, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) etc. Medicinal plants have been reported for possible anti-AD activity in a number of preclinical and clinical trials. Ethnobotany, being popular in China and in the Far East and possibly less emphasized in Europe, plays a substantial role in the discovery of anti-AD agents from botanicals. Chinese Material Medica (CMM) involving Chinese medicinal plants has been used traditionally in China in the treatment of AD. Ayurveda has already provided numerous lead compounds in drug discovery and many of these are also undergoing clinical investigations. A number of medicinal plants either in their crude forms or as isolated compounds have exhibited to reduce the pathological features associated with AD. In this present review, an attempt has been made to elucidate the molecular mode of action of various plant extracts, phytochemicals and traditional herbal formulations investigated against AD as reported in various preclinical and clinical tests. Herbal synergism often found in polyherbal formulations were found effective to combat disease heterogeneity as found in complex pathogenesis of AD. Finally a note has been added to describe biotechnological improvement, genetic and genomic resources and mathematical and statistical techniques for empirical model building associated with anti-AD plant secondary metabolites and their source botanicals.
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93
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Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Vascular Dementia: An Overview of Scientific Evidence. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:7293626. [PMID: 28115971 PMCID: PMC5223013 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7293626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dementia is a leading cause of mental and physical disability. Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer's disease (AD) constituting 10–15% of the dementia population. Currently there are no approved pharmaceutical options for VaD and the conventional anti-AD therapies provide only modest, short-term relief of symptoms associated with VaD. Herbal medicines have been used for the management of dementia-like symptoms for centuries and may provide viable therapies for VaD due to their multicomponent and multitarget approach. This review is designed to provide an updated overview on the current status of herbal medicine research, with an emphasis on Chinese herbal medicine, for the treatment of VaD or dementia. A case study is also provided to demonstrate the development process of a novel standardized complex herbal formulation for VaD. The article reveals some preliminary evidence to support the use of single and complex herbal preparations for VaD and dementia. Multiple issues in relation to clinical and preclinical research have been identified and future research directions are discussed.
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94
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Shahi T, Assadpour E, Jafari SM. Main chemical compounds and pharmacological activities of stigmas and tepals of ‘red gold’; saffron. Trends Food Sci Technol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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95
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Vitamin E, Turmeric and Saffron in Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2016; 5:antiox5040040. [PMID: 27792130 PMCID: PMC5187538 DOI: 10.3390/antiox5040040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a growing epidemic and currently there is no cure for the disease. The disease has a detrimental effect on families and will strain the economy and health care systems of countries worldwide. The paper provides a literature review on a few ongoing possible antioxidant therapy treatments for the disease. The paper highlights use of vitamin E, turmeric and saffron for an alternative antioxidant therapy approach. Clinical studies report their therapeutic abilities as protective agents for nerve cells against free radical damage, moderating acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and reducing neurodegeneration, which are found as key factors in Alzheimer’s. The paper suggests that future research, with more clinical trials focused on more natural approaches and their benefits for AD treatment could be worthwhile.
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96
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Pitsikas N. Constituents of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) as Potential Candidates for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders and Schizophrenia. Molecules 2016; 21:303. [PMID: 26950102 PMCID: PMC6273654 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21030303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders and schizophrenia are common public health issues. The dried stigma of the plant Crocus sativus L., (C. sativus) commonly known as saffron are used in folk medicine for various purposes. Several lines of evidence suggest that C. sativus, crocins and safranal are implicated in anxiety and schizophrenia. Here, I intend to critically review advances in research of these emerging molecules for the treatment of anxiety and schizophrenia, discuss their advantages over currently used anxiolytics and neuroleptics, as well remaining challenges. Current analysis shows that C. sativus and its components might be a promising class of compounds for the treatment of the above mentioned psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Pitsikas
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Panepistimiou 3 (Biopolis), Larissa 41500, Greece.
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97
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Baba SA, Ashraf N. Pharmacological Importance of Crocus sativus Apocarotenoids. APOCAROTENOIDS OF CROCUS SATIVUS L: FROM BIOSYNTHESIS TO PHARMACOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1899-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
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98
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Asadi F, Jamshidi AH, Khodagholi F, Yans A, Azimi L, Faizi M, Vali L, Abdollahi M, Ghahremani MH, Sharifzadeh M. Reversal effects of crocin on amyloid β-induced memory deficit: Modification of autophagy or apoptosis markers. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 139:47-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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99
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Hausenblas HA, Heekin K, Mutchie HL, Anton S. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials examining the effectiveness of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on psychological and behavioral outcomes. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2015; 13:231-40. [PMID: 26165367 DOI: 10.1016/s2095-4964(15)60176-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Throughout the past three decades, increased scientific attention has been given to examining saffron's (Crocus sativus L.) use as a potential therapeutic or preventive agent for a number of health conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and depression. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this systematic review is to examine and categorize the current state of scientific evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the efficacy of saffron on psychological/behavioral outcomes. SEARCH STRATEGY Electronic and non-electronic systematic searches were conducted to identify all relevant human clinical research on saffron. The search strategy was extensive and was designed according to the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)." Reference lists of articles that met the inclusion criteria were searched. Only English language studies were reviewed. INCLUSION CRITERIA Saffron trials in combination with other substances and saffron safety studies were considered, in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Included studies must have a control group. Included studies must measure a physiological and/or a behavioral outcome. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS The methodological quality of all included studies was independently evaluated by two reviewers using the Jadad score. Mean scores and P-values of measures were compared both inter- and intra-study for each parameter (i.e., depression). RESULTS Twelve studies met our inclusion criteria. These studies examined the effects of saffron on psychological/behavioral outcomes of: major depressive disorder (n=6), premenstrual syndrome (n = 1), sexual dysfunction and infertility (n=4), and weight loss/snacking behaviors (n=1). The data from these studies support the efficacy of saffron as compared to placebo in improving the following conditions: depressive symptoms (compared to anti-depressants and placebo), premenstrual symptoms, and sexual dysfunction. In addition, saffron use was also effective in reducing excessive snacking behavior. CONCLUSION Findings from initial clinical trials suggest that saffron may improve the symptoms and the effects of depression, premenstrual syndrome, sexual dysfunction and infertility, and excessive snacking behaviors. Larger multi-site clinical trials are needed to extend these preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kacey Heekin
- Department of Aging & Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
| | - Heather Lee Mutchie
- Department of Aging & Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
| | - Stephen Anton
- Department of Aging & Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
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Christodoulou E, Kadoglou NPE, Kostomitsopoulos N, Valsami G. Saffron: a natural product with potential pharmaceutical applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 67:1634-49. [PMID: 26272123 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recently, a great deal of interest has been developed to isolate and investigate novel bioactive components from natural resources with health beneficial effects. Saffron is the dried stigma of Crocus sativus L. and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine mainly for its healing properties, as well as for the treatment of various pathological conditions. Objectives of the present review are to unravel its therapeutic properties and investigate the potential applications of saffron in contemporary therapy of a wide spectrum of diseases and summarize previous and current evidence regarding the biological/pharmacological activities of saffron and its active ingredients and their possible therapeutic uses. KEY FINDINGS Recent phytochemistry and pharmacological experiments have indicated that crocin and safranal, the major active ingredients of saffron, exert important actions, such as antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic. Unfortunately, the vast majority of those data derive from in vitro studies, whereas a limited number of in vivo experiments support the aforementioned effects. In addition to studies with mechanistic implications, very few clinical trials provide preliminary evidence of saffron potentiality to alleviate depression and increase cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. SUMMARY The history and structural features of saffron constituents are given in the first part of the review, followed by a comprehensive and critical presentation of the published preclinical and clinical studies and review papers on the pharmacology and possible therapeutic uses of saffron and its main active components crocin and safranal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Christodoulou
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics-Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos P E Kadoglou
- Center of Clinical Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Department of inherited cardiovascular diseases, The Heart Hospital, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nikolaos Kostomitsopoulos
- Center of Clinical Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Valsami
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics-Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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