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Criado-Navarro I, Ledesma-Escobar CA, Pérez-Juan P, Priego-Capote F. Distribution of Main Bioactive Compounds from Saffron Species as a Function of Infusion Temperature and Time in an Oil/Water System. Molecules 2024; 29:3080. [PMID: 38999032 PMCID: PMC11243231 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Most research on saffron has focused on its composition and beneficial effects, while the culinary perspective to enhance its gastronomic potential remains unexplored. This study aims to define the transfer of the main compounds responsible for color, flavor, and aromatic properties, evaluating three critical variables: temperature (60 °C, 80 °C and 100 °C), infusion time (ranging from 10 to 30 min), and the composition of the medium (water, oil, and water/oil). Samples were analyzed using the LC-QTOF MS/MS and ISO 3632-1:2011 methods. The major compounds were crocins, including trans-crocin and picrocrocin. Among the flavonoids, kaempferol 3-O-sophoroside stands out. Regarding extraction conditions, crocins, glycoside flavonoids, and picrocrocin were enhanced in water, the former in 100% water and at low temperatures, while picrocrocin proved to be the most stable compound with extraction favored at high temperatures. The variable with the greatest incidence of picrocrocin isolation seemed to be the concentration of water since water/oil compositions reported higher concentrations. Safranal and kaempferol were enriched in the oil phase and at lower temperatures. This study provides a chemical interpretation for the appropriate gastronomic use of saffron according to its versatility. Finally, the determination of safranal using the ISO method did not correlate with that obtained using chromatography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Criado-Navarro
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
- Chemical Institute for Energy and Environment (iQUEMA), University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
- Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Ageing (CIBERFES), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Augusto Ledesma-Escobar
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
- Chemical Institute for Energy and Environment (iQUEMA), University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
- Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Ageing (CIBERFES), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Pérez-Juan
- Azafrán de La Mancha Protected Designation of Origin Regulatory Council, 45720 Camuñas, Spain
| | - Feliciano Priego-Capote
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
- Chemical Institute for Energy and Environment (iQUEMA), University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
- Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Ageing (CIBERFES), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Sarwar G, Anwar T, Qureshi H, Younus M, Hassan MW, Sajid-ur-Rehman M, Khalid F, Ishaq M, Alhammad BA, Seleiman MF. Revealing the dynamics of saffron growth: Optimizing corm size and planting depth for increased yield synergies. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303264. [PMID: 38758743 PMCID: PMC11101019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Saffron, the "golden spice" derived from Crocus sativus L., is renowned for its richness in secondary metabolites such as crocin and safranal, contributing to its unique properties. Facing challenges like decreasing global production, optimizing cultivation techniques becomes imperative for enhanced yields. Although the impact of factors like planting density, planting depth, spacing, and corm size on saffron growth has been studied, the interaction between corm size and planting depth remains underexplored. This study systematically investigates the interactive effects of corm size and planting depth on saffron growth and yield, providing evidence-based guidelines for optimizing cultivation. A factorial experiment, employing a completely randomized design, was conducted to assess the influence of corm size (05-10g, 10.1-15g, 15.1-20g) and planting depth (10cm, 15cm, 20cm) on saffron yield. Uniform-sized corms were obtained, and a suitable soil mixture was prepared for cultivation. Morphological and agronomic parameters were measured, and statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. The study revealed that planting depth significantly affected saffron emergence. The corms sown under 15cm depth showed 100% emergence regardless of corm size (either 05-10g, 10.1-15g, 15.1-20g) followed by 10cm depth corms. Corm dry weight exhibited a complex interaction, where larger corms benefited from deeper planting, while intermediate-sized corms thrived at shallower depths. Similar patterns were observed in shoot fresh weight and dry weight. Specifically, the largest corm size (t3, 15.1-20g) produced the greatest fresh-weight biomass at the deepest planting depth of 20cm (T3), while intermediate-sized corms (t2, 10.1-15g) were superior at the shallowest 10cm depth (T1). The total plant biomass demonstrated that larger corms excelled in deeper planting, while intermediate-sized corms were optimal at moderate depths. This research highlights the intricate interplay between corm size and planting depth in influencing saffron growth. Larger corms generally promote higher biomass, but the interaction with planting depth is crucial. Understanding these dynamics can aid farmers in tailoring cultivation practices for optimal saffron yields. The study emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach to corm selection and depth placement, providing valuable insights for sustainable saffron production and economic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Sarwar
- Department of Botany, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Tauseef Anwar
- Department of Botany, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Huma Qureshi
- Department of Botany, University of Chakwal, Chakwal, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Younus
- Department of Pharmacognosy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Waqar Hassan
- Department of Entomology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | | | - Faizan Khalid
- Department of Botany, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ishaq
- Department of Botany, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Ahmed Alhammad
- Biology Department, College of Science and Humanity Studies, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud F. Seleiman
- Department of Plant Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Hua Z, Liu N, Yan X. Research progress on the pharmacological activity, biosynthetic pathways, and biosynthesis of crocins. Beilstein J Org Chem 2024; 20:741-752. [PMID: 38633914 PMCID: PMC11022409 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.20.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Crocins are water-soluble apocarotenoids isolated from the flowers of crocus and gardenia. They exhibit various pharmacological effects, including neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory properties, hepatorenal protection, and anticancer activity. They are often used as coloring and seasoning agents. Due to the limited content of crocins in plants and the high cost of chemical synthesis, the supply of crocins is insufficient to meet current demand. The biosynthetic pathways for crocins have been elucidated to date, which allows the heterologous production of these valuable compounds in microorganisms by fermentation. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the chemistry, pharmacological activity, biosynthetic pathways, and heterologous production of crocins, aiming to lay the foundation for the large-scale production of these valuable natural products by using engineered microbial cell factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwei Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Nan Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xiaohui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
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Yang X, Man D, Zhao P, Li X. Identification of the therapeutic mechanism of the saffron crocus on glioma through network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis. Med Oncol 2023; 40:296. [PMID: 37691037 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02142-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Saffron crocus is a herbal medicine of traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM). Saffron extract has been indicated to inhibit tumor cell growth and promote tumor cell apoptosis in a variety of cancers, including glioma, but the specific mechanism is not clear. To study the possible mechanism of saffron action on glioma, network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis methods were used in this study. We used the online database to obtain the active ingredients of saffron and their targets. Glioma-related targets were also acquired from online database. We intersected drug targets with glioma-related targets and conducted PPI network analysis to obtain network core genes. Then, we obtained RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for glioma patients. Through different expression analysis and lasso regression, further screening of core genes in the network was conducted, and a prognostic model was established. The sample was divided into two groups with high and low risk using this model. The RNA-seq data from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database were used to further validate our prediction model. Then, we explored the difference in pathways enrichment between high-risk patients and low-risk patients and calculated the difference in immune microenvironment between the two groups. Finally, we used scRNA-seq data in the CGGA database to analyze the cell types in which the model gene is mainly enriched and predicted the cell types which saffron effected on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobing Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Dulegeqi Man
- Department of Neurosurgery, International Mongolia Hospital of Inner Mongolia, Hohhot, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Xingang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, 250117, China.
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Yang X, Lu D, Sun Y, Wei T, Man D, Chen A, Luo T, Zhao F, Liu X, Cheng B, Wang X, Zhao P, Wang D, Li X. Network pharmacology and experimental verification reveal the mechanism of safranal against glioblastoma (GBM). Front Oncol 2023; 13:1255164. [PMID: 37736545 PMCID: PMC10509474 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1255164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Safranal is an active component of the traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) saffron, which has potential anticancer activity. Methods and results Here, we studied the therapeutic effect and mechanism of safranal on GBM. CCK-8, GBM-brain organoid coculture experiments and 3D tumour spheroid invasion assays showed that safranal inhibited GBM cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Network pharmacology, RNA-seq, molecular docking analysis, western blotting, apoptosis, and cell cycle assays predicted and verified that safranal could promote GBM cell apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest and inhibit the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis. In vivo experiments showed that safranal could inhibit GBM cell growth alone and in combination with TMZ. Conclusion This study revealed that safranal inhibits GBM cell growth in vivo and in vitro, promotes GBM cell apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest, inhibits the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis and cooperate with TMZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobing Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Di Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Yanfei Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Tiandi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology, Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dulegeqi Man
- International Mongolia Hospital of Inner Mongolia, Hohhot, China
| | - Anbin Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Luo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Emergency, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Feihu Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Xuemeng Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Bo Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Donghai Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Xingang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
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Flavonoid Composition and Antibacterial Properties of Crocus sativus L. Petal Extracts. Molecules 2022; 28:molecules28010186. [PMID: 36615378 PMCID: PMC9822159 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Saffron petals, which are the main by-products of Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae family), are produced in large quantities and are known for their many beneficial properties. In this regard, this study aims to investigate the phenolic composition and antibacterial properties of hydroethanolic extracts from Crocus sativus L. petals collected from Serghina (province of Boulmane) in Morocco. The phenolic profiles were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI/MS). The antibacterial potential was evaluated against four bacterial strains potentially causing food-borne disease (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes) using disc diffusion and broth micro-dilution assays. Results showed that a total of 27 phenolic compounds was detected in the Crocus sativus L. petal extracts, which were assigned to flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, and myricetin derivatives). The most abundant compound was represented by kaempferol-sophoroside isomer (20.82 mg/g ± 0.152), followed by kaempferol-sophoroside-hexoside (2.63 mg/g ± 0.001). The hydroethanolic extracts of Crocus sativus L. petals demonstrated bactericidal effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocetogenes and bacteriostatic effects against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Therefore, the by-product Crocus sativus L. petal extracts might be considered as valuable sources of natural antibacterial agents with potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
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Chemical Composition Profiling and Antifungal Activity of Saffron Petal Extract. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248742. [PMID: 36557875 PMCID: PMC9787665 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Numerous fungal plant pathogens can infect fresh fruits and vegetables during transit and storage conditions. The resulting infections were mainly controlled by synthetic fungicides, but their application has many drawbacks associated with the threatened environment and human health. Therefore, the use of natural plants with antimicrobial potential could be a promising alternative to overcome the side effects of fungicides. In this regard, this study aimed at evaluating the antifungal activity potential of saffron petal extract (SPE) against three mains important fungal pathogens: Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium digitatum and Botritys cinerea, which cause rot decay on the tomato, orange and apple fruits, respectively. In addition, the organic composition of SPE was characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FT-IR) spectroscopy and its biochemical, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses were carried out. The obtained results highlighted an increased inhibition rate of the mycelial growth and spore germination of the three pathogenic fungi with increasing SPE concentrations. The mycelial growth and spore germination were completely inhibited at 10% of the SPE for Rhizopus stolonifer and Penicillium digitatum and at 5% for B. cinerea. Interestingly, the in vivo test showed the complete suppression of Rhizopus rot by the SPE at 10%, and a significant reduction of the severity of grey mold disease (37.19%) and green mold, when applied at 5 and 10%, respectively. The FT-IR spectra showed characteristic peaks and a variety of functional groups, which confirmed that SPE contains phenolic and flavonoid components. In addition, The average value of the total phenolic content, flavonoid content and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) were 3.09 ± 0.012 mg GAE/g DW, 0.92 ± 0.004 mg QE/g DW and 235.15 ± 2.12 µg/mL, respectively. A volatile analysis showed that the most dominant component in the saffron petal is 2(5H)-Furanone (92.10%). Taken together, it was concluded that SPE could be used as an alternative to antioxidant and antifungal compounds for the control of postharvest diseases in fruits.
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An In Vitro Study of Saffron Carotenoids: The Effect of Crocin Extracts and Dimethylcrocetin on Cancer Cell Lines. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061074. [PMID: 35739971 PMCID: PMC9220052 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocus sativus L. has various pharmacological properties, known for over 3600 years. These properties are attributed mainly to biologically active substances, which belong to the terpenoid group and include crocins, picrocrocin and safranal. The aim of the current work was to examine the effects of crocins (CRCs) and their methyl ester derivate dimethylcrocetin (DMCRT) on glioblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, in terms of cytotoxicity and gene expression, implicated in proapoptotic and cell survival pathways. Cell cytotoxicity was assessed with Alamar Blue fluorescence assay after treatment with saffron carotenoids for 24, 48 and 72 h and concentrations ranging from 22.85 to 0.18 mg/mL for CRCs and 11.43 to 0.09 mg/mL for DMCRT. In addition, BAX, BID, BCL2, MYCN, SOD1, and GSTM1 gene expression was studied by qRT-PCR analysis. Both compounds demonstrated cytotoxic effects against glioblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. They induced apoptosis, via BAX and BID upregulation, MYCN and BCL-2, SOD1, GSTM1 downregulation. The current research denotes the possible anticancer properties of saffron carotenoids, which are considered safe phytochemicals, already tested in clinical trials for their health promoting properties.
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Abdi H, Aganj Z, Hosseinzadeh H, Mosaffa F. Crocin restores the balance of Th1/Th2 immune cell response in ConA-treated human lymphocytes. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:513-522. [PMID: 35294736 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00362-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following antigen stimulation, naive CD4+ T cells differentiate into different T helper (Th) subsets characterized by lineage-specific transcriptional factors and cytokines. The balance between cytokines from Th1 and Th2 cells is disrupted in autoimmune disorders, asthma, and allergic reactions. Crocin, the major carotenoid of saffron, has anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated crocin modifying effects on the human lymphocytes proliferation and Th1/Th2 balance as a possible mechanism of its anti-inflammatory effects. METHODS The human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. MTT was used to evaluate the effect of 72-h treatment with different concentrations of crocin with or without ConA on lymphocytes proliferation. INF-γ/IL-4 cytokine secretion and T-bet/GATA-3 transcription factor expression ratios (as indicators of Th1/Th2 response status) were measured in non-stimulated and ConA-stimulated cells in the presence or absence of crocin by ELISA and RT-qPCR methods, respectively. RESULTS The results showed crocin at a concentration of 50 μM and higher was toxic for human lymphocytes, and at a non-toxic concentration of 25 µM, it did not affect cell proliferation. The ratio of T-bet/GATA-3 and INF-γ/IL-4 was higher in the culture supernatant of ConA-stimulated cells compared to non-stimulated ones. Crocin-treated cells showed slightly lower T-bet/GATA-3 and INF-γ/IL-4 ratios compared to untreated cells. Crocin (25 μM) was also able to restore the increased ratio of Th1/Th2 immune response induced by ConA. CONCLUSIONS Crocin can alleviate inflammatory-stimulant effects of ConA on human lymphocytes by decreasing T-bet/GATA-3 and INF-γ/IL-4 ratios, which are indicative of restoring the balance of Th1/Th2 responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakimeh Abdi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Aganj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Mosaffa
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Nabizadeh F, Momtaz S, Ghanbari-Movahed M, Qalekhani F, Mohsenpour H, Aneva IY, Bishayee A, Farzaei MH, Bishayee A. Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia management using multitargeting bioactive natural compounds: A systematic and critical review. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106116. [PMID: 35122954 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pALL), a malignancy of the lymphoid line of blood cells, accounts for a large percentage of all childhood leukemia cases. Although the 5-year survival rate for children with ALL has greatly improved over years, using chemotherapeutics as its first-line treatment still causes short- and long-term side effects. Furthermore, induction of toxicity and resistance, as well as the high cost, limit their application. Phytochemicals, with remarkable cancer preventive and chemotherapeutic characteristics, may serve as old solutions to new challenges. Bioactive plant secondary metabolites have exhibited promising antileukemic and adjunctive effects by targeting various molecular processes, including autophagy, cell cycle, angiogenesis, and extrinsic/intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Although numerous reports have shown that numerous plant secondary metabolites can interfere with the progression of malignancies, including leukemia, there was no comprehensive review article on the effect of phytochemicals on pALL. This systematic review aims to provide critical and cohesive analysis of the potential of various naturally-occurring metabolites in the management of pALL with the understanding of underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Nabizadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
| | - Saeideh Momtaz
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, Karaj 141554364, Iran; Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghanbari-Movahed
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
| | - Farshad Qalekhani
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran; Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technologies Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6714415185, Iran
| | - Hadi Mohsenpour
- Department of Pediatrics, Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6742775333, Iran
| | - Ina Yosifova Aneva
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Mohammad Hosein Farzaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran.
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA.
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Tan W, Pan T, Wang S, Li P, Men Y, Tan R, Zhong Z, Wang Y. Immunometabolism modulation, a new trick of edible and medicinal plants in cancer treatment. Food Chem 2021; 376:131860. [PMID: 34971892 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The edible and medicinal plants (EMPs) are becoming an abundant source for cancer prevention and treatment since the natural and healthy trend for modern human beings. Currently, there are more than one hundred species of EMPs widely used and listed by the national health commission of China, and most of them indicate immune or metabolic regulation potential in cancer treatment with numerous studies over the past two decades. In the present review, we focused on the metabolic influence in immunocytes and tumor microenvironment, including immune response, immunosuppressive factors and cancer cells, discussing the immunometabolic potential of EMPs in cancer treatment. There are more than five hundred references collected and analyzed through retrieving pharmacological studies deposited in PubMed by medical subject headings and the corresponding names derived from pharmacopoeia of China as a sole criterion. Finally, the immunometabolism modulation of EMPs was sketch out implying an immunometabolic control in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Tingrui Pan
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Yongfan Men
- Research Laboratory of Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Rui Tan
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China.
| | - Yitao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China.
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12
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Roshanravan N, Ghaffari S. The therapeutic potential of Crocus sativus Linn.: A comprehensive narrative review of clinical trials. Phytother Res 2021; 36:98-111. [PMID: 34532906 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Crocus sativus Linn. (Saffron) is valued worldwide for its potential use in the management of various degenerative disorders, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, cancer, metabolic syndrome (MetS), neurodegenerative diseases, immune disorders, and sexual dysfunction. Previous reports, based on clinical trials, suggest that crocetin, crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal are the main bioactive components of saffron with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. In this comprehensive narrative review, we studied the recent clinical trials, investigating the medicinal applications of saffron and/or its components. The present results can provide important insights into the potential of saffron in preventing and treating different disorders, with a special focus on the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of saffron in treating some degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Roshanravan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Samad Ghaffari
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Mykhailenko O, Petrikaitė V, Korinek M, El-Shazly M, Chen BH, Yen CH, Hsieh CF, Bezruk I, Dabrišiūtė A, Ivanauskas L, Georgiyants V, Hwang TL. Bio-guided bioactive profiling and HPLC-DAD fingerprinting of Ukrainian saffron (Crocus sativus stigmas): moving from correlation toward causation. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:203. [PMID: 34289850 PMCID: PMC8296646 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03374-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saffron or stigmas of Crocus sativus L. is one of the most valuable food products with interesting health-promoting properties. C. sativus has been widely used as a coloring and flavoring agent. Stigmas secondary metabolites showed potent cytotoxic effects in previous reports. METHODS The present study investigated the chemical composition and the cytotoxic effect of Ukrainian saffron crude extracts and individual compounds against melanoma IGR39, triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231, and glioblastoma U-87 cell lines in vitro using MTT assay. Several bioactivity in vitro assays were performed. The chemical profile of the water and hydroethanolic (70%, v/v) crude extracts of saffron stigmas was elucidated by HPLC-DAD analysis. RESULTS Seven compounds were identified including crocin, picrocrocin, safranal, rutin, apigenin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid. Crocin, picrocrocin, safranal, rutin, and apigenin were the major active constituents of Ukrainian C. sativus stigmas. The hydroethanolic extract significantly reduced the viability of MDA-MB-231 and IGR39 cells and the effect was more potent in comparison with the water extract. However, the water extract was almost 5.6 times more active against the U-87 cell line (EC50 of the water extract against U-87 was 0.15 ± 0.02 mg/mL, and EC50 of the hydroethanolic extract was 0.83 ± 0.03 mg/mL). The pure compounds, apigenin, and caffeic acid also showed high cytotoxic activity against breast cancer, melanoma, and glioblastoma cell lines. The screening of the biological activities of stigmas water extract (up to 100 μg/mL) including anti-allergic, anti-virus, anti-neuraminidase, and anti-inflammatory effects revealed its inhibitory activity against neuraminidase enzyme by 41%. CONCLUSIONS The presented results revealed the qualitative and quantitative chemical composition and biological activity of Crocus sativus stigmas from Ukraine as a source of natural anticancer and neuraminidase inhibitory agents. The results of the extracts' bioactivity suggested future potential applications of saffron as a natural remedy against several cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olha Mykhailenko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National University of Pharmacy of Ministry of Health of Ukraine, 4-Valentinivska st, Kharkiv, 61168 Ukraine
| | - Vilma Petrikaitė
- Laboratory of Drug Targets Histopathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių pr. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio al. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Michal Korinek
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708 Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708 Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302 Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, 33302 Taiwan
| | - Mohamed El-Shazly
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Organization of African Unity Street, Abassia, Cairo, 11566 Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, 11835 Egypt
| | - Bing-Hung Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708 Taiwan
- The Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424 Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hung Yen
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708 Taiwan
| | - Chung-Fan Hsieh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302 Taiwan
| | - Ivan Bezruk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National University of Pharmacy of Ministry of Health of Ukraine, 4-Valentinivska st, Kharkiv, 61168 Ukraine
| | - Asta Dabrišiūtė
- Laboratory of Drug Targets Histopathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių pr. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Liudas Ivanauskas
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Department of Analytical and Toxicological Chemistry, A. Mickevičiaus g. 9, 44307 Kaunas, LT Lithuania
| | - Victoriya Georgiyants
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National University of Pharmacy of Ministry of Health of Ukraine, 4-Valentinivska st, Kharkiv, 61168 Ukraine
| | - Tsong-Long Hwang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302 Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, 33302 Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 33305 Taiwan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, 24301 Taiwan
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Crocin Promotes Apoptosis in Human EBV-Transformed B-Lymphocyte via Intrinsic Pathway. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2021; 13:e2021049. [PMID: 34276918 PMCID: PMC8265378 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2021.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a major carotenoid in saffron, crocin demonstrates potent anti-cancer impacts. However, its anti-lymphoma effects remain vague, especially in the human EBV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. This study examined crocin's apoptogenic potential and its underlying mechanism in CO 88BV59-1 cell line vs. normal human peripheral blood B cells. Methods CO 88BV59-1 cells were treated with crocin alone or in combination with vincristine for up to 72 h. The cell viability was examined using a resazurin assay. Flow cytometry using annexin V and propidium iodide labeling was performed to detect apoptotic cells. Also, the expression levels of genes and proteins involved in apoptosis (CASP3, CASP8, CASP9, P53, Bax, and Bcl-2) were respectively determined via real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Results Crocin concentration-dependently reduced cell viability in CO 88BV59-1 cells with no significant toxicity toward normal B cells. Similar to vincristine, crocin significantly increased apoptosis in these cells during 72 h of incubation. Furthermore, the combination of crocin (80 μM) and vincristine (1 μM) enhanced apoptosis in CO 88BV59-1 cells. Therefore, this synergistic effect was detected in human EBV-transformed B-lymphocyte. CASP3, CASP9, P53, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio expressions were significantly raised in CO 88BV59-1 cells, whereas CASP8 was unaltered. It was proposed that crocin promoted apoptosis in CO 88BV59-1 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner via the induction of the intrinsic pathway. Conclusion The results suggest that crocin may serve as a good alternative/coadjuvant to vincristine in EBV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.
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15
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Gikas E, Koulakiotis NS, Tsarbopoulos A. Phytochemical Differentiation of Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) by High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Metabolomic Studies. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082180. [PMID: 33920081 PMCID: PMC8069427 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabolite profiling of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) from several countries was measured by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography combined with high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HR MS). Multivariate statistical analysis was employed to distinguish among the several samples of C. sativus L. from Greece, Italy, Morocco, Iran, India, Afghanistan and Kashmir. The results of this study showed that the phytochemical content in the samples of C. sativus L. were obviously diverse in the different countries of origin. The metabolomics approach was deemed to be the most suitable in order to evaluate the enormous array of putative metabolites among the saffron samples studied, and was able to provide a comparative phytochemical screening of these samples. Several markers have been identified that aided the differentiation of a group from its counterparts. This can be important for the selection of the appropriate saffron sample, in view of its health-promoting effect which occurs through the modulation of various biological and physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Gikas
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Anthony Tsarbopoulos
- GAIA Research Center, Bioanalytical Department, The Goulandris Natural History Museum, 14562 Kifissia, Greece;
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-7462-702
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16
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Shah HM, Jain AS, Joshi SV, Kharkar PS. Crocetin and related oxygen diffusion-enhancing compounds: Review of chemical synthesis, pharmacology, clinical development, and novel therapeutic applications. Drug Dev Res 2021; 82:883-895. [PMID: 33817811 PMCID: PMC8273373 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The current pandemic forced us to introspect and revisit our armamentarium of medicinal agents which could be life‐saving in emergency situations. Oxygen diffusion‐enhancing compounds represent one such class of potential therapeutic agents, particularly in ischemic conditions. As rewarding as the name suggests, these agents, represented by the most advanced and first‐in‐class molecule, trans‐sodium crocetinate (TSC), are the subject of intense clinical investigation, including Phase 1b/2b clinical trials for COVID‐19. Being a successor of a natural product, crocetin, TSC is being investigated for various cancers as a radiosensitizer owing to its oxygen diffusion enhancement capability. The unique properties of TSC make it a promising therapeutic agent for various ailments such as hemorrhagic shock, stroke, heart attack, among others. The present review outlines various (bio)synthetic strategies, pharmacological aspects, clinical overview and potential therapeutic benefits of crocetin and related compounds including TSC. The recent literature focusing on the delivery aspects of these compounds is covered as well to paint the complete picture to the curious reader. Given the potential TSC holds as a first‐in‐class agent, small‐ and/or macromolecular therapeutics based on the core concept of improved oxygen diffusion from blood to the surrounding tissues where it is needed the most, will be developed in future and satisfy the unmet medical need for many diseases and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hriday M Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Ashvi S Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Shreerang V Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Prashant S Kharkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
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Lambrianidou A, Koutsougianni F, Papapostolou I, Dimas K. Recent Advances on the Anticancer Properties of Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) and Its Major Constituents. Molecules 2020; 26:E86. [PMID: 33375488 PMCID: PMC7794691 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally with an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018 and a sustained rise in its incidence in both developing and developed countries. According to the WHO, about 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer. Despite the emergence of many pioneer therapeutic options for patients with cancer, their efficacy is still time-limited and noncurative. Thus, continuous intensive screening for superior and safer drugs is still ongoing and has resulted in the detection of the anticancer properties of several phytochemicals. Among the spices, Crocus sativus L. (saffron) and its main constituents, crocin, crocetin, and safranal, have attracted the interest of the scientific community. Pharmacological experiments have established numerous beneficial properties for this brilliant reddish-orange dye derived from the flowers of a humble crocus family species. Studies in cultured human malignant cell lines and animal models have demonstrated the cancer prevention and antitumor activities of saffron and its main ingredients. This review provides an insight into the advances in research on the anticancer properties of saffron and its components, discussing preclinical data, clinical trials, and patents aiming to improve the pharmacological properties of saffron and its major ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Konstantinos Dimas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (A.L.); (F.K.); (I.P.)
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de Castro ML, Quiles-Zafra R. Appropriate use of analytical terminology – examples drawn from research on saffron. TALANTA OPEN 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talo.2020.100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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Środa-Pomianek K, Palko-Łabuz A, Poła A, Ferens-Sieczkowska M, Wesołowska O, Kozioł A. TMPE Derived from Saffron Natural Monoterpene as Cytotoxic and Multidrug Resistance Reversing Agent in Colon Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207529. [PMID: 33065997 PMCID: PMC7589963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Terpenes constitute one of the largest groups of natural products. They exhibit a wide range of biological activities including antioxidant, anticancer, and drug resistance modulating properties. Saffron extract and its terpene constituents have been demonstrated to be cytotoxic against various types of cancer cells, including breast, liver, lung, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer. In the present work, we have studied anticancer properties of TMPE, a newly synthesized monoterpene derivative of β-cyclocitral—the main volatile produced by the stigmas of unripe crocuses. TMPE presented selective cytotoxic activity to doxorubicin-resistant colon cancer cells and was identified to be an effective MDR modulator in doxorubicin-resistant cancer cells. Synergy between this derivative and doxorubicin was observed. Most probably, TMPE inhibited transport activity of ABCB1 protein without affecting its expression level. Analysis of TMPE physicochemical parameters suggested it was not likely to be transported by ABCB1. Molecular modeling showed TMPE being more reactive molecule than the parental compound—β-cyclocitral. Analysis of electrostatic potential maps of both compounds prompted us to hypothesize that reduced reactivity as well as susceptibility to electrophilic attack were related to the lower general toxicity of β-cyclocitral. All of the above pointed to TMPE as an interesting candidate molecule for MDR reversal in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Środa-Pomianek
- Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Chalubinskiego 3, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.Ś.-P.); (A.P.-Ł.); (A.P.)
| | - Anna Palko-Łabuz
- Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Chalubinskiego 3, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.Ś.-P.); (A.P.-Ł.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrzej Poła
- Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Chalubinskiego 3, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.Ś.-P.); (A.P.-Ł.); (A.P.)
| | - Mirosława Ferens-Sieczkowska
- Department of Chemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 48/50, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland; (M.F.-S.); (A.K.)
| | - Olga Wesołowska
- Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Chalubinskiego 3, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.Ś.-P.); (A.P.-Ł.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-71-784-14-15
| | - Agata Kozioł
- Department of Chemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 48/50, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland; (M.F.-S.); (A.K.)
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Zhang J, Yang S, Wang K, Huang Y, Yang N, Yang Z, Zheng Z, Wang Y. Crocin induces autophagic cell death and inhibits cell invasion of cervical cancer SiHa cells through activation of PI3K/AKT. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1180. [PMID: 33241029 PMCID: PMC7576020 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-5882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Cervical cancer is a prevalent tumor mainly induced by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Autophagy was inactivated with HPV to promote cancer progression. Here we explored the effects of crocin on cervical cancer cells, mainly on autophagy and apoptosis. Methods SiHa cells were treated with crocin, and proliferation, metastases, apoptosis and autophagy were measured using a CCK-8 assay, transwell migration assay, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Protein levels were measured using western blotting. The antitumor effects of crocin were validated in female BALB/c nude mice injected with SiHa cells. Results The result showed that 2, 4, 8 and 16 mM of crocin significantly reduced the viability of SiHa cells within 24 h. Subsequently, 0, 1, 2 and 4 mM crocin concentrations were used in later experiments. Treatment with crocin reduced invasive cells, while increasing autophagic and apoptotic cells dose-dependently. The enhanced apoptosis and autophagy were partly validated by an increase in cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9/caspase9, LC3B II/I, Beclin1 and ATG7. AMPK and mTOR were inactivated with crocin treatment, while PI3K was activated. These results indicated that crocin might promote autophagy and apoptosis by inactivating AMPK and mTOR signaling. Tumor progression was inhibited in mice treated with 50 mg/kg/d of crocin, which was demonstrated by smaller tumor volumes, less VEGF expression, more intense caspase-3 staining and increased LC3B II/I in the tumor tissues. Conclusions Crocin inhibited the progression of cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo, possibly through inactivation of AMPK and mTOR, inhibition of proliferation and invasion, and promotion of autophagy and apoptosis. These results support the potential therapeutic value of crocin in treating cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaoping Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Kana Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Nian Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhongmei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenrong Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
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Xu S, Ge X, Li S, Guo X, Dai D, Yang T. Discrimination of Different Parts of Saffron by Metabolomic-Based Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with High-Definition Mass Spectrometry. Chem Biodivers 2019; 16:e1900363. [PMID: 31385642 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201900363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the metabolite profiling of three different parts of Crocus sativus L. was measured by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTof-MS/MS). Multivariate statistical analysis was used to distinguish among the samples from different parts. A total of 54 compounds were identified in tepals, stigmas and stamens by UPLC-QTof-MS/MS. The results stated that chemical characteristics of saffron were obviously diverse in terms of the parts of flower. Through analysis, coniferin and crocin-2 were special components in stigmas when compared to tepals and stamens. The content of flavonoids was high in tepals when compared with the stigmas. The tepal of saffron may processed as a source of flavonoids in the future. The research provided the basis for the theory that only the stigma can be used as medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuya Xu
- Economic Crop Research Institute, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Economic Crop Seedling, Zhengzhou, 450008, P. R. China.,College of Animal Medicine, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, 450046, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojin Ge
- Economic Crop Research Institute, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Economic Crop Seedling, Zhengzhou, 450008, P. R. China
| | - Shimin Li
- Economic Crop Research Institute, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Economic Crop Seedling, Zhengzhou, 450008, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyang Guo
- Economic Crop Research Institute, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Economic Crop Seedling, Zhengzhou, 450008, P. R. China
| | - Dandan Dai
- Economic Crop Research Institute, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Economic Crop Seedling, Zhengzhou, 450008, P. R. China
| | - Tiegang Yang
- Economic Crop Research Institute, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Economic Crop Seedling, Zhengzhou, 450008, P. R. China
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