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Giannoulaki P, Kotzakioulafi E, Nakas A, Kontoninas Z, Karlafti E, Evripidou P, Kantartzis K, Savopoulos C, Chourdakis M, Didangelos T. Effect of Crocus sativus Extract Supplementation in the Metabolic Control of People with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2024; 16:2089. [PMID: 38999837 PMCID: PMC11243156 DOI: 10.3390/nu16132089] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction-Background: Data from experimental trials show that Crocus sativus L. (saffron) is considered to improve glycemia, lipid profile, and blood pressure and reduce oxidative stress. So far, clinical trials have been conducted in individuals with metabolic syndrome and Diabetes Mellitus type 2 (DMT-2). The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of saffron in individuals with Diabetes Mellitus type 1 (DMT-1). PATIENTS-METHODS 61 individuals with DMT-1, mean age 48 years old (48.3 ± 14.6), 26 females (42.6%) were randomized to receive a new oral supplement in sachets containing probiotics, prebiotics, magnesium, and Crocus sativus L. extract or placebo containing probiotics, prebiotics and magnesium daily for 6 months. Glycemic control was assessed with a continuous glucose monitoring system and laboratory measurement of HbA1c and lipid profile was also examined. Blood pressure at baseline and end of intervention was also measured. Individuals were either on a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion with an insulin pump or in multiple daily injection regimens. Diabetes distress and satiety were assessed through a questionnaire and body composition was assessed with bioelectrical impedance. RESULTS At the end of the intervention, the two groups differed significantly only in serum triglycerides (p = 0.049). After 6 months of treatment, a significant reduction in the active group was observed in glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.046) and serum triglycerides (p = 0.021) compared to baseline. The other primary endpoints (glycemic control, lipid profile, blood pressure) did not differ within the groups from baseline to end of intervention, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. Diabetes distress score improved significantly only in the active group (p = 0.044), suggesting an overall improvement in diabetes disease burden in these individuals but that was not significant enough between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS A probiotic supplement with saffron extract improves serum triglycerides in well-controlled people with DMT-1 and may potentially be a valuable adjunct for enhancing glycemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parthena Giannoulaki
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Kotzakioulafi
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Nakas
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Zisis Kontoninas
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Karlafti
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Polykarpos Evripidou
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kantartzis
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nephrology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases (IDM), Helmholtz Centre Munich, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christos Savopoulos
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michail Chourdakis
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Triantafyllos Didangelos
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Li A, Wang Q, Li P, Zhao N, Liang Z. Effects of green tea on lipid profile in overweight and obese women. INT J VITAM NUTR RES 2024; 94:239-251. [PMID: 37082776 DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000783] [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] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
The effect of green tea administration on serum lipids' concentrations remains unclear as various investigations, which have explored this topic, have produced conflicting results. Gender might be one of the factors influencing the impact of green tea on the lipid profile. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effect of green tea intake on the lipid profile in overweight and obese women. We searched five databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS, Embase, PubMed/Medline, and Google Scholar) using a combination of MeSH and non-MeSH terms. Results were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and synthesized with a random-effects model. In total, 15 eligible RCTs with 16 arms (1818 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. The combined effect size revealed a significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: -4.45 mg/dl, 95% CI: -6.63, -2.27, P<0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: -4.49 mg/dl, 95% CI: -7.50 to -1.47, P=0.003) concentrations following green tea supplementation in overweight and/or obese women. In addition, a more pronounced reduction of triglyceride (TG) levels occurred when the baseline TG value was ≥150 mg/dL (WMD: -24.45 mg/dL, 95% CI: -40.63 to -8.26, P=0.003). Moreover, a significant decrease in TG concentrations occurred in RCTs conducted on overweight subjects (BMI: 25-29.99 kg/m2) (WMD: -5.88 mg/dl, 95% CI: -10.76 to -0.99, P=0.01). In the subgroup analyses based on the study population, a notable increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) values was observed in obese individuals (>30 kg/m2) (WMD: 2.63 mg/dl, 95% CI: 0.10 to 5.16, P=0.041). Consumption of green tea causes a reduction in LDL-C and TC concentrations in overweight and obese women. The decline in TG levels was notable particularly in overweight patients with hypertriglyceridemia at baseline. In addition, a significant increase in HDL-C was detected in obese subjects following intake of green tea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixin Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Cardiac Catheterization Room, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Neurology, Jiamusi Central Hospital, Jiamusi, China
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Zhaoguang Liang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Wang L, Feng L, Prabahar K, Hernández-Wolters B, Wang Z. The effect of phytosterol supplementation on lipid profile: A critical umbrella review of interventional meta-analyses. Phytother Res 2024; 38:507-519. [PMID: 37905579 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8052] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite multiple investigations assessing the impact of phytosterol supplementation on serum lipid levels, there is still a great deal of debate regarding the benefits of this intervention in the management of dyslipidemia. Therefore, we aimed at clarifying this dilemma by conducting the present umbrella review of interventional meta-analyses. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE were used to search for pertinent publications on the effect of phytosterol supplementation on the lipid profile in humans up to June 2023. To compute the overall effect size (ES) and confidence intervals (CI), the random-effects model was used. The I2 statistic and Cochrane's Q-test were applied to estimate the heterogeneity among the studies. Seventeen meta-analyses with 23 study arms were included in the umbrella meta-analysis. Data pooled from the 23 eligible arms revealed that phytosterol supplementation reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (ES = -11.47 mg/dL; 95% CI: -12.76, -10.17, p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (ES = -13.02 mg/dL; 95% CI: -15.68, -10.37, p < 0.001), and triglyceride (TG) (ES = -3.77 mg/dL; 95% CI: -6.04, -1.51, p = 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that phytosterol administration with dosage ≥2 g/day and duration over 8 weeks and in hypercholesterolemic subjects was more likely to decrease LDL-C, TC, and TG. Phytosterol administration did not significantly modify HDL-C (ES = 0.18 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.13, -0.51, p = 258) levels when compared to controls. The present umbrella meta-analysis confirms that phytosterol administration significantly reduces LDL-C, TC, and TG, with a greater effect with doses of ≥2 g/day and treatment duration >8 weeks, suggesting its possible application as a complementary therapy for cardiovascular risk reduction. Further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of phytosterols in patients with specific health conditions, as well as to ascertain the adverse effects, the maximum tolerable dose, and the maximum recommended duration of phytosterol administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, People's Hospital of Huaiyin. Jinan, Jinan, China
- The First Clinical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Feng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Jinan Huaiyin People's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Kousalya Prabahar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Benjamin Hernández-Wolters
- School of medicine, University Center for Health Science, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Zhenxing Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Bjørklund G, Cruz-Martins N, Goh BH, Mykhailenko O, Lysiuk R, Shanaida M, Lenchyk L, Upyr T, Rusu ME, Pryshlyak A, Shanaida V, Chirumbolo S. Medicinal Plant-derived Phytochemicals in Detoxification. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:988-1015. [PMID: 37559241 DOI: 10.2174/1381612829666230809094242] [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: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The average worldwide human life expectancy is 70 years, with a significantly higher value in Western societies. Many modern diseases are not associated with premature mortality but with a decreased quality of life in aged patients and an excessive accumulation of various toxic compounds in the human body during life. Today, scientists are especially interested in finding compounds that can help increase a healthy lifespan by detoxifying the body. Phytotherapy with specific approaches is used in alternative medicine to remove toxins from the body. Worldwide, research is conducted to identify medicinal plant-derived molecules that, with few or no side effects, may protect the liver and other organs. This review provides updated information about the detoxification process, the traditional and modern use of the most effective medicinal plants, their active metabolites as detoxifying agents, and the mechanisms and pathways involved in the detoxification process. Among medicinal plants with substantial detoxifying properties, a major part belongs to the Asteraceae family (Silybum marianum, Cynara scolymus, Arctium lappa, Helichrysum species, Inula helenium, and Taraxacum officinale). The most widely used hepatoprotective phytocomponent is silymarin, a standardized extract from the Silybum marianum seeds containing a mixture of flavonolignans. Many polysaccharides, polyphenols, and terpenoids have a detoxifying effect. Overall, scientific data on medicinal plants used in phytotherapeutic practice worldwide provides an understanding and awareness of their efficacy in detoxification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Department of Research, Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Toften 24, Mo i Rana 8610, Norway
| | - Natália Cruz-Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernani Monteiro, Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra PRD, Portugal
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Bey Hing Goh
- Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory (BMEX) Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Victoria, Malaysia
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Veterinary and Animal Science, Lahore, Pakistan
- Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Olha Mykhailenko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National University of Pharmacy of Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Bromatology and Medicinal Chemistry Group, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Roman Lysiuk
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Life Science Research Group, Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Mariia Shanaida
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medical Botany, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Larysa Lenchyk
- CONEM Ukraine Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry Research Group, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technologies and Quality of Medicines, Institute for Advanced Training of Pharmacy Specialists, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Taras Upyr
- CONEM Ukraine Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry Research Group, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Marius Emil Rusu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Antonina Pryshlyak
- Department of Human Anatomy, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Volodymyr Shanaida
- Design of Machine Tools, Instruments and Machines Department, Ternopil Ivan Puluj National Technical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- CONEM Scientific Secretary, Verona, Italy
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Kotanidou EP, Tsinopoulou VR, Giza S, Ntouma S, Angeli C, Chatziandreou M, Tsopelas K, Tseti I, Galli-Tsinopoulou A. The Effect of Saffron Kozanis ( Crocus sativus L.) Supplementation on Weight Management, Glycemic Markers and Lipid Profile in Adolescents with Obesity: A Double-Blinded Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1814. [PMID: 38002905 PMCID: PMC10670718 DOI: 10.3390/children10111814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Global rates of adolescent obesity have led the World Health Organization to consider the disease a pandemic that needs focus. In search of new anti-obesity agents, Crocus sativus, popularly known as saffron, is a nutraceutical agent, praised for its beneficial effects. The study aimed to investigate the possible effect of Kozanis saffron administration on weight management of obese prediabetic adolescents. Seventy-four obese prediabetic adolescents participated in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of three arms, randomly assigned to receive either Kozanis saffron (n = 25, 60 mg/day), metformin (n = 25, 1000 mg/day) or a placebo (n = 24), for twelve weeks. Anthropometry, glycemic markers and lipid profiles were investigated at baseline and post-intervention. Saffron supplementation significantly reduced the weight z-score, BMI, BMI z-score and waist circumference (WC) of obese adolescents; however, this reduction was less significant compared to the effect of metformin. Metformin administration offered a significantly more profound improvement in anthropometry compared to saffron administration. Saffron administration also provided significant improvements in weight, weight z-scores, BMI values, BMI z-scores and WCs compared to the placebo. Saffron supplementation failed to change any glycemic marker, but provided a significant reduction in fasting triglyceride levels and also a significant increase in fasting HDL levels. Saffron Kozanis constitutes a promising nutraceutical option for adolescents and children with obesity and prediabetes in need of weight management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni P. Kotanidou
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University General Hospital, Stilponos Kyriakidi 1, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Rengina Tsinopoulou
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University General Hospital, Stilponos Kyriakidi 1, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Styliani Giza
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University General Hospital, Stilponos Kyriakidi 1, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stergianna Ntouma
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University General Hospital, Stilponos Kyriakidi 1, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysanthi Angeli
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University General Hospital, Stilponos Kyriakidi 1, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michail Chatziandreou
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University General Hospital, Stilponos Kyriakidi 1, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsopelas
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University General Hospital, Stilponos Kyriakidi 1, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Assimina Galli-Tsinopoulou
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University General Hospital, Stilponos Kyriakidi 1, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Chrastina M, Dráfi F, Pružinská K, Poništ S, Kamga KS, Khademnematolahi S, Bilka F, Novák P, Pašková Ľ, Bauerová K. Crocus sativus L. Extract (Saffron) Effectively Reduces Arthritic and Inflammatory Parameters in Monotherapy and in Combination with Methotrexate in Adjuvant Arthritis. Nutrients 2023; 15:4108. [PMID: 37836391 PMCID: PMC10574733 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194108] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease, is characterized by inflammation that affects not only the liver but also other organs and the musculoskeletal system. The standard therapy for RA is methotrexate (MTX), which has safety limitations. The extract from Crocus sativus L. (saffron-SF) is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, we decided to investigate the potential benefit of SF in monotherapy via two doses (SF1-25 mg/kg of b.w.; SF2-50 mg/kg of b.w.) and in combination with MTX (0.3 mg/kg of b.w., twice a week) using adjuvant arthritis in rats. To evaluate these therapeutic settings, we used biometric, immunological, and biochemical parameters, as well as the relative gene expression of the mRNA in the liver. Our results showed a statistically significant increase in the experimental animals' body weight and the arthritic score (AS) on day 14 for monotherapy with SF1 and SF2. The change of hind paw volume (CHPV) was significant only for SF2 monotherapy on the 14th day of the experiment. A combination of SF1 and SF2 with MTX significantly modulated all the biometric parameters during the experimental period. Additionally, AS and CHPV improved considerably compared to MTX monotherapy on day 21. Furthermore, all monotherapies and combination therapies were significant for the biochemical parameter γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the joint. GGT activity in the spleen was less pronounced; only MTX in combination with SF1 significantly modified this parameter. The higher dose of SF monotherapy (SF2) was similarly significant with respect to immunological parameters, such as plasmatic IL-17A, IL-1β, and MMP-9 on day 21. The combination of both doses of SF with MTX significantly improved these immunological parameters, except for C-reactive protein (CRP), which was influenced only by the higher dose of SF2 in combination with MTX in plasma at the end of the experiment. A different effect was found for the relative expression of CD36 mRNA, where only SF1 significantly decreased gene expression in the liver. However, the relative gene mRNA expression of IL-1β in the liver was significantly reduced by the SF monotherapies and the combination of both SF doses with MTX. Our findings showed SF's partial antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory potential in monotherapy, but the effect was stronger in combination with MTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Chrastina
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (K.P.); (S.P.); (K.S.K.); (S.K.)
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Malá Hora 10701/4A, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - František Dráfi
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (K.P.); (S.P.); (K.S.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Katarína Pružinská
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (K.P.); (S.P.); (K.S.K.); (S.K.)
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Malá Hora 10701/4A, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Silvester Poništ
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (K.P.); (S.P.); (K.S.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Kevine Silihe Kamga
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (K.P.); (S.P.); (K.S.K.); (S.K.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé P.O. Box 812, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1364, Cameroon
| | - Sasan Khademnematolahi
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (K.P.); (S.P.); (K.S.K.); (S.K.)
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - František Bilka
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojárov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia; (F.B.); (P.N.); (Ľ.P.)
| | - Peter Novák
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojárov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia; (F.B.); (P.N.); (Ľ.P.)
| | - Ľudmila Pašková
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojárov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia; (F.B.); (P.N.); (Ľ.P.)
| | - Katarína Bauerová
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (K.P.); (S.P.); (K.S.K.); (S.K.)
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De la Fuente Muñoz M, Román-Carmena M, Amor S, García-Villalón ÁL, Espinel AE, González-Hedström D, Granado García M. Effects of Supplementation with the Standardized Extract of Saffron (affron ®) on the Kynurenine Pathway and Melatonin Synthesis in Rats. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1619. [PMID: 37627614 PMCID: PMC10451224 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is mainly synthesized in the pineal gland from tryptophan after its conversion into serotonin. Under normal conditions, less than 5% of tryptophan is reserved for the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin. The remaining 95% is metabolized in the liver through the kynurenine pathway. Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and cortisol increase the metabolism of tryptophan through the kynurenine pathway and reduce its availability for the synthesis of melatonin and serotonin, which may cause alterations in mood and sleep. The standardized saffron extract (affron®) has shown beneficial effects on mood and sleep disorders in humans, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the effects of affron® supplementation on the kynurenine pathway and the synthesis of melatonin in rats. For this purpose, adult male Wistar rats were supplemented for 7 days with 150 mg/kg of affron® or vehicle (2 mL/kg water) administered by gavage one hour before sleep. Affron® supplementation reduced body weight gain and increased the circulating levels of melatonin, testosterone, and c-HDL. Moreover, animals supplemented with affron® showed decreased serum levels of kynurenine, ET-1, and c-LDL. In the pineal gland, affron® reduced Il-6 expression and increased the expression of Aanat, the key enzyme for melatonin synthesis. In the liver, affron® administration decreased the mRNA levels of the enzymes of the kynurenine pathway Ido-2, Tod-2, and Aadat, as well as the gene expression of Il-1β and Tnf-α. Finally, rats treated with affron® showed increased mRNA levels of the antioxidant enzymes Ho-1, Sod-1, Gsr, and Gpx-3, both in the liver and in the pineal gland. In conclusion, affron® supplementation reduces kynurenine levels and promotes melatonin synthesis in rats, possibly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making this extract a possible alternative for the treatment and/or prevention of mood and sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario De la Fuente Muñoz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.l.F.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.A.); (Á.L.G.-V.)
| | - Marta Román-Carmena
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.l.F.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.A.); (Á.L.G.-V.)
| | - Sara Amor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.l.F.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.A.); (Á.L.G.-V.)
| | - Ángel Luís García-Villalón
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.l.F.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.A.); (Á.L.G.-V.)
| | - Alberto E. Espinel
- Pharmactive Biotech Products S.L.U., Parque Científico de Madrid, Avenida del Doctor Severo Ochoa, 37 Local 4J, 28108 Alcobendas, Spain; (A.E.E.); (D.G.-H.)
| | - Daniel González-Hedström
- Pharmactive Biotech Products S.L.U., Parque Científico de Madrid, Avenida del Doctor Severo Ochoa, 37 Local 4J, 28108 Alcobendas, Spain; (A.E.E.); (D.G.-H.)
| | - Miriam Granado García
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.l.F.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.A.); (Á.L.G.-V.)
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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8
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Tiwari A, Modi SJ, Girme A, Hingorani L. Network pharmacology-based strategic prediction and target identification of apocarotenoids and carotenoids from standardized Kashmir saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract against polycystic ovary syndrome. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34514. [PMID: 37565925 PMCID: PMC10419424 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age, characterized by a range of symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, excess male hormones (androgens), metabolic abnormalities such as hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic disturbances like glucose imbalance. Botanical supplements are perceived first and safe choice over available regimens to regulate PCOS. There are several reports available stating that apocarotenoids, carotenoids, and whole extracts of Crocus sativus were identified to have a potential role in the management of women health. This study aimed to propose a network pharmacology-based method to determine the potential therapeutic pathways of phytoconstituents (apocarotenoids and carotenoids) of UHPLC-PDA standardized stigma-based Crocus sativus extract (CSE) for the management of PCOS. Furthermore, to validate the potential targets and signaling pathways, these apocarotenoids, and carotenoids were screened for molecular docking and in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) predictions. The information regarding PCOS-related genes was retrieved from the PCOS knowledge database (PCOSKB), resulting in an established network between putative targets of PCOS and Crocus sativus extract phytochemicals to prevail the mechanism of action. Based on the screening conditions, 4 prominent targets namely, serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3), mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), were identified through network analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis suggested that MAP kinase and serine-threonine pathways were found prominent targets in PCOS. Further, a molecular docking study shows that crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal had the best binding affinity for the identified targets. In silico ADMET results revealed that carotenoids and apocarotenoids were found to have the maximum bioavailability and were able to cross the blood-brain barrier without any toxic effects. The combined results revealed that the apocarotenoids and carotenoids of Crocus sativus extract could act on various targets to regulate multiple pathways related to PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aboli Girme
- Pharmanza Herbal Pvt. Ltd., Anand, Gujarat, India
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9
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Bao X, Hu J, Zhao Y, Jia R, Zhang H, Xia L. Advances on the anti-tumor mechanisms of the carotenoid Crocin. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15535. [PMID: 37404473 PMCID: PMC10315134 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Saffron is located in the upper part of the crocus stigma of iridaceae, which has a long history of medicinal use. Crocin (molecular formula C44H64O24) is a natural floral glycoside ester compound extracted from saffron, which is a type carotenoid. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that crocin has multiple therapeutic effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-stone effects. In recent years, crocin has been widely noticed due to its considerable anti-tumor effects manifested by the induction of tumor cell apoptosis, inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, inhibition of tumor cell invasion and metastasis, enhancement of chemotherapy sensitivity and improvement of immune status. The anti-tumor effects have been shown in various malignant tumors such as gastric cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer. In this review, we compiled recent studies on the anti-tumor effects of crocin and summarized its anti-tumor mechanism for developing ideas of treating malignancies and exploring anti-tumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxun Bao
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jinhua Hu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- The Third Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Ruixue Jia
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | | | - Lei Xia
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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10
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Li X, Zhou J, Wang X, Li C, Ma Z, Wan Q, Peng F. New advances in the research of clinical treatment and novel anticancer agents in tumor angiogenesis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114806. [PMID: 37163782 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1971, Folkman proposed that tumors could be limited to very small sizes by blocking angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the generation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, considered to be one of the important processes in tumor growth and metastasis. Angiogenesis is a complex process regulated by various factors and involves many secreted factors and signaling pathways. Angiogenesis is important in the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the tumor during tumor development. Therefore, inhibition of angiogenesis has become an important strategy in the clinical management of many solid tumors. Combination therapies of angiogenesis inhibitors with radiotherapy and chemotherapy are often used in clinical practice. In this article, we will review common targets against angiogenesis, the most common and up-to-date anti-angiogenic drugs and clinical treatments in recent years, including active ingredients from chemical and herbal medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jianbo Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chunxi Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zifan Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiaoling Wan
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fu Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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11
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Zhao H, Zhang J, Cheng X, Nie X, He B. Insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome across various tissues: an updated review of pathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:9. [PMID: 36631836 PMCID: PMC9832677 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-01091-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by chronic ovulation dysfunction and overabundance of androgens; it affects 6-20% of women of reproductive age. PCOS involves various pathophysiological factors, and affected women usually have significant insulin resistance (IR), which is a major cause of PCOS. IR and compensatory hyperinsulinaemia have differing pathogeneses in various tissues, and IR varies among different PCOS phenotypes. Genetic and epigenetic changes, hyperandrogenaemia, and obesity aggravate IR. Insulin sensitization drugs are a new treatment modality for PCOS. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, and UpToDate databases in this review, and focused on the pathogenesis of IR in women with PCOS and the pathophysiology of IR in various tissues. In addition, the review provides a comprehensive overview of the current progress in the efficacy of insulin sensitization therapy in the management of PCOS, providing the latest evidence for the clinical treatment of women with PCOS and IR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhao
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangyi Cheng
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaozhao Nie
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Bing He
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Zamani M, Zarei M, Nikbaf-Shandiz M, Gholami F, Hosseini AM, Nadery M, Shiraseb F, Asbaghi O. The effects of saffron supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1055517. [PMID: 36570145 PMCID: PMC9774508 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1055517] [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: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world and is estimated to involve more people in the next years. It is said that alternative remedies such as herbs can be used to manage the complications of this disease. For this reason, we aimed to conduct this meta-analysis to systematically assess and summarize the effects of saffron supplementation as an important herb on cardiovascular risk factors in adults. Methods A systematic search was done in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to find eligible articles up to September 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of saffron on lipid profiles, glycemic control, blood pressure, anthropometric measures, and inflammatory markers were included. In the meta-analysis, 32 studies were taken into account (n = 1674). Results Consumption of saffron significantly decreased triglyceride (TG) (WMD = -8.81 mg/dl, 95%CI: -14.33, -3.28; P = 0.002), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD = -6.87 mg/dl, 95%CI: -11.19, -2.56; P = 0.002), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (WMD = -6.71 mg/dl, 95%CI: -10.51, -2.91; P = 0.001), (P = 0.660), fasting blood glucose (FBG) level (WMD = -7.59 mg/dl, 95%CI: -11.88, -3.30; P = 0.001), HbA1c (WMD = -0.18%, 95%CI: -0.21, -0.07; P < 0.001), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD = -0.49, 95%CI: -0.89, -0.09; P = 0.016), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD = -3.42 mmHg, 95%CI: -5.80, -1.04; P = 0.005), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (WMD = -2.54 pg/ml, 95%CI: -4.43, -0.65; P = 0.008), waist circumference (WC) (WMD = -1.50 cm; 95%CI: -2.83, -0.18; P = 0.026), malondialdehyde (MDA) (WMD = -1.50 uM/L, 95%CI: -2.42, -0.57; P = 0.001), and alanine transferase (ALT) (WMD = -2.16 U/L, 95%CI: -4.10, -0.23; P = 0.028). Also, we observed that saffron had an increasing effect on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (WMD = 0.07 mM/L, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.13; P = 0.032). There was linear regression between FBG and the duration of saffron intake. Additionally, the non-linear dose-response analysis has shown a significant association of saffron intervention with HDL (P = 0.049), HOMA-IR (P = 0.002), weight (P = 0.036), ALP (P = 0.016), FBG (P = 0.011), HbA1c (P = 0.002), and TNF-α (P = 0.042). A non-linear association between the length of the intervention and the level of HDL and DBP was also found. Discussion That seems saffron could effectively improve TG, TC, LDL, FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, SBP, CRP, TNF-α, WC, MDA, TAC, and ALT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zamani
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahtab Zarei
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Gholami
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdi Hosseini
- Faculty of Medical Sciences and Technologies, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Nadery
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Farideh Shiraseb
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran,*Correspondence: Farideh Shiraseb,
| | - Omid Asbaghi
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Omid Asbaghi,
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13
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Zamzuri M‘AIA, Mansor J, Nurumal SR, Jamhari MN, Arifin MA, Nawi AM. HERBAL ANTIOXIDANTS AS TERTIARY PREVENTION AGAINST CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. J Herb Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2022.100621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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14
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Sadigi B, Yarani R, Mirghafourvand M, Travica N, Yousefi Z, Shakouri SK, Ostadrahimi A, Mobasseri M, Pociot F, Sanaie S, Araj-Khodaei M. The effect of saffron supplementation on glycemic parameters: An overview of systematic reviews. Phytother Res 2022; 36:3444-3458. [PMID: 35778993 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Due to the widespread use of herbal medicine and evidence pointing to the health benefits of saffron supplementation, this review was performed to evaluate the effects of saffron supplementation on glycemic parameters and lipid profiles based on previous reviews. Relevant articles were retrieved from various databases, which included PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane until 2020, with no date restrictions. The quality of the included reviews was assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) checklist. Finally, of 877 obtained articles, eight reviews meeting the inclusion criteria were included for analysis. Among the eight included reviews, seven articles were meta-analyses. In addition, one review had an average quality while seven had a good quality. A narrative description of the included reviews was performed, while a network meta-analysis was not conducted. A brief review of the results was reported according to the weighted mean difference and mean difference. Seven included reviews assessed the effects of saffron or crocin supplementation on glycemic parameters, and six examined these effects on lipid profile parameters. Almost half of the articles reported significant effects of these supplements on glycemic parameters and lipid profiles. Taken together, results suggest that saffron supplementation may improve glycemic and lipid profile parameters; however, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of saffron on glycemic parameters and lipid profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Sadigi
- Student Research Committee, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Persian Medicine, Faculty of Traditional Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Yarani
- Translational Type 1 Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Mojgan Mirghafourvand
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nikolaj Travica
- Food and Mood Centre, IMPACT-The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zahra Yousefi
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Seyed Kazem Shakouri
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Ostadrahimi
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Mobasseri
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of medical sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Flemming Pociot
- Translational Type 1 Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sarvin Sanaie
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Araj-Khodaei
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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15
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Roshanravan B, Samarghandian S, Ashrafizadeh M, Amirabadizadeh A, Saeedi F, Farkhondeh T. Metabolic impact of saffron and crocin: an updated systematic and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Arch Physiol Biochem 2022; 128:666-678. [PMID: 32013614 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2020.1716020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The present systematic and meta-analysis study was designed to show the protective impact of saffron and crocin supplementation on hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia in randomised and clinical trials (RCTs). A pooled analysis using a model for random-effects showed that HDL-C levels were 0.21 fold higher in the saffron and 0.01 fold higher in the crocin group than placebo. LDL-C levels in the saffron group reduced by 0.51 and 0.04 fold in the crocin group versus the placebo. Moreover, TC levels in the saffron group were 0.19 lower and 0.11 fold lower in crocin group than in the placebo group. TG level in saffron group was 0.04 lower and 0.02 fold lower in crocin than the control group. The blood glucose levels did not significantly differ from the control group. This study suggests that saffron and crocin may modulate the serum lipid profile in patient with metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Roshanravan
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Amirabadizadeh
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Farhad Saeedi
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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16
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Rahimi G, Shams S, Aslani MR. Effects of crocin supplementation on inflammatory markers, lipid profiles, insulin and cardioprotective indices in women with PCOS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res 2022; 36:2605-2615. [PMID: 35470916 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial reproductive condition common in women of reproductive age. Hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, obesity, and chronic low-grade inflammation are associated with PCOS. In a clinical trial study, women with PCOS were divided into two groups (n = 25 each): the intervention group receiving crocin (15 mg, twice daily) and the control group receiving a placebo. The duration of intervention in both groups was 12 weeks. Pre- and postintervention, demographic information, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, and inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 [IL-6] and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]) were measured. Intervention with crocin significantly increased the mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol postintervention compared to the placebo group, while exerting a suppressive effect on the increase in mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. Intervention with crocin also exerted inhibitory effects on changes in FBG and insulin, so that crocin improved insulin and cardioprotective indices. Finally, despite the increased inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) in the placebo group, crocin treatment had protective effects on their increased changes. Thus, crocin supplementation could be considered in the therapeutic targets of women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giti Rahimi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Saeideh Shams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Aslani
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.,Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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17
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Song R, Han S, Gao H, Jiang H, Li X. Crocin alleviates cognitive impairment associated with atherosclerosis via improving neuroinflammation in LDLR -/- mice fed a high-fat/cholesterol diet. Phytother Res 2022; 36:1284-1296. [PMID: 35084779 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Crocin has been extensively investigated in treating neurodegenerative diseases. However, its effect on cognitive impairment associated with atherosclerosis remains unknown. The present study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of crocin on cognitive impairment in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. LDLR-/- mice fed a high-fat/cholesterol diet were administered variable-dose crocin for 56 days through gavage. Biochemical tests showed that serum triglycerides and circulating lipopolysaccharide decreased in mice treated with crocin. Behavioral tests indicated that crocin alleviated cognitive impairment by reducing latency to the platform and increasing the swimming distance in the target quadrant. This mechanism might be associated with crocin inhibiting Aβ deposition by decreasing Aβ1-42 and tau phosphorylation. Crocin improved neuroinflammation by inhibiting the increase in reactive microglia and astrocytes, weakening NLRP3 inflammasome activation accompanied by a reduction in Caspase-1 and IL-1β, and blocking TLR4 signaling accompanied by a decrease in NF-kB p65 and MyD88. In addition, crocin raised the protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin. These findings provide experimental support that crocin attenuates cognitive impairment associated with atherosclerosis by repressing neuroinflammation, which is attributed to its suppression on the activation of microglia and astrocytes, and the production of inflammatory cytokines via targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome and TLR4 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijuan Song
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shufen Han
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xinli Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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18
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Hasani M, Malekahmadi M, Rezamand G, Estêvão MD, Pizarro AB, Heydari H, Hoong WC, Arafah OA, Barakeh ARR, Rahman A, Alrashidi MSK, Abu-Zaid A. Effect of saffron supplementation on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2021; 15:102311. [PMID: 34678576 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.102311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Possible protective effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L) have been reported in several randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Current systematic review was performed to summarize the efficacy of saffron intake on liver enzymes. METHODS An electronic database search was conducted on PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane for RCTs comparing effect of saffron and placebo on liver enzymes from inception to July 2021. There was no restriction in language of included studies and we calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for each variable. Random-effect model was used to calculate effect size. RESULTS Eight studies (n = 463 participants) were included in the systematic review. The saffron intake was associated with a statistically significant decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (SMD: -0.18; 95% CI: -0.34, -0.02; I2 = 0%) in comparison to placebo intake. Our results also indicated that saffron consumption did not have a significant effect on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (SMD: -0.14; 95% CI: -0.36, 0.09; I2 = 47.0%) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (SMD: 0.14; 95% CI: -0.18, 0.46; I2 = 42.9%) compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS Saffron intake showed beneficial impacts on circulating AST levels. However, larger well-designed RCTs are still needed to clarify the effect of saffron intake on these and other liver enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motahareh Hasani
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Malekahmadi
- Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Rezamand
- Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Dulce Estêvão
- Universidade do Algarve, Escola Superior de Saúde, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal.
| | | | - Hafez Heydari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
| | - Wong Chun Hoong
- Department of Pharmacy, Sultanah Aminah Hospital, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
| | | | | | - Areej Rahman
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Ahmed Abu-Zaid
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.
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19
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Morvaridzadeh M, Agah S, Dulce Estêvão M, Hosseini AS, Heydari H, Toupchian O, Abdollahi S, Persad E, Abu‐Zaid A, Rezamand G, Heshmati J. Effect of saffron supplementation on oxidative stress parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Food Sci Nutr 2021; 9:5809-5819. [PMID: 34646548 PMCID: PMC8498059 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS), the absence of equilibrium between prooxidants and antioxidants in the body, has been shown to play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of many diseases. Saffron has been noted for its antioxidant capacity and can be used to improve OS parameters in unhealthy patients. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of saffron supplementation on OS parameters in unhealthy patients in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science without language restrictions for RCTs up until April 2021. Studies were included if they compared any form of saffron supplementation to placebo or no supplementation on OS parameters in unhealthy patients. Using a random-effects model with calculated standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), we quantitatively synthesized the data. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane's I 2 values. Ten randomized controlled trials were eligible for this review. Seven were included in the meta-analysis and indicated an association between saffron intake and a statistically significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (SMD: -0.40; 95% CI: -0.63, -0.17; I 2 = 32.6%) and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC, SMD: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.42; I 2 = 00.0%). Saffron intake was shown to significantly impact MDA and TAC, indicating its beneficial properties in improving OS in unhealthy patients. However, additional RCTs are required to evaluate the effect on other OS parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Morvaridzadeh
- Songhor Healthcare CenterKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Shahram Agah
- Colorectal Research CenterIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | | | - Ava Sadat Hosseini
- Department of Education and Health PromotionSchool of HealthIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hafez Heydari
- Cellular and Molecular Research CenterSabzevar University of Medical SciencesSabzevarIran
| | - Omid Toupchian
- Department of Nutrition and public HealthSchool of HealthNorth Khorasan University of Medical SciencesBojnurdIran
| | - Shima Abdollahi
- Department of Nutrition and public HealthSchool of HealthNorth Khorasan University of Medical SciencesBojnurdIran
| | - Emma Persad
- Department for Evidence‐Based Medicine and EvaluationDanube University KremsKremsAustria
| | - Ahmed Abu‐Zaid
- Department of PharmacologyCollege of Graduate Health SciencesUniversity of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTNUSA
| | | | - Javad Heshmati
- Songhor Healthcare CenterKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
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20
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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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21
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Adel Mehraban MS, Tabatabaei-Malazy O, Rahimi R, Daniali M, Khashayar P, Larijani B. Targeting dyslipidemia by herbal medicines: A systematic review of meta-analyses. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 280:114407. [PMID: 34252530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The worldwide increasing prevalence of dyslipidemia has become a global health concern. Various herbal remedies have been claimed to be effective for the treatment of dyslipidemia in traditional and folkloric medicine of different regions clinical trials have been conducted to investigate their efficacy. The aim of the current systematic review is to critically assess the meta-analyses of controlled trials (CT) evaluated herb medicines for dyslipidemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Relevant studies from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist until January 2021 have been searched. All meta-analyses which pooled studies on the effect of herbal medicines on lipid profile including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low- or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, HDL-C) were also included. Meta-analyses of in vitro, animal or observational studies were excluded. RESULTS The overall of 141 meta-analyses were revealed. Vegetable oils, phytosterols, tea, soy protein, nuts, and curcumin have been studied frequently among the herbal medicines. Among 13 meta-analyses on vegetable oils, the greater reduce of TC (18.95 mg/dl), LDL-C (16.24 mg/dl) and TG (13.69 mg/dl) were exhibited from sunflower oil. Furthermore, rice bran oil (6.65 mg/dl) increased HDL-C significantly. Phytosterols in 12 meta-analyses demonstrated significant improvements in reducing TC, LDL-C and TG as 16.4, 23.7, and 8.85 mg/dl, respectively, and rise in HDL-C as 10.6 mg/dl. The highest reduction in serum level of TC, LDL-C and TG was reported while intake Green tea; 27.57, 24.75, and 31.87 mg/dl, accordingly within 9 meta-analyses. Average improvement of lipid profiles by 6 meta-analyses on plant proteins were 23.2, 21.7, 15.06, and 1.55 mg/dl for TC, LDL-C, TG, and HDL-C, respectively. Among 11 meta-analyses on nuts, almond showed better and significant alleviations in TC (10.69 mg/dl), walnut in LDL-C (9.23 mg/dl), pistachio in TG (22.14 mg/dl), and peanut in HDL-C (2.72 mg/dl). Overall, Curcumin, Curcuminoid, and Turmeric have resulted in the reduction of TC (25.13 mg/dl), LDL-C (39.83 mg/dl), TG (33.65 mg/dl), and an increase in the HDL-C (4.31 mg/dl). CONCLUSION The current systematic review shed light on the use of herbal medicines for the management of dyslipidemia. However, more well-conducted CTs are required to determine effective doses of herbal medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sadegh Adel Mehraban
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ozra Tabatabaei-Malazy
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Roja Rahimi
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; PhytoPharmacology Interest Group (PPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Marzieh Daniali
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Patricia Khashayar
- Center for Microsystem Technology, Imec and Ghent University, Gent-Zwijnaarde, 9052, Belgium; Osteoporosis Research Center, Endocrinpology & Metabolism Clinical Science Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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22
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Gupta K, Testa H, Greenwood T, Kostek M, Haushalter K, Kris-Etherton PM, Petersen KS. The effect of herbs and spices on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases: a review of human clinical trials. Nutr Rev 2021; 80:400-427. [PMID: 34080628 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbs and spices are recommended to increase flavor and displace salt in the diet. Accumulating evidence suggests herbs and spices may improve risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. In this narrative review, an overview of evidence from human clinical trials examining the effect of herbs and spices on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases is provided. Human clinical trials examining supplemental doses of individual spices and herbs, or the active compounds, have yielded some evidence showing improvements to lipid and lipoprotein levels, glycemic control, blood pressure, adiposity, inflammation, and oxidative stress. However, cautious interpretation is warranted because of methodological limitations and substantial between-trial heterogeneity in the findings. Evidence from acute studies suggests intake of mixed herbs and spices as part of a high-saturated fat, high-carbohydrate meal reduces postprandial metabolic impairments, including lipemia, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Limited studies have examined the postprandial metabolic effects of incorporating mixed herbs and spices into healthy meals, and, to our knowledge, no trials have assessed the effect of longer-term intake of mixed herbs and spices on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. To inform evidence-based guidelines for intake of herbs and spices for general health and cardiometabolic disease risk reduction, rigorously conducted randomized controlled trials are needed, particularly trials examining herb and spice doses that can be incorporated into healthy dietary patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Gupta
- K. Gupta is with the Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. H. Testa, T. Greenwood, M. Kostek, K. Haushalter, P.M. Kris-Etherton, and K.S. Petersen are with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. K.S. Petersen is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Hannah Testa
- K. Gupta is with the Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. H. Testa, T. Greenwood, M. Kostek, K. Haushalter, P.M. Kris-Etherton, and K.S. Petersen are with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. K.S. Petersen is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Tara Greenwood
- K. Gupta is with the Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. H. Testa, T. Greenwood, M. Kostek, K. Haushalter, P.M. Kris-Etherton, and K.S. Petersen are with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. K.S. Petersen is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Megan Kostek
- K. Gupta is with the Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. H. Testa, T. Greenwood, M. Kostek, K. Haushalter, P.M. Kris-Etherton, and K.S. Petersen are with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. K.S. Petersen is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Keally Haushalter
- K. Gupta is with the Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. H. Testa, T. Greenwood, M. Kostek, K. Haushalter, P.M. Kris-Etherton, and K.S. Petersen are with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. K.S. Petersen is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Penny M Kris-Etherton
- K. Gupta is with the Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. H. Testa, T. Greenwood, M. Kostek, K. Haushalter, P.M. Kris-Etherton, and K.S. Petersen are with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. K.S. Petersen is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Kristina S Petersen
- K. Gupta is with the Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. H. Testa, T. Greenwood, M. Kostek, K. Haushalter, P.M. Kris-Etherton, and K.S. Petersen are with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. K.S. Petersen is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
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23
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Karimi E, Farrokhzad A, Darand M, Arab A. The Effect of Saffron Consumption on Liver Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials. Complement Med Res 2021; 28:453-462. [PMID: 33735877 DOI: 10.1159/000515003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The present systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to determine the effects of saffron supplementation on liver function tests among adults. METHODS Electronic databases including PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus were searched up to January 2021. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The overall estimates and their 95% CIs were calculated using random-effects models. Egger's test and Begg's rank-correlation were run to assess the presence of publication bias. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 12 trials involving 608 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Saffron supplementation had no significant effect on liver function tests including aspartate transaminase (AST) (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.23 U/L; 95% CI -2.22 to 2.69; p = 0.851; I2 = 74.0%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (WMD = -1.49 U/L; 95% CI -3.84 to 0.86; p = 0.213; I2 = 60.2%), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (WMD = -0.70 U/L; 95% CI -11.35 to 9.95; p = 0.898; I2 = 40.8%) compared to placebo. CONCLUSION Based on what was discussed, it seems that saffron supplementation could not improve liver function tests including AST, ALT, and ALP among the adult population. Further clinical trials with larger sample size, longer duration, and higher doses of saffron should be conducted exclusively among patients with liver dysfunction to elucidate the beneficial role of saffron consumption on liver function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Karimi
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Research Development Center, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mina Darand
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arman Arab
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran,
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24
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Zeka K, Marrazzo P, Micucci M, Ruparelia KC, Arroo RRJ, Macchiarelli G, Annarita Nottola S, Continenza MA, Chiarini A, Angeloni C, Hrelia S, Budriesi R. Activity of Antioxidants from Crocus sativus L. Petals: Potential Preventive Effects towards Cardiovascular System. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9111102. [PMID: 33182461 PMCID: PMC7697793 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9111102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The petals of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus L.) are considered a waste material in saffron production, but may be a sustainable source of natural biologically active substances of nutraceutical interest. The aim of this work was to study the cardiovascular effects of kaempferol and crocin extracted from saffron petals. The antiarrhythmic, inotropic, and chronotropic effects of saffron petal extract (SPE), kaempferol, and crocin were evaluated through in vitro biological assays. The antioxidant activity of kaempferol and crocin was investigated through the 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay using rat cardiomyoblast cell line H9c2. The MTT assay was applied to assess the effects of kaempferol and crocin on cell viability. SPE showed weak negative inotropic and chronotropic intrinsic activities but a significant intrinsic activity on smooth muscle with a potency on the ileum greater than on the aorta: EC50 = 0.66 mg/mL versus EC50 = 1.45 mg/mL. Kaempferol and crocin showed a selective negative inotropic activity. In addition, kaempferol decreased the contraction induced by KCl (80 mM) in guinea pig aortic and ileal strips, while crocin had no effect. Furthermore, following oxidative stress, both crocin and kaempferol decreased intracellular ROS formation and increased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. The results indicate that SPE, a by-product of saffron cultivation, may represent a good source of phytochemicals with a potential application in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keti Zeka
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Long Road, Cambridge CB2 0PT, UK;
| | - Pasquale Marrazzo
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy; (P.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Matteo Micucci
- Nutraceutical Lab, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.C.); (R.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ketan C. Ruparelia
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK; (K.C.R.); (R.R.J.A.)
| | - Randolph R. J. Arroo
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK; (K.C.R.); (R.R.J.A.)
| | - Guido Macchiarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (G.M.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Stefania Annarita Nottola
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, La Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Adelaide Continenza
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (G.M.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Alberto Chiarini
- Nutraceutical Lab, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Cristina Angeloni
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino (MC), Italy;
| | - Silvana Hrelia
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy; (P.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Roberta Budriesi
- Nutraceutical Lab, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.C.); (R.B.)
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25
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Asbaghi O, Sadeghian M, Sadeghi O, Rigi S, Tan SC, Shokri A, Mousavi SM. Effects of saffron (
Crocus sativus
L.) supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Phytother Res 2020; 35:20-32. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Omid Asbaghi
- Nutritional Health Research Center Lorestan University of Medical Sciences Khorramabad Iran
| | - Mehdi Sadeghian
- Student Research Committee Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran
| | - Omid Sadeghi
- Department of Community Nutrition School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Somaye Rigi
- Department of Community Nutrition School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Shing Cheng Tan
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Azad Shokri
- Department of Nursing Gerash University of Medical Sciences Gerash Iran
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences Sanandaj Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Mousavi
- Department of Community Nutrition School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Students' Scientific Research Center Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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