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Gerami SS, Ebrahimi-Ghiri M, Khakpai F, Zarrindast MR. Antidepressive synergism between crocin and D-AP5 in acute restraint-stressed mice. Behav Pharmacol 2024; 35:327-337. [PMID: 39051912 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that crocin rescues stress-induced depressive symptoms in mice via stimulation of hippocampal neurogenesis. Glutamate modulators mainly involving N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) have highlighted a role in neural development, synaptic plasticity, and depression. The research presented here was designed to appraise the interaction between NMDAR agents and crocin on depressive-related behaviors in the NMRI male mice exposed to acute restraint stress (ARS) for a period of 4 h. The mice were submitted to the splash test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test to evaluate depressive-like behavior. The ARS decreased the grooming duration in the splash test and increased immobility time in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test, suggesting a depressive-like phenotype. NMDA (0.25 and 0.5 μg/mouse, intracerebroventricular) did not alter depression-related profiles in both non-acute restraint stress (NARS) and ARS mice, while the same doses of NMDAR antagonist D-AP5 potentiated the antidepressive-like activities in the ARS mice compared with the NARS mice. Moreover, a low dose of NMDA did not change depression-related parameters in the crocin-treated NARS or ARS mice, while D-AP5 enhanced the crocin response in the NARS and ARS mice. Isobologram analysis noted a synergism between crocin and D-AP5 on antidepressive-like behavior in the NARS and ARS mice. Collectively, the combination of crocin and D-AP5 was shown to mitigate depression symptoms and can be potentially used for the treatment of depression disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana-Sadat Gerami
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran
| | | | - Fatemeh Khakpai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
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2
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Rashid M, Rashid R, Saroya S, Deverapalli M, Brim H, Ashktorab H. Saffron as a Promising Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Nutrients 2024; 16:2353. [PMID: 39064796 PMCID: PMC11280066 DOI: 10.3390/nu16142353] [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: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory illness of the gastrointestinal tract (GI), characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation and tissue destruction. It affects an increasing number of individuals worldwide who suffer from Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Despite substantial advances in understanding the underlying causes of IBD, the available treatments remain restricted and are sometimes accompanied by severe consequences. Consequently, there is an urgent need to study alternate therapeutic options. This review assesses the present drugs, identifies their limitations, and proposes the use of saffron, a natural plant with great therapeutic potential based on preclinical and clinical investigations. Saffron has gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating various ailments due to its established bioactive compounds possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review covers how saffron impacts the levels of calprotectin, an inflammatory marker, for various inflammatory responses in multiple diseases including IBD. Data from clinical trials were assessed to determine the efficacy and safety of using saffron to counter inflammation in multiple diseases. Studies have shown that saffron may protect against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through several mechanisms by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), reducing oxidative stress through antioxidant effects, enhancing mucosal barrier function by upregulating tight junction proteins, and modulating the gut microbiota composition to promote beneficial bacteria while suppressing pathogenic ones; these combined actions contribute to its therapeutic potential in managing and alleviating the symptoms of IBD. This will enable future research endeavors and expedite the translation of saffron-based interventions into clinical practice as a valuable adjunctive therapy or a potential alternative to conventional treatments, thereby enhancing the quality of life for individuals suffering from inflammatory diseases including IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Hassan Ashktorab
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (M.R.); (R.R.); (S.S.); (M.D.); (H.B.)
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Shafiee A, Jafarabady K, Seighali N, Mohammadi I, Rajai Firouz Abadi S, Abhari FS, Bakhtiyari M. Effect of Saffron Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutr Rev 2024:nuae076. [PMID: 38913392 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuae076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Saffron, a natural remedy with potential antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, has gained attention as a potential therapeutic option. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of saffron versus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating depression and anxiety. DATA SOURCE Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database, were searched from inception to April 31, 2023. DATA EXTRACTION Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing saffron intervention with SSRIs in adults with depression or anxiety were included. DATA ANALYSIS Random-effects meta-analysis using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and risk ratio (RRs) with their 95% CIs calculated continuous and binary outcomes, respectively. Meta-analysis of 8 studies assessing depression outcomes revealed a nonsignificant difference between saffron and SSRIs in reducing depressive symptoms (SMD = 0.10l 95% CI: -0.09 to 0.29). Four studies reporting anxiety outcomes showed a nonsignificant difference between saffron and SSRIs in reducing anxiety symptoms (SMD = 0.04; 95% CI: -0.22 to 0.29). With regard to safety, participants receiving saffron had fewer adverse events than the SSRI group (risk difference: -0.06; 95% CI: -0.09, -0.04; I2: 0%). CONCLUSION Saffron could be a potential SSRI alternative to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms with fewer adverse events. Further research with larger sample sizes and in diverse populations is warranted to validate these findings and explore potential moderators of treatment response. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023443236.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Shafiee
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Kyana Jafarabady
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran
| | - Niloofar Seighali
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ida Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahryar Rajai Firouz Abadi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faeze Soltani Abhari
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mahmood Bakhtiyari
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Department of Community Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, 3149779453, Iran
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Ning B, Ge T, Zhao QQ, Feng LS, Wu YQ, Chen H, Lian K, Zhao MJ. Research status of pathogenesis of anxiety or depression after percutaneous coronary intervention and Traditional Chinese Medicine intervention. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 327:118017. [PMID: 38462028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNIC PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Anxiety or depression after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common clinical disease. Currently, conventional pharmacotherapy primarily involves the administration of anxiolytic or antidepressant medications in conjunction with anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and other cardiovascular drugs. However, challenges such as drug dependence, adverse reactions and related concerns persist in the treatment of this disease. Numerous pertinent studies have demonstrated that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) exhibits significant therapeutic efficacy and distinctive advantages in managing post-PCI anxiety or depression. AIM OF THIS REVIEW This review attempted to summarize the characteristics of TCM for treating anxiety or depression after PCI, including single Chinese herbs, Chinese medicine monomers, compound TCM prescriptions, TCM patented drugs, and other TCM-related treatment methods, focusing on the analysis of the relevant mechanism of TCM treatment of this disease. METHODS By searching the literature on treating anxiety or depression after PCI with TCM in PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and other relevant databases, this review focuses on the latest research progress of TCM treatment of this disease. RESULTS In the treatment of anxiety or depression after PCI, TCM exerts significant pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-anxiety or anti-depression, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, and neuroprotection, mainly by regulating the levels of related inflammatory factors, oxidative stress markers, neurotransmitter levels, and related signaling pathways. TCM has a good clinical effect in treating anxiety or depression after PCI with individualized treatment. CONCLUSIONS TCM has terrific potential and good prospects in the treatment of anxiety or depression after PCI. The main direction of future exploration is the study of the mechanism related to Chinese medicine monomers and the large sample clinical study related to compound TCM prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ning
- First Clinical Medical College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
| | - Teng Ge
- First Clinical Medical College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
| | - Qiang-Qiang Zhao
- First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Lan-Shuan Feng
- First Clinical Medical College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
| | - Yong-Qing Wu
- First Clinical Medical College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
| | - Huan Chen
- First Clinical Medical College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
| | - Kun Lian
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
| | - Ming-Jun Zhao
- First Clinical Medical College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China; Academician Workstation, The Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712000, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xi'an, 712046, China.
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Monchaux de Oliveira C, Morael J, Guille A, Amadieu C, Vancassel S, Gaudout D, Capuron L, Pourtau L, Castanon N. Saffron extract interferes with lipopolysaccharide-induced brain activation of the kynurenine pathway and impairment of monoamine neurotransmission in mice. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1267839. [PMID: 37867499 PMCID: PMC10585275 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1267839] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although activation of inflammatory processes is essential to fight infections, its prolonged impact on brain function is well known to contribute to the pathophysiology of many medical conditions, including neuropsychiatric disorders. Therefore, identifying novel strategies to selectively counter the harmful effects of neuroinflammation appears as a major health concern. In that context, this study aimed to test the relevance of a nutritional intervention with saffron, a spice known for centuries for its beneficial effect on health. Methods For this purpose, the impact of an acute oral administration of a standardized saffron extract, which was previously shown to display neuromodulatory properties and reduce depressive-like behavior, was measured in mice challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 830 μg/kg, ip). Results Pretreatment with saffron extract (6.5 mg/kg, per os) did not reduce LPS-induced sickness behavior, preserving therefore this adaptive behavioral response essential for host defense. However, it interfered with delayed changes of expression of cytokines, chemokines and markers of microglial activation measured 24 h post-LPS treatment in key brain areas for behavior and mood control (frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum). Importantly, this pretreatment also counteracted by that time the impact of LPS on several neurobiological processes contributing to inflammation-induced emotional alterations, in particular the activation of the kynurenine pathway, assessed through the expression of its main enzymes, as well as concomitant impairment of serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. Conclusion Altogether, this study provides important clues on how saffron extract interferes with brain function in conditions of immune stimulation and supports the relevance of saffron-based nutritional interventions to improve the management of inflammation-related comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Monchaux de Oliveira
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
- Activ’Inside, Beychac-et-Caillau, France
| | - Jennifer Morael
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Alexandrine Guille
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Camille Amadieu
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sylvie Vancassel
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Lucile Capuron
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Nathalie Castanon
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
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Delam H, Keshtkaran Z, Shokrpour N, Eidi A, Bazrafshan MR. The effect of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) herbal tea on happiness in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:176. [PMID: 37264347 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04014-8] [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: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that menopause can be associated with a variety of negative psychological changes such as depression and anxiety, and improving the mental health status of women during menopause is one of the important priorities and challenges of the health system. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L., Iridaceae) herbal tea on happiness in postmenopausal women. METHODS In this randomized clinical trial which was conducted in 2021, 72 postmenopausal women were enrolled and divided into intervention and control groups. The randomization blocks method was used for random allocation, and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire was utilized to measure the scores. The intervention included the use of 30 mg of dried stigmas of the saffron plant, which was boiled once (in the morning, in 300 ml of boiling water for 10-15 min) and consumed with white rock candy as one cup of saffron tea daily. To compare the trend of changes and after removing the effect of other variables, generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in any of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics (p > 0.05). The results of paired samples t-test showed that the happiness mean score in the intervention group increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 42.93 ± 8.54 to 61.58 ± 8.24, while in the control group, there was no significant difference between the happiness mean score at the beginning and end of the study (p = 0.861). Also, after applying the treatment program in the intervention group, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the happiness mean scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Saffron herbal tea had a positive effect on reducing depression and increasing the happiness score; thus, it is recommended that it should be used as a complementary treatment in consultation with the treating physician. TRIAL REGISTRATION The present study was registered with the code of IRCT20210403050818N1 (Registration date: 09/04/2021) in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. It was also approved by the Ethics Committee of Larestan University of Medical Sciences (Approval ID: IR.LARUMS.REC.1399.017).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Delam
- Student Research Committee, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
- Imam Reza Teaching Hospital, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Zahra Keshtkaran
- Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nasrin Shokrpour
- English Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Eidi
- Student Research Committee, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran.
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Saxena K, Kurian S, Kumar R, Arnold LE, Simkin DR. Mood Disorders in Youth: Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2023; 32:367-394. [PMID: 37147043 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2022.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, probiotics, vitamin C, vitamin D, folic acid and L-methyl folate, broad-spectrum micronutrients, N-acetylcysteine, physical activity, herbs, bright light therapy, melatonin, saffron, meditation, school-based interventions, and transcranial photobiomodulation are reviewed, with a focus on their use for treating mood disorders in children and adolescents. For each treatment, all published randomized controlled trials are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti Saxena
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Texas Children's Hospital, 8080 North Stadium Drive, Houston, TX 77054, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Sherin Kurian
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Texas Children's Hospital, 8080 North Stadium Drive, Houston, TX 77054, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Reena Kumar
- Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona, 655 N Alvernon Way, Suite 120, Tuscon, AZ 85711, USA
| | - L Eugene Arnold
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 395E McCampbell Hall, 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Deborah R Simkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, 8955 Highway 98 West, Suite 204, Miramar Beach, FL 32550, USA
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Garg P, Alambayan J, Garg V. Herbal Approaches in the Management of Mental Depression. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2023; 22:98-124. [PMID: 35088681 DOI: 10.2174/1871527321666220128091408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human's existence has become more stressful these days, most likely for the sake of improving one's lifestyle and fulfilling one's aspirations and needs. Depression is the most frequent neurological disorder, which affects millions of individuals worldwide. In clinical research, depression is the second most frequent chronic disease. A variety of herbal medications thought to have antidepressant-like effects have been reported in ancient pharmacopoeias from around the world. These provide several prospective chemicals that could be developed into modern mental medications while also causing no noticeable negative effects. OBJECTIVE The review is written to provide herbal treatment and comprehensive information about depression. METHODS Plants and plant formulations that were found effective in the treatment of depression are thoroughly reviewed. The antidepressant efficacies of medicinal plants, as well as their dosages, are investigated using experimental models. The review article contains 140 plants possessing antidepressant properties, 11 commercial formulations, and 25 active/isolated ingredients, as well as their chemical structure, which have been thoroughly reviewed with antidepressant activity after studying 283 references. RESULTS Literature revealed that a variety of medicinal plants are effective for the treatment of depression such as Hypericum perforatum, Catha edulis, Tinospora cordifolia, Curcuma longa, Ferula foetida, Rhodio larosea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Crocus sativus, Ocimumba silicum and Embelica officinalis. CONCLUSION Potential compounds isolated from medicinal plants for the treatment of depressive disorders need to be established and herbal plant research could aid in this endeavour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Garg
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Hindu College of Pharmacy, Sonepat, Haryana, India
| | - Jyoti Alambayan
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Hindu College of Pharmacy, Sonepat, Haryana, India
| | - Vandana Garg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.D.U, Rohtak, Haryana, India
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Matraszek-Gawron R, Chwil M, Terlecki K, Skoczylas MM. Current Knowledge of the Antidepressant Activity of Chemical Compounds from Crocus sativus L. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:58. [PMID: 36678554 PMCID: PMC9860663 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychotropic effect of Crocus sativus L. (family Iridaceae) biologically active chemical compounds are quite well documented and they can therefore be used in addition to the conventional pharmacological treatment of depression. This systematic review on antidepressant compounds in saffron crocus and their mechanisms of action and side effects is based on publications released between 1995−2022 and data indexed in 15 databases under the following search terms: antidepressant effect, central nervous system, Crocus sativus, cognitive impairement, crocin, crocetin, depression, dopamine, dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, picrocrocin, phytotherapy, neurotransmitters, safranal, saffron, serotonin, and biologically active compounds. The comparative analysis of the publications was based on 414 original research papers. The investigated literature indicates the effectiveness and safety of aqueous and alcoholic extracts and biologically active chemical compounds (alkaloids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, flavonoid, phenolic, saponins, and terpenoids) isolated from various organs (corms, leaves, flower petal, and stigmas) in adjuvant treatment of depression and anxiety. Monoamine reuptake inhibition, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-α agonism are the main proposed mechanism of the antidepressant action. The antidepressant and neuroprotective effect of extract components is associated with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The mechanism of their action, interactions with conventional drugs and other herbal preparations and the safety of use are not fully understood; therefore, further detailed research in this field is necessary. The presented results regarding the application of C. sativus in phytotherapy are promising in terms of the use of herbal preparations to support the treatment of depression. This is particularly important given the steady increase in the incidence of this disease worldwide and social effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Matraszek-Gawron
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 15 Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mirosława Chwil
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 15 Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Karol Terlecki
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, Medical University of Lublin, Racławickie 1 Street, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Marian Skoczylas
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1 Street, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
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10
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Ahmad S, Azhar A, Tikmani P, Rafique H, Khan A, Mesiya H, Saeed H. A randomized clinical trial to test efficacy of chamomile and saffron for neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory responses in depressive patients. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10774. [PMID: 36217471 PMCID: PMC9547202 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10774] [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: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is one of the common psychiatric problems in growing world population caused by long-term stressful events that may trigger the down regulation of neurogenesis. The pathogenesis of depression initially relies on serotonin deficiency which is associated with depressive feelings. Tryptophan (TRP) depletion participate crucial role in inducing depressive symptoms. Long-term reduction of 5-HT may disseminate to high sensitivity of MDD and alters the level of BDNF. Some studies have also revealed the strong association between excessive neuroinflammation and BDNF levels, due the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The treatment approach through FDA approved medicine has their own merits and drawbacks. Therefore, herbal alternatives have recently garnered attention for their effectiveness against depression. However, evidence-based synergic effects of antidepressant with different herbal agents are limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the synergistic effects of two well-known herbs, chamomile and saffron, as an adjuvant therapy in patients with mild to moderate depression. The present study was study randomized, open, blinded trial and comprised of 120 participants randomly allocated to control (n = 60) and test (n = 60). After consent, the patient health questionnaire- 9 (PHQ-9) was filled to obtain depression scores. The test participants were received herbal tea sachets twice a day for one month (20 mg Chamomile and 1 mg Saffron/sachet) along with routine medicines, while control participants were received only allopathic medications. Blood samples were taken before and after the treatment. The depressive symptoms improved significantly with both treatments. The effect of herbs enhanced the efficacy of medications and significantly improved PHQ-9 scale and BDNF while reduced the inflammatory markers (CRP) and TRP level in plasma thereby increased the availability of TRP in brain. It has been concluded that the herbal adjuvant therapy produced long term improvement against depression and enhanced the efficacy of allopathic treatment.
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11
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Shahbaz K, Chang D, Zhou X, Low M, Seto SW, Li CG. Crocins for Ischemic Stroke: A Review of Current Evidence. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:825842. [PMID: 35991882 PMCID: PMC9388830 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.825842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocins (CRs) and the related active constituents derived from Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) have demonstrated protective effects against cerebral ischemia and ischemic stroke, with various bioactivities including neuroprotection, anti-neuroinflammation, antioxidant, and cardiovascular protection. Among CRs, crocin (CR) has been shown to act on multiple mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in ischemic stroke, including mitochondrial apoptosis, nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of B cells pathway, S100 calcium-binding protein B, interleukin-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor-A. CR is generally safe and well-tolerated. Pharmacokinetic studies indicate that CR has poor bioavailability and needs to convert to crocetin (CC) in order to cross the blood-brain barrier. Clinical studies have shown the efficacy of saffron and CR in treating various conditions, including metabolic syndrome, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and coronary artery disease. There is evidence supporting CR as a treatment for ischemic stroke, although further studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Shahbaz
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Kiran Shahbaz, ; Chung Guang Li,
| | - Dennis Chang
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Xian Zhou
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Mitchell Low
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Sai Wang Seto
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- Reserach Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chung Guang Li
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Kiran Shahbaz, ; Chung Guang Li,
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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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Scuto M, Modafferi S, Rampulla F, Zimbone V, Tomasello M, Spano’ S, Ontario M, Palmeri A, Trovato Salinaro A, Siracusa R, Di Paola R, Cuzzocrea S, Calabrese E, Wenzel U, Calabrese V. Redox modulation of stress resilience by Crocus Sativus L. for potential neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory applications in brain disorders: From molecular basis to therapy. Mech Ageing Dev 2022; 205:111686. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2022.111686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Ahmadikhatir S, Ostadrahimi A, Safaiyan A, Ahmadikhatir S, Farrin N. Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) supplements improve quality of life and appetite in atherosclerosis patients: A randomized clinical trial. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF ISFAHAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 27:30. [PMID: 35548173 PMCID: PMC9081510 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_1253_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of the cardiovascular disease. Saffron is a traditional food that affects many diseases and disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the effects of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on quality of life (QOL) and appetite in patients with atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 63 participants with atherosclerosis were recruited from Emam Sajjad Hospital, Valiasr Hospital, and Zafaranieyh Clinic in Tehran, Iran. The participants were divided randomly into two groups. Participants received 100 mg/d saffron or placebo capsule for 6 weeks. QOL and appetite levels were measured by the McNew QOL questionnaire, and visual analog scale questionnaire, respectively. Furthermore, anthropometric indices of participants were measured before and after the intervention. Results Statistical analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference between atherosclerosis patients who received placebo and those who consumed saffron in terms of the physical domain (P = 0.008) and social domain (P = 0.012) of QOL. In the saffron group increased score in Total score Macnew (P < 0.001), physical domain (P = 0.025), and social domain (P < 0.001) was significant after the intervention. Moreover, the consumption of saffron did not significantly affect emotional domains of QOL, and appetite levels. Conclusion Saffron may be considered as a novel agent in patients with atherosclerosis to improve the QOL. A great deal of further research will be needed to critically validate the efficacy of saffron and its mechanisms in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shonaz Ahmadikhatir
- Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Ostadrahimi
- Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abdolrasoul Safaiyan
- Department of Vital Statistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shoyar Ahmadikhatir
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nazila Farrin
- Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Siddiqui SA, Ali Redha A, Snoeck ER, Singh S, Simal-Gandara J, Ibrahim SA, Jafari SM. Anti-Depressant Properties of Crocin Molecules in Saffron. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27072076. [PMID: 35408474 PMCID: PMC9000812 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Saffron is a valued herb, obtained from the stigmas of the C. sativus Linn (Iridaceae), with therapeutic effects. It has been described in pharmacopoeias to be variously acting, including as an anti-depressant, anti-carcinogen, and stimulant agent. The therapeutic effects of saffron are harbored in its bioactive molecules, notably crocins, the subject of this paper. Crocins have been demonstrated to act as a monoamine oxidase type A and B inhibitor. Furthermore, saffron petal extracts have experimentally been shown to impact contractile response in electrical field stimulation. Other research suggests that saffron also inhibits the reuptake of monoamines, exhibits N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonism, and improves brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling. A host of experimental studies found saffron/crocin to be similarly effective as fluoxetine and imipramine in the treatment of depression disorders. Saffron and crocins propose a natural solution to combat depressive disorders. However, some hurdles, such as stability and delivery, need to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, Essigberg 3, 94315 Straubing, Germany;
- German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL e.V.), 49610 D-Quakenbrück, Germany
| | - Ali Ali Redha
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK;
- Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Edgar Remmet Snoeck
- Food Technology Study Programme, HAS University of Applied Sciences, Onderwijsboulevard 221, 5223 DE ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands;
| | - Shubhra Singh
- Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, No. 1, Xuefu Rd, Neipu Township, Pingtung City 912, Taiwan;
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Science, Universidade de Vigo, E-32004 Ourense, Spain;
| | - Salam A. Ibrahim
- Food and Nutritional Sciences Program, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, E. Market Street, 1601, Greensboro, NC 24711, USA;
| | - Seid Mahdi Jafari
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Science, Universidade de Vigo, E-32004 Ourense, Spain;
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan 49189, Iran
- Correspondence:
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Cilostazol as an adjunctive treatment in major depressive disorder: a pilot randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:551-559. [PMID: 35072758 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-06041-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor, has been reported to improve depressive-like behavior in experimental studies of depression. We investigated the safety and efficacy of cilostazol combination therapy with sertraline in treating patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) in a 6-week, parallel, randomized controlled trial. METHOD Among patients referred to the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital, those with a diagnosis of MDD with moderate to severe severity (a score of >19 on the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D)) were enrolled. A total of 54 MDD patients aged 18-65 years were randomly assigned to either the cilostazol (100 mg daily) or the placebo group. Both groups received sertraline 100 mg per day similarly. Changes in HAM-D at weeks 2, 4, and 6 were the primary outcome. Participants and outcome assessors were blinded. RESULTS At week 6, patients in the cilostazol group had significantly lower HAM-D score (p value= 0.015). General linear model repeated-measure analysis showed significant effect for treatment in improving MDD severity (p value <0.001). The remission rate at the study endpoint and number of responders at week 4 were significantly higher in the cilostazol group (p value= 0.047, p value= 0.032, respectively). The cilostazol group demonstrated a significantly shorter time to response. No significant difference was observed in treatment response at the study endpoint, and there were no serious adverse effects. CONCLUSION Our study supports safety and efficacy of cilostazol in treating MDD patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered at the Iranian registry of clinical trials (IRCT: www.irct.ir ; registration number: IRCT20090117001556N130).
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Butnariu M, Quispe C, Herrera-Bravo J, Sharifi-Rad J, Singh L, Aborehab NM, Bouyahya A, Venditti A, Sen S, Acharya K, Bashiry M, Ezzat SM, Setzer WN, Martorell M, Mileski KS, Bagiu IC, Docea AO, Calina D, Cho WC. The Pharmacological Activities of Crocus sativus L.: A Review Based on the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities of its Phytoconstituents. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8214821. [PMID: 35198096 PMCID: PMC8860555 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8214821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Crocus species are mainly distributed in North Africa, Southern and Central Europe, and Western Asia, used in gardens and parks as ornamental plants, while Crocus sativus L. (saffron) is the only species that is cultivated for edible purpose. The use of saffron is very ancient; besides the use as a spice, saffron has long been known also for its medical and coloring qualities. Due to its distinctive flavor and color, it is used as a spice, which imparts food preservative activity owing to its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. This updated review discusses the biological properties of Crocus sativus L. and its phytoconstituents, their pharmacological activities, signaling pathways, and molecular targets, therefore highlighting it as a potential herbal medicine. Clinical studies regarding its pharmacologic potential in clinical therapeutics and toxicity studies were also reviewed. For this updated review, a search was performed in the PubMed, Science, and Google Scholar databases using keywords related to Crocus sativus L. and the biological properties of its phytoconstituents. From this search, only the relevant works were selected. The phytochemistry of the most important bioactive compounds in Crocus sativus L. such as crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal and also dozens of other compounds was studied and identified by various physicochemical methods. Isolated compounds and various extracts have proven their pharmacological efficacy at the molecular level and signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, toxicity studies and clinical trials were analyzed. The research results highlighted the various pharmacological potentials such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antidepressant, hypolipidemic, and antihyperglycemic properties and protector of retinal lesions. Due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, saffron has proven effective as a natural food preservative. Starting from the traditional uses for the treatment of several diseases, the bioactive compounds of Crocus sativus L. have proven their effectiveness in modern pharmacological research. However, pharmacological studies are needed in the future to identify new mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic studies, new pharmaceutical formulations for target transport, and possible interaction with allopathic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Butnariu
- 1Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Quispe
- 2Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Avda Arturo Prat 2120, Iquique 1110939, Chile
| | - Jesús Herrera-Bravo
- 3Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, Chile
- 4Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | | | - Laxman Singh
- 6G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Nora M. Aborehab
- 7Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October 12566, Egypt
| | - Abdelhakim Bouyahya
- 8Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Genomic Center of Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco
| | - Alessandro Venditti
- 9Dipartimento di Chimica, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Surjit Sen
- 10Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
- 11Department of Botany, Fakir Chand College, Diamond Harbour, West Bengal 743331, India
| | - Krishnendu Acharya
- 10Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Moein Bashiry
- 12Department of Food Science and Technology, Nutrition and Food Sciences Faculty, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Shahira M. Ezzat
- 13Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Ainy Street, Cairo 11562, Egypt
- 14Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October 12566, Egypt
| | - William N. Setzer
- 15Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA
| | - Miquel Martorell
- 16Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Ksenija S. Mileski
- 17Department of Morphology and Systematic of Plants, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Iulia-Cristina Bagiu
- 18Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara Discipline of Microbiology, Timișoara, Romania
- 19Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Anca Oana Docea
- 20Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniela Calina
- 21Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - William C. Cho
- 22Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Tully PJ, Ang SY, Lee EJ, Bendig E, Bauereiß N, Bengel J, Baumeister H. Psychological and pharmacological interventions for depression in patients with coronary artery disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 12:CD008012. [PMID: 34910821 PMCID: PMC8673695 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008012.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression occurs frequently in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) and is associated with a poor prognosis. OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of psychological and pharmacological interventions for depression in CAD patients with comorbid depression. SEARCH METHODS We searched the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases up to August 2020. We also searched three clinical trials registers in September 2021. We examined reference lists of included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and contacted primary authors. We applied no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA We included RCTs investigating psychological and pharmacological interventions for depression in adults with CAD and comorbid depression. Our primary outcomes included depression, mortality, and cardiac events. Secondary outcomes were healthcare costs and utilisation, health-related quality of life, cardiovascular vital signs, biomarkers of platelet activation, electrocardiogram wave parameters, non-cardiac adverse events, and pharmacological side effects. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently examined the identified papers for inclusion and extracted data from the included studies. We performed random-effects model meta-analyses to compute overall estimates of treatment outcomes. MAIN RESULTS Thirty-seven trials fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Psychological interventions may result in a reduction in end-of-treatment depression symptoms compared to controls (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.92 to -0.19, I2 = 88%; low certainty evidence; 10 trials; n = 1226). No effect was evident on medium-term depression symptoms one to six months after the end of treatment (SMD -0.20, 95% CI -0.42 to 0.01, I2 = 69%; 7 trials; n = 2654). The evidence for long-term depression symptoms and depression response was sparse for this comparison. There is low certainty evidence that psychological interventions may result in little to no difference in end-of-treatment depression remission (odds ratio (OR) 2.02, 95% CI 0.78 to 5.19, I2 = 87%; low certainty evidence; 3 trials; n = 862). Based on one to two trials per outcome, no beneficial effects on mortality and cardiac events of psychological interventions versus control were consistently found. The evidence was very uncertain for end-of-treatment effects on all-cause mortality, and data were not reported for end-of-treatment cardiovascular mortality and occurrence of myocardial infarction for this comparison. In the trials examining a head-to-head comparison of varying psychological interventions or clinical management, the evidence regarding the effect on end-of-treatment depression symptoms is very uncertain for: cognitive behavioural therapy compared to supportive stress management; behaviour therapy compared to person-centred therapy; cognitive behavioural therapy and well-being therapy compared to clinical management. There is low certainty evidence from one trial that cognitive behavioural therapy may result in little to no difference in end-of-treatment depression remission compared to supportive stress management (OR 1.81, 95% CI 0.73 to 4.50; low certainty evidence; n = 83). Based on one to two trials per outcome, no beneficial effects on depression remission, depression response, mortality rates, and cardiac events were consistently found in head-to-head comparisons between psychological interventions or clinical management. The review suggests that pharmacological intervention may have a large effect on end-of-treatment depression symptoms (SMD -0.83, 95% CI -1.33 to -0.32, I2 = 90%; low certainty evidence; 8 trials; n = 750). Pharmacological interventions probably result in a moderate to large increase in depression remission (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.89, I2 = 0%; moderate certainty evidence; 4 trials; n = 646). We found an effect favouring pharmacological intervention versus placebo on depression response at the end of treatment, though strength of evidence was not rated (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.65 to 4.54, I2 = 62%; 5 trials; n = 891). Based on one to four trials per outcome, no beneficial effects regarding mortality and cardiac events were consistently found for pharmacological versus placebo trials, and the evidence was very uncertain for end-of-treatment effects on all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction. In the trials examining a head-to-head comparison of varying pharmacological agents, the evidence was very uncertain for end-of-treatment effects on depression symptoms. The evidence regarding the effects of different pharmacological agents on depression symptoms at end of treatment is very uncertain for: simvastatin versus atorvastatin; paroxetine versus fluoxetine; and escitalopram versus Bu Xin Qi. No trials were eligible for the comparison of a psychological intervention with a pharmacological intervention. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In individuals with CAD and depression, there is low certainty evidence that psychological intervention may result in a reduction in depression symptoms at the end of treatment. There was also low certainty evidence that pharmacological interventions may result in a large reduction of depression symptoms at the end of treatment. Moderate certainty evidence suggests that pharmacological intervention probably results in a moderate to large increase in depression remission at the end of treatment. Evidence on maintenance effects and the durability of these short-term findings is still missing. The evidence for our primary and secondary outcomes, apart from depression symptoms at end of treatment, is still sparse due to the low number of trials per outcome and the heterogeneity of examined populations and interventions. As psychological and pharmacological interventions can seemingly have a large to only a small or no effect on depression, there is a need for research focusing on extracting those approaches able to substantially improve depression in individuals with CAD and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip J Tully
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ser Yee Ang
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Emily Jl Lee
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Eileen Bendig
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Natalie Bauereiß
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bengel
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Prevention of Stress-Induced Depressive-like Behavior by Saffron Extract Is Associated with Modulation of Kynurenine Pathway and Monoamine Neurotransmission. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13122155. [PMID: 34959434 PMCID: PMC8709346 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122155] [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: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Depressive disorders are a major public health concern. Despite currently available treatment options, their prevalence steadily increases, and a high rate of therapeutic failure is often reported, together with important antidepressant-related side effects. This highlights the need to improve existing therapeutic strategies, including by using nutritional interventions. In that context, saffron recently received particular attention for its beneficial effects on mood, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This study investigated in mice the impact of a saffron extract (Safr’Inside™; 6.25 mg/kg, per os) on acute restraint stress (ARS)-induced depressive-like behavior and related neurobiological alterations, by focusing on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, inflammation-related metabolic pathways, and monoaminergic systems, all known to be altered by stress and involved in depressive disorder pathophysiology. When given before stress onset, Safr’Inside administration attenuated ARS-induced depressive-like behavior in the forced swim test. Importantly, it concomitantly reversed several stress-induced monoamine dysregulations and modulated the expression of key enzymes of the kynurenine pathway, likely reducing kynurenine-related neurotoxicity. These results show that saffron pretreatment prevents the development of stress-induced depressive symptoms and improves our understanding about the underlying mechanisms, which is a central issue to validate the therapeutic relevance of nutritional interventions with saffron in depressed patients.
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Xing B, Li S, Yang J, Lin D, Feng Y, Lu J, Shao Q. Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and potential clinical applications of saffron: A review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 281:114555. [PMID: 34438035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Saffron, the dried red stigma of the perennial herb Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), is one of the most important and expensive spices in the world. It is used as a traditional Chinese medicine with demonstrated effects in promoting blood circulation and suppressing blood stasis, cooling blood detoxification, and relieving depression. It is mainly used for the treatment of depression, irregular menstruation, postpartum thrombosis, and bruises. AIM OF THE STUDY This review aims to provide a systematic and up-to-date overview of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical applications of saffron. We hope it could provide useful references and guidance for the future directions of research on saffron. MATERIALS AND METHODS The online database, such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, SpringerLink, Wiley Online Library, SciFinder and Chemical book, and CNKI were used to collect relevant literature. And the classic books about Chinese herbal medicine were also being referenced. RESULTS More than 150 chemical compounds, including carotenoids, flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides, monoterpenes and monoterpenoid derivatives, monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, amino acids, alkaloids and others, were revealed. The pharmacological activities study of saffron were focused on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antidepressant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, memory-enhancing, and so on. Currently, saffron is mainly used for the treatment of diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, depression, anxiety disorders, cardiovascular diseases, learning and memory disorders, cancer, and other conditions. CONCLUSIONS Phytochemical and pharmacological analyses of saffron have been revealed in recent studies. However, clinical studies have focused mainly on AD, depression and anxiety disorders. Therefore, a large number of clinical trials are needed to study the efficacy of saffron and its major chemical components against other diseases including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cancer. Further studies of the mechanism of action and toxicological properties of saffron are also required, especially research to establish an effective dose of saffron and its long-term toxicity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingcong Xing
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Shuailing Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Jiaxin Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Ding Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Yue Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Jiangjie Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, China
| | - Qingsong Shao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China.
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Yasrebi SO, Momtazmanesh S, Moghaddam HS, Shahmansouri N, Mehrpooya M, Arbabi M, Ghazizadeh-Hashemi F, Akhondzadeh S. Pentoxifylline for treatment of major depression after percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Psychosom Res 2021; 150:110635. [PMID: 34627009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Near one-fifth of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) develop major depressive disorder (MDD), an independent risk factor of mortality in these patients. We investigated the efficacy of oral pentoxifylline in treating MDD in CAD patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in a 6-week trial. METHODS We only included patients with mild to moderate MDD (having a score between 14 and 17 on the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D)). Sixty-four CAD patients undergoing PCI or CABG aged 40-60 years were randomly assigned to either the pentoxifylline (800 mg daily) or the placebo group. The outcome was assessed with the HAM-D at weeks 2, 4, and 6. RESULTS Patients receiving pentoxifylline had greater improvement in HAM-D scores from baseline at each follow-up than patients receiving placebo (p-value = 0.036 at week 2, p-value < 0.001 at week 4, and p-value < 0.001 at week 6). We found a significant effect for treatment, time, and time×treatment interaction in depression improvement (p-value < 0.001). Rate of remission, treatment response, and adverse effects did not differ between the two groups. DISCUSSION Our study supports the safety and efficacy of pentoxifylline in treatment of MDD in CAD patients. However, further investigations are required to confirm the generalizability of our results since the results need to be interpreted cautiously because of the imitated range of disease severity for inclusion. This trial was registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir; No. IRCT20090117001556N132).
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyyede-Ozra Yasrebi
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Momtazmanesh
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Nazila Shahmansouri
- Psychosomatics Ward, Imam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Mehrpooya
- Cardiology Ward, Imam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Arbabi
- Psychosomatics Ward, Imam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shahin Akhondzadeh
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Balarastaghi S, Yazdian-Robati R, Vahdati Hasani F, Hosseinzadeh H, Abnous K, Imenshahidi M, Mohammadzadeh L, Birner-Gruenberger R, Razavi BM. Protective Effect of Crocin on Malathion-induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats: A Biochemical, Histopathological and Proteomics Study. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2021; 20:156-172. [PMID: 34567153 PMCID: PMC8457713 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2020.111836.13385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the protective effect of crocin on malathion (MTN) induced cardiotoxicity in rats in subacute exposure was evaluated. Rats were divided into 6 groups; control (normal saline); MTN (100 mg/kg); MTN + crocin (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) and MTN + vitamin E 200 IU/kg. Treatments were continued for two weeks. Creatine phosphokinase MB (CK-MB), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated in heart tissue at the end of treatments. The effect of crocin and MTN on histopathological changes in rat cardiac tissue was also investigated. The alteration of protein profile in the heart of the animals exposed to MTN was evaluated by proteomic approach through two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) software. MTN induced histopathological damages and elevated the level of cardiac marker CK-MB (P < 0.01). The level of MDA increased and the level of GSH reduced (P < 0.001). MDA levels were reduced in all crocin plus MTN groups (P < 0.001) and vitamin E plus MTN (P < 0.001) groups as compared to MTN groups. However, in the crocin (10 mg/kg) + MTN group, the content of GSH compared to MTN treated rats increased (P < 0.001). Protein abundance analysis identified proteins implicated in cardiac necrosis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, cellular energy homeostasis, arrhythmias, heart development, heart failure and cardiovascular homeostasis to be affected by MTN. In summary, MTN may induce damage in the heart tissue of rats following subacute exposure and crocin, as an antioxidant, showed protective effects against MTN cardiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudabeh Balarastaghi
- Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Rezvan Yazdian-Robati
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Faezeh Vahdati Hasani
- Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, 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.,Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khalil Abnous
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Imenshahidi
- Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Leila Mohammadzadeh
- Food and Drug Control Laboratory, Food and Drug Vice Presidency, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ruth Birner-Gruenberger
- Institute of Pathology, Research Unit Functional Proteomics and Metabolic Pathways, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Bibi Marjan Razavi
- Targeted Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Soheilipur K, Khazdair MR, Moezi SA, Mahmoudirad G. Comparing the effects of saffron, lippia, and saffron-lippia combination on anxiety among candidates for coronary angiography. AVICENNA JOURNAL OF PHYTOMEDICINE 2021; 11:515-526. [PMID: 34745923 PMCID: PMC8554287 DOI: 10.22038/ajp.2021.18077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Coronary artery disease (CAD) is among the most prevalent diseases in the world, and its severity is usually assessed through coronary angiography (CA). Anxiety is the most prevalent problem before angiography. The aim of this study was to evaluate Crocus sativus (saffron) and Lippia citriodora Kunth (lippia) extracts and saffron-lippia extract combination on anxiety among the candidates for CA. MATERIALS AND METHODS This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in four month was conducted on 120 angiography candidates in Valiasr hospital, Birjand, Iran. The random allocation was doing through block randomization to saffron, lippia, saffron-lippia, and placebo groups; four hours before angiography, participants in these groups respectively received a single dose of saffron extract capsule (40 mg), lippia extract capsule (40 mg), saffron-lippia extract capsule (20 mg saffron and 20 mg lippia), and lactulose capsule (40 mg). Participants' anxiety was assessed before, thirty minutes after, and three hours after the intervention via Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS The mean scores of state, trait, and total anxiety in the saffron group reduced significantly (p<0.05), while the mean scores in the other groups did not change significantly, except for the mean score of trait anxiety in the saffron-lippia group which decreased significantly (p=0.05). Therefore, after the intervention, the mean scores of state, trait, and total anxiety in the saffron group were significantly lower than the other groups (all, p<0.05). CONCLUSION This study suggests that the oral use of a single-dose of 40 mg saffron extract is effective in alleviating anxiety among the candidates for CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kobra Soheilipur
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Khazdair
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Seyyed Ali Moezi
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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24
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Ghazizadeh-Hashemi F, Bagheri S, Ashraf-Ganjouei A, Moradi K, Shahmansouri N, Mehrpooya M, Noorbala AA, Akhondzadeh S. Efficacy and safety of sulforaphane for treatment of mild to moderate depression in patients with history of cardiac interventions: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2021; 75:250-255. [PMID: 34033171 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM Depression has been recognized as one of the disorders associated with cardiac interventions such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of sulforaphane in treatment of depression induced by cardiac interventions. METHODS After initial screening, 66 patients with previous history of at least one cardiac intervention and current mild to moderate depression were randomly assigned to two parallel groups receiving either sulforaphane (n = 33) or placebo (n = 33) for six successive weeks. Efficacy was assessed using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) at baseline and week 2, 4, and 6. Safety of the treatments was checked during the trial period. RESULTS Sixty participants completed the clinical trial (n = 30 in each group). Baseline demographic and clinical parameters were all similar among groups. Repeated measures analysis indicated that the sulforaphane group exhibited greater improvement in HAM-D scores throughout the trial (P < 0.001). Response to treatment (≥50% reduction in the HAM-D score) rate was higher in the sulforaphane group at trial endpoint (30% vs 6.67%, P = 0.042). Remission (HAM-D score ≤ 7) rate was also higher in the sulforaphane group; however, the difference was not significant (23.33% vs 3.33%, P = 0.052). Finally, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of frequency of side effects. CONCLUSIONS Sulforaphane could safely improve depressive symptoms induced by cardiac interventions. Further clinical trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are warranted to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sayna Bagheri
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ashraf-Ganjouei
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamyar Moradi
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazila Shahmansouri
- Psychosomatic Research Center, Imam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Mehrpooya
- Cardiovascular Ward, Imam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad-Ali Noorbala
- Psychosomatic Research Center, Imam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Akhondzadeh
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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25
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Tajaddini A, Roshanravan N, Mobasseri M, Aeinehchi A, Sefid-Mooye Azar P, Hadi A, Ostadrahimi A. Saffron improves life and sleep quality, glycaemic status, lipid profile and liver function in diabetic patients: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14334. [PMID: 33960081 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disorder that is related to hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia and liver dysfunction and has detrimental effects on a patient's mental health. Hence, the current study investigated the effects of saffron supplementation on dietary intake, anthropometric measures, mood, sleep quality and metabolic biomarkers in overweight/obese patients with T2D. METHODS In a double-blind, randomised controlled trial, 70 overweight/obese patients with T2D were randomly allocated to two groups and received 100 mg/day saffron or placebo for 8 weeks. Participants completed the Beck depression inventory-II (BDI-II), Hurlbert index of sexual desire (HISD), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Diabetes-specific Quality-of-Life Brief Clinical Inventory questionnaires (DQOL-BCI). Dietary intake, anthropometric measures, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), insulin, lipid profile and liver enzymes were determined at baseline and the end of the study. RESULTS At the end of the eighth week, saffron supplementation significantly decreased FPG, triglyceride (TG), insulin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < .001). Moreover, significant improvements in BDI-II scores and total quality of life were observed in the intervention group (P < .001). The saffron group showed more significant improvements in PSQI scores than the placebo group, such that at the post-intervention analysis, only the saffron group achieved a "good" sleep band. At this relatively high dose, saffron supplementation improved glycaemic status, lipid profile and liver enzyme measures in patients with T2D while also improving sleep and overall quality of life. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that saffron notably reduced hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia and improved liver function in patients with T2D in an 8-week randomised clinical trial. Saffron also significantly improved depression, sleep quality and overall quality of life in diabetic patients. However, further investigation is necessary to confirm whether saffron is an effective complementary therapy for T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aynaz Tajaddini
- Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Neda Roshanravan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Mobasseri
- Endocrinology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aydin Aeinehchi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Amir Hadi
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Ostadrahimi
- Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Husaini AM, Jan KN, Wani GA. Saffron: A potential drug-supplement for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (COVID) management. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07068. [PMID: 34007917 PMCID: PMC8118646 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), came as a significant health care challenge for humans in 2019-20. Based on recent laboratory and epidemiological studies, a growing list of mutations in the virus has the potential to enhance its transmission or help it evade the immune response. To further compound the problems, there are considerable challenges to the availability of effective, affordable, safe vaccines on a mass scale. These impediments have led some to explore additional options available in traditional medicines, especially immune-boosting natural products. Saffron has been used for centuries to treat fever, bronchitis, cold and other immune, respiratory disorders. Herein, we discuss the potential role of saffron during and after COVID-19 infection, focusing on immunomodulation, respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular functions. As a nutraceutical or drug supplement, it can alleviate the magnitude of COVID-19 symptoms in patients. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other medicinal properties attributed to saffron bioactive compounds can help in both pre-and post-infection management strategies. The abnormalities associated with COVID-19 survivors include anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Saffron can help manage these post-hospitalization abnormalities (sub-acute and chronic) too, owing to its anti-depressant property. It can help common people boost immunity and manage depression, stress and anxiety caused due to prolonged lockdown, isolation or quarantine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad M. Husaini
- Genome Engineering and Societal Biotechnology Lab, Division of Plant Biotechnology, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Jammu & Kashmir, 190025, India
| | - Khan Nadiya Jan
- Genome Engineering and Societal Biotechnology Lab, Division of Plant Biotechnology, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Jammu & Kashmir, 190025, India
| | - Gowher A. Wani
- Genome Engineering and Societal Biotechnology Lab, Division of Plant Biotechnology, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Jammu & Kashmir, 190025, India
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Monchaux De Oliveira C, Pourtau L, Vancassel S, Pouchieu C, Capuron L, Gaudout D, Castanon N. Saffron Extract-Induced Improvement of Depressive-Like Behavior in Mice Is Associated with Modulation of Monoaminergic Neurotransmission. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13030904. [PMID: 33799507 PMCID: PMC8001199 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Depressive disorders represent a major public health concern and display a continuously rising prevalence. Importantly, a large proportion of patients develops aversive side effects and/or does not respond properly to conventional antidepressants. These issues highlight the need to identify further therapeutic strategies, including nutritional approaches using natural plant extracts with known beneficial impacts on health. In that context, growing evidence suggests that saffron could be a particularly promising candidate. This preclinical study aimed therefore to test its antidepressant-like properties in mice and to decipher the underlying mechanisms by focusing on monoaminergic neurotransmission, due to its strong implication in mood disorders. For this purpose, the behavioral and neurobiochemical impact of a saffron extract, Safr’Inside™ (6.5 mg/kg per os) was measured in naïve mice. Saffron extract reduced depressive-like behavior in the forced swim test. This behavioral improvement was associated with neurobiological modifications, particularly changes in serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, suggesting that Safr’Inside™ may share common targets with conventional pharmacological antidepressants. This study provides useful information on the therapeutic relevance of nutritional interventions with saffron extracts to improve management of mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Monchaux De Oliveira
- INRAE, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology (NutriNeuro), UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (C.M.D.O.); (S.V.); (L.C.)
- Department of Life Science and Health, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology (NutriNeuro), Bordeaux University, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France
- Activ’Inside, 33750 Beychac-et-Caillau, France; (L.P.); (C.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Line Pourtau
- Activ’Inside, 33750 Beychac-et-Caillau, France; (L.P.); (C.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Sylvie Vancassel
- INRAE, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology (NutriNeuro), UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (C.M.D.O.); (S.V.); (L.C.)
- Department of Life Science and Health, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology (NutriNeuro), Bordeaux University, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Camille Pouchieu
- Activ’Inside, 33750 Beychac-et-Caillau, France; (L.P.); (C.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Lucile Capuron
- INRAE, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology (NutriNeuro), UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (C.M.D.O.); (S.V.); (L.C.)
- Department of Life Science and Health, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology (NutriNeuro), Bordeaux University, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - David Gaudout
- Activ’Inside, 33750 Beychac-et-Caillau, France; (L.P.); (C.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Nathalie Castanon
- INRAE, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology (NutriNeuro), UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (C.M.D.O.); (S.V.); (L.C.)
- Department of Life Science and Health, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology (NutriNeuro), Bordeaux University, UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-5-57-57-45-05
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Kiashemshaki B, Safakhah HA, Ghanbari A, Khaleghian A, Miladi-Gorji H. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) stigma reduces symptoms of morphine-induced dependence and spontaneous withdrawal in rats. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2021; 47:170-181. [PMID: 33497577 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2020.1865995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Chronic morphine induces physical and psychological dependence signs. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) stigma has been shown to have anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antinociceptive properties and to alleviate naloxone-precipitated withdrawal signs.Objectives: Therefore, this study was designed to examine the effects of saffron aqueous extract on the severity of physical-psychological dependence, voluntary morphine consumption, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) serotonin levels following locomotor sensitization in morphine-dependent rats and in rats undergoing morphine withdrawal.Materials: Adult male rats were treated with morphine (10 mg/kg, sc twice daily) for 10 days. Rats received saffron extract (60 mg/kg, ip) daily, during the induction of morphine dependence and/or withdrawal. Then, rats were tested for spontaneous withdrawal signs, anxiety using the elevated plus-maze, depression using sucrose preference test, and voluntary morphine consumption using a two-bottle choice paradigm, and then challenged with morphine (1 mg/kg, ip) to evaluate of locomotor sensitization and CSF serotonin levels.Results: The results showed saffron extract during induction of morphine dependence decreased the severity of withdrawal signs (P = .05), while it had no effect on anxiety and depression-like behaviors. Saffron extract during morphine withdrawal exhibited an increase in the percentage (or ratio) of open/total arm entries (P = .017), higher levels of sucrose preference (P = .0001), a lower morphine preference ratio (P = .02) and also, a decrease in locomotor activity (P = .004) and an increase in the CSF serotonin levels (P = .041) in rats challenged to morphine.Conclusions: Saffron extract may exert a protective effect against morphine-induced behavioral sensitization in rats, probably through increasing serotonin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benyamin Kiashemshaki
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Hossein-Ali Safakhah
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Ghanbari
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Khaleghian
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Hossein Miladi-Gorji
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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Hoobehfekr S, Moghaddam HS, Shalbafan M, Hashemi MG, Pirmoradi MM, Sakenian A, Poopak A, Kashefinejad S, Yarahmadi M, Akhondzadeh S. Efficacy and safety of tipepidine as adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2021; 75:57-62. [PMID: 33247483 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM Tipepidine, a synthetic, non-opioid expectorant, has been shown to improve depressive-like behavior in animal models of depression. In this study, we assessed the efficacy and tolerability of tipepidine combination therapy with citalopram in treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 62 patients with MDD were assigned into two parallel groups to receive citalopram (up to 40 mg/day) plus placebo or citalopram plus tipepidine (30 mg twice daily) for 6 weeks. Participants were assessed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) at baseline and Weeks 2, 4, and 6. RESULTS Fifty-six patients completed the trial. The tipepidine group showed greater improvement in HAM-D scores from baseline to all three study time points (P = 0.048 for all). The remission and response-to-treatment rates were significantly higher in the tipepidine group (53.6% and 100%) compared to the placebo group (25.0% and 75%) at the study end-point (P = 0.029 and 0.005, respectively). The remission and response times in patients in the tipepidine group were also shorter compared with the placebo group (log-rank P = 0.020 and 0.004). There was no significant difference between the two groups in baseline parameters or frequency of side-effects. CONCLUSION Tipepidine combination therapy with citalopram can effectively improve symptoms of patients with MDD in a shorter period of treatment. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up treatment are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Hoobehfekr
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammadreza Shalbafan
- Mental Health Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghazizadeh Hashemi
- Mental Health Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Pirmoradi
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sakenian
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Poopak
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shayan Kashefinejad
- Mental Health Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Yarahmadi
- Department of Health Psychology, Khorramshahr - Persian Gulf International Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorramshahr, Iran
| | - Shahin Akhondzadeh
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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30
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Trkulja V, Barić H. Current Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: An Evidence-Based Review. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1305:375-427. [PMID: 33834410 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-33-6044-0_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a wide range of different non-mainstream therapies that have been increasingly used for treatment or adjunctive treatment of various ailments with mood disorders and "depressive difficulties" being two of the commonly CAM (self-)medicated conditions. We focus specifically on clinically diagnosed (in line with the standard criteria) depressive disorders, primarily major depressive disorder (MDD), and overview evidence of efficacy/safety of a range of CAM modalities addressing exclusively randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/meta-analyses of RCTs. The list of addressed CAM interventions is not exhaustive: due to space limitation, addressed are interventions with at least a few conducted RCTs in the specific clinical conditions. We try to provide numerical and meaningful data as much as it is possible and to (a) indicate situations in which the reported data/estimates might have been "too enthusiastic" and (b) warn about heterogeneity of results that, together with other possible limitations (various biases and imprecision), results in uncertainty about the effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Trkulja
- Department of Pharmacology, Zagreb University School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Hrvoje Barić
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Wadhwa P, Kumar V, Kaur N. Clinical evidence on the effects of saffron ( crocus sativus l.) in anxiety and depression. WORLD JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/wjtcm.wjtcm_35_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Wadhwa P, Kumar V, Kaur N. Clinical evidence on the effects of saffron ( crocus sativus l.) in anxiety and depression. WORLD JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/2311-8571.321340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Cerdá-Bernad D, Valero-Cases E, Pastor JJ, Frutos MJ. Saffron bioactives crocin, crocetin and safranal: effect on oxidative stress and mechanisms of action. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 62:3232-3249. [PMID: 33356506 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1864279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is used as a spice for its organoleptic characteristics related to its coloring and flavoring properties, and it has been also used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. The main chemical components responsible for these properties are crocin, crocetin and safranal. These compounds have been shown to have a wide spectrum of biological activities, including several properties as antigenotoxic, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiatherosclerotic, antidiabetic, hypotensive, hypoglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, antidegenerative and antidepressant, among others. This review article highlights the antioxidant effects of these bioactive compounds to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the mechanisms of action involved, since there are a multitude of diseases related to oxidative stress and the generation of free radicals (FRs). Recent studies have shown that the effects of crocin, crocetin and safranal against oxidative stress include the reduction in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA] levels) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, and the increase in the levels of glutathione, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) and thiol content. Therefore, due to the great antioxidant effects of these saffron compounds, it makes saffron a potential source of bioactive extracts for the development of bioactive ingredients, which can be used to produce functional foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Cerdá-Bernad
- Research Group on Quality and Safety, Food Technology Department, Miguel Hernández University, Orihuela, Spain
| | - Estefanía Valero-Cases
- Research Group on Quality and Safety, Food Technology Department, Miguel Hernández University, Orihuela, Spain
| | | | - María José Frutos
- Research Group on Quality and Safety, Food Technology Department, Miguel Hernández University, Orihuela, Spain
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Samaei A, Moradi K, Bagheri S, Ashraf-Ganjouei A, Alikhani R, Mousavi SB, Rezaei F, Akhondzadeh S. Resveratrol Adjunct Therapy for Negative Symptoms in Patients With Stable Schizophrenia: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 23:775-782. [PMID: 33372679 PMCID: PMC7770519 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with schizophrenia can generally manifest a broad variety of primary negative symptoms. The current study aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of resveratrol add-on therapy in the treatment of negative symptoms in patients with stable schizophrenia. METHODS In a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled setting, schizophrenia patients were assigned to receive either 200 mg/d resveratrol or matched placebo in addition to a stable dose of risperidone for 8 weeks. Patients were assessed using the positive and negative syndrome scale, the extrapyramidal symptom rating scale, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale over the trial period. The primary outcome was considered as the change in positive and negative subscale score from baseline to week 8 between the treatment arms. RESULTS A total 52 patients completed the trial (26 in each arm). Baseline characteristics of both groups were statistically similar (P > .05). Despite the statistically similar behavior of positive symptoms between the groups across time (Greenhouse-Geisser corrected: F = 1.76, df = 1.88, P = .180), the resveratrol group demonstrated greater improvement in negative, general psychopathology, and total scores (Greenhouse-Geisser corrected: F = 12.25, df = 2.04, P < .001; F = 5.42, df = 1.56, P = .011; F = 7.64, df = 1.48, P = .003). HDRS scores and its changes, ESRS score, and frequency of other complications were not significantly different between resveratrol and placebo groups. CONCLUSION Adding resveratrol to risperidone can exhibit remarkable efficacy and safety in terms of management of schizophrenia-related negative symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areoo Samaei
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamyar Moradi
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sayna Bagheri
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ashraf-Ganjouei
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rosa Alikhani
- Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Farzin Rezaei
- Qods Hospital, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Shahin Akhondzadeh
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Correspondence: Shahin Akhondzadeh, PhD, Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, South Kargar Street, Tehran, Iran 13337 ()
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Zwane BN, Kamatou GP, Viljoen AM, Betti G, Schmidt M. Variation in Headspace Volatiles of Saffron Determined by GC×GC-ToF-MS. Nat Prod Commun 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x20967612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Saffron, obtained from the stigmas of Crocus sativus L (Iridaceae), is the most expensive spice traded worldwide. In addition to its culinary uses, various medicinal properties have been confirmed for saffron, which has recently captured the interest of the phytotherapy industry. The quality of saffron is determined by the presence of 3 compounds, namely, crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal, with the latter being responsible for the distinct aroma characteristic of saffron. To determine the volatiles and assess possible geographical variation, headspace analysis using 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional gas chromatography (GC) on 26 samples collected from 9 countries was undertaken. The major constituents identified include safranal, 4-ketoisophorone, acetic acid, 2(5H)-furanone, and 1,4-cyclohexanedione-2,2,6-trimethyl. Quantitative rather than a qualitative variation was noted in the samples from different origins. The levels of safranal ranged from 22.1% to 62.4%. This study represents the first report on the headspace volatiles of saffron using GC×GC-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry and clearly demonstrates the superior chromatographic potential of 2-dimensional GC compared with conventional 1-dimensional GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busisiwe N. Zwane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Guy P. Kamatou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Alvaro M. Viljoen
- SAMRC Herbal Drugs Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Georges Betti
- Medicinal & Aromatic Plants R&D, Les Algorithmes, Aristote A, Route des Lucioles, Sophia Antipolis, France
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Bian Y, Zhao C, Lee SMY. Neuroprotective Potency of Saffron Against Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Other Brain Disorders: From Bench to Bedside. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:579052. [PMID: 33117172 PMCID: PMC7573929 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.579052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing morbidity rates of brain disorders and conditions such as anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease have become a severe problem in recent years. Although researchers have spent considerable time studying these diseases and reported many positive outcomes, there still are limited drugs available for their treatment. As a common traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), saffron was employed to treat depression and some other inflammatory diseases in ancient China due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant properties. In modern times, saffron and its constituents have been utilized, alone and in TCM formulas, to treat neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we mainly focus on recent clinical and preclinical trials of brain disorders in which saffron was applied, and summarize the neuroprotective properties of saffron and its constituents from chemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacological perspectives. We discuss the properties of saffron and its constituents, as well as their applications for treating brain disorders; we hope that this review will serve as a comprehensive reference for studies aimed at developing therapeutic drugs based on saffron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Chen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Simon Ming-Yuen Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
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5-Hydroxytryptophan as adjuvant therapy in treatment of moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: a double-blind randomized trial with placebo control. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2020; 35:254-262. [PMID: 32541380 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
On the basis of numerous previous studies, the serotonergic system plays a role in the pathogenesis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and effective agents in this pathway, such as 5-hydroxytryptophan, can potentially contribute to treatment of patients with this disorder. Evaluating the efficacy of 5-hydroxytryptophan in treating OCD was the aim of the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-week trial. In a 12-week, randomized double-blind study, 60 patients with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition diagnosis of moderate to severe OCD and a Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score of >21 were randomly assigned to receive either fluoxetine plus placebo or fluoxetine plus 5-hydroxytryptophan (100 mg twice daily). All patients, regardless of their treatment group, received fluoxetine at 20 mg/day for the initial 4 weeks of the study followed by 60 mg/day of fluoxetine for the rest of the trial course. Symptoms were assessed using the Y-BOCS at baseline and weeks 4, 8 and 12. General linear model repeated measure showed significant effects for time × treatment interaction on total Y-BOCS (F = 12.07, df = 2.29, P-value <0.001), obsession (F = 8.25, df = 1.91, P-value = 0.001) and compulsion subscale scores (F = 6.64, df = 2.01, P-value = 0.002). 5-Hydroxytryptophan augmentation therapy demonstrated higher partial and complete treatment response rate (P = 0.032 and P = 0.001, respectively) according to the Y-BOCS total scores. The results of this study confirm that 5-hydroxytryptophan may be effective as an augmentative agent in treatment of moderate-to-severe OCD.
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Fisk J, Khalid S, Reynolds SA, Williams CM. Effect of 4 weeks daily wild blueberry supplementation on symptoms of depression in adolescents. Br J Nutr 2020; 124:181-188. [PMID: 32151287 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114520000926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is an important period for cognitive maturation and emotional regulation, and this age group is particularly vulnerable to developing depression. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables have been associated with decreased risk of developing depressive disorders across the lifespan, maybe due to the high flavonoid content of these foods. Previously, we have shown increases in transient positive affect (PA) in both children and young adults 2 h after administration of a wild blueberry (WBB) intervention. Here, using a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we investigated the effects of 4 weeks, daily WBB supplementation (containing about 253 mg anthocyanins) on transient and chronic mood in adolescents. Healthy 12-17-year old (n 64, thirty-five females) participants were randomly assigned to receive either a WBB or matched placebo supplementation. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed before and after the intervention period using the Mood and Feeling Questionnaire and Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale. Transient affect was assessed before, 2 weeks and at 4 weeks using PA and negative affect. Following the intervention period, there were significantly fewer self-reported depression symptoms in participants who were supplemented with WBB compared with placebo (P = 0·02, 95 % CI -6·71, -5·35). There was no between-group effect on anxiety symptoms or on transient affect. Further investigation is required to identify specific mechanisms that link flavonoids consumption and mood. If replicated, the observed effects of WBB supplementation may be a potential prevention strategy for adolescent depression and may have benefits for public mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeni Fisk
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, BerkshireRG6 6BZ, UK
| | - Sundus Khalid
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, BerkshireRG6 6BZ, UK
| | - Shirley A Reynolds
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, BerkshireRG6 6BZ, UK
| | - Claire M Williams
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, BerkshireRG6 6BZ, UK
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Orio L, Alen F, Ballesta A, Martin R, Gomez de Heras R. Antianhedonic and Antidepressant Effects of Affron ®, a Standardized Saffron ( Crocus Sativus L.) Extract. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25143207. [PMID: 32679643 PMCID: PMC7397008 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25143207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety and depression have high prevalence in the general population, affecting millions of people worldwide, but there is still a need for effective and safe treatments. Nutritional supplements have recently received a lot of attention, particularly saffron. Thus, several pre-clinical studies support a beneficial role for bioactive compounds, such as saffron, in anxiety and depression. Here we used an animal model of depression based on social isolation to assess the effects of affron®, a standardized saffron extract containing ≥3.5% of total bioactive compounds safranal and crocin isomers. Affron® was administered both through the oral and the intraperitoneal routes, and several tasks related to anxiety and depression, such as the elevated plus maze, the forced swimming test or the sucrose preference test, were assessed. These tasks model key features of depressive states and anxious states relating to fear, behavioral despair or anhedonia, the lack of motivation and/or pleasure from everyday activities, respectively. Animals receiving oral affron® displayed behaviors congruent with improvements in their anxious/depressive state, showing the enhanced consumption of a sweet solution, as well as an increase in certain escape responses in the forced swimming test. Our data support a beneficial role for oral saffron in anxious/depressive states.
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Momtazmanesh S, Amirimoghaddam-Yazdi Z, Moghaddam HS, Mohammadi MR, Akhondzadeh S. Sulforaphane as an adjunctive treatment for irritability in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2020; 74:398-405. [PMID: 32347624 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM Irritability related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) complicates the management of ASD patients at home and in clinical settings. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, we aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of adjuvant treatment with risperidone and sulforaphane in alleviating the irritability of children with ASD. METHODS Sixty drug-free patients aged 4-12 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving risperidone plus sulforaphane or placebo. Risperidone was started with a daily dose of 0.25 mg in patients weighing <20 kg and 0.5 mg in those weighing ≥20 kg and increased stepwise to reach a maximum of 1 mg (<20 kg), 2.5 mg (20-45 kg), and 3.5 mg (>45 kg). Sulforaphane was administered at a daily dose of 50 μmol (≤45 kg) or 100 μmol (>45 kg). The participants were assessed with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist - Community Edition at baseline and at Weeks 5 and 10. RESULTS Compared to the placebo group, ASD patients in the sulforaphane group showed greater improvements in Irritability score (primary outcome measure; P = 0.001) and Hyperactivity/Noncompliance score (secondary outcome measure; P = 0.015), and significant Time × Treatment effect for Irritability (P = 0.007) and Hyperactivity/Noncompliance (P = 0.008). However, no difference was seen in improvements in the other secondary measures: Lethargy/Social Interaction score, Stereotypic Behavior score, Inappropriate Speech score, and frequency of adverse events. CONCLUSION Our results support the safety and efficacy of sulforaphane as an adjuvant to risperidone for improvement of irritability and hyperactivity symptoms in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Momtazmanesh
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Mohammad Reza Mohammadi
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Akhondzadeh
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Borhannejad F, Shariati B, Naderi S, Shalbafan M, Mortezaei A, Sahebolzamani E, Saeb A, Hosein Mortazavi S, Kamalzadeh L, Aqamolaei A, Ali Noorbala A, Namazi‐Shabestari A, Akhondzadeh S. Comparison of vortioxetine and sertraline for treatment of major depressive disorder in elderly patients: A double‐blind randomized trial. J Clin Pharm Ther 2020; 45:804-811. [DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.13177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Firouzeh Borhannejad
- Psychiatric Research Center Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Behnam Shariati
- Mental Health Research Center Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Sina Naderi
- Psychiatric Research Center Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | | | - Amirhosein Mortezaei
- Psychiatric Research Center Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Erfan Sahebolzamani
- Psychiatric Research Center Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Atefe Saeb
- Mental Health Research Center Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Seyyed Hosein Mortazavi
- Psychiatric Research Center Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Leila Kamalzadeh
- Mental Health Research Center Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Ali Aqamolaei
- Psychiatric Research Center Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Ahmad Ali Noorbala
- Psychosomatic Research Center Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | | | - Shahin Akhondzadeh
- Psychiatric Research Center Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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L-Carnosine combination therapy for major depressive disorder: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Affect Disord 2020; 267:131-136. [PMID: 32063564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence for antidepressant effects of L-Carnosine was shown in some experimental studies. In this study we tried to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of L-Carnosine combination therapy in treatment of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS Fifty-eight patients with MDD (DSM-V) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) score ≥ 19 were randomized to receive either 400 mg twice daily L-Carnosine or placebo in addition to citalopram (maximum dosage of 40 mg/day) for six weeks in a randomized double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. Patients were assessed using the HAM-D scale at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 6. RESULTS Fifty-two patients completed the trial. General linear model repeated measure showed significant difference for time × treatment on HAM-D score [F = 3.17, df = 2.39, p-value = 0.03]. Significantly greater improvement was detected in HAM-D score of the L-Carnosine group compared with the placebo group from baseline to weeks 2, 4 and 6 [Ps = 0.013, 0.028 and 0.023; respectively]. Patients in the L-Carnosine group experienced significantly greater response and remission rate than the placebo group [Ps = 0.023 and 0.012; respectively]. There was no significant difference between the two groups in baseline parameters and frequency of side effects. LIMITATIONS Short follow-up period and small population size were two important limitations of this study. CONCLUSIONS L-Carnosine combination therapy with citalopram can effectively improve symptoms of patients with major depressive disorder. Rapid-onset antidepressant effects of L-Carnosine were also shown which need further investigation.
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Safety and Efficacy of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for Treating Mild to Moderate Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Nerv Ment Dis 2020; 208:269-276. [PMID: 32221179 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Herbal remedies are becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of depression. Recently, accumulating evidences reveal a positive effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in relieving depressive symptoms. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the safety and efficacy of saffron in treating mild to moderate depression by synthesizing all available data. MATERIALS AND METHODS Relevant studies were retrieved from electronic databases and cross-checking of reference lists. Eligible trials were carefully reviewed, and necessary data were extracted. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression or Beck Depression Inventory scores, response rate, remission rate, and adverse effects were compared between saffron and placebo or saffron and antidepressants to assess the efficacy of saffron for depression. RESULTS Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. Overall results showed that saffron possessed better efficacy in the improvement of depressive symptoms when compared with placebo, whereas saffron was as effective as synthetic antidepressants. No significant difference was detected in the incidence of adverse effects between saffron and placebo or between saffron and antidepressants. CONCLUSIONS Saffron could be considered as an alternative to synthetic antidepressants in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. However, multicenter trials with larger sample size, longer treatment duration, and different ethnic groups are required to verify our results.
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Ghaderi A, Asbaghi O, Reiner Ž, Kolahdooz F, Amirani E, Mirzaei H, Banafshe HR, Maleki Dana P, Asemi Z. The effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on mental health parameters and C-reactive protein: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Med 2020; 48:102250. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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Tadyon Najafabadi B, Ghamari K, Kermany Ranjabari T, Noorbala AA, Ebrahimi Daryani N, Vanaki E, Akhondzadeh S. Therapeutic effects of saffron (Crocus sativus) versus fluoxetine on Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A double-blind randomized clinical trial. ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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46
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Abedimanesh S, Bathaie SZ, Ostadrahimi A, Asghari Jafarabadi M, Taban Sadeghi M. The effect of crocetin supplementation on markers of atherogenic risk in patients with coronary artery disease: a pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Food Funct 2019; 10:7461-7475. [PMID: 31667483 DOI: 10.1039/c9fo01166h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Molecular mechanisms of atherogenesis are considered to be emerging therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis prevention. Cell and animal studies have shown that crocetin can decelerate atherogenesis. However, the anti-atherogenic properties of crocetin in humans are still ambiguous. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifty clinically diagnosed CAD patients were randomly divided into two parallel groups, crocetin and placebo, who received one capsule of crocetin (10 mg) and placebo per day, respectively, for two months. Serum circulating homocysteine (Hcy) [-1.09 (-1.64 to -0.54) μM, P = 0.001], heart-type fatty acid binding protein (h-FABP) [-2.07 (-2.72 to -1.43) ng mL-1, P = 0.001], intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [-14.92 (-21.92 to -7.92) ng mL-1, P = 0.001], vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 [-18.61 (-29.73 to -7.49) ng mL-1, P = 0.002], and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 [-4.67 (-6.50 to -2.83) pg mL-1, P = 0.001] decreased significantly after the trial in the crocetin group, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) significantly increased [+4.21 (0.68 to 7.73) mg mL-1, P = 0.021]. Also, systolic [-0.21 (-0.32 to -0.10) mmHg, P = 0.001] and diastolic [-0.20 (-0.34 to -0.07) mmHg, P = 0.004] blood pressures decreased significantly in the crocetin group. Nevertheless, clinically significant percentage changes were only observed in Hcy (-15.25 ± 3.15, μM), HDL (-10.70 ± 5.06, mg dL-1), and h-FABP (-21.10 ± 3.09, ng mL-1) in the crocetin group. Furthermore, the relative increase in the gene expressions of sirtuin1 and AMP-activated protein kinase and a decrease in the lectin-type oxidized LDL receptor 1 and nuclear factor-kappa B expression in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the crocetin group were significant at the end of the trial in comparison with the placebo. CONCLUSION As the first human study, we showed the ability of crocetin to alter the expression of atherogenic genes and endothelial cell adhesion molecules in CAD patients. It appears that crocetin could be considered as a promising anti-atherogenic candidate for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Abedimanesh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - S Zahra Bathaie
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Alireza Ostadrahimi
- Nutritional Research Center, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi
- Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Akhondzadeh S, Mostafavi S, Keshavarz SA, Mohammadi MR, Hosseini S, Eshraghian MR. A placebo controlled randomized clinical trial of
Crocus sativus L.
(saffron) on depression and food craving among overweight women with mild to moderate depression. J Clin Pharm Ther 2019; 45:134-143. [DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.13040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Akhondzadeh
- Psychiatry & Psychology Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Seyed‐Ali Mostafavi
- Psychiatry & Psychology Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Keshavarz
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Mohammadi
- Psychiatry & Psychology Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Saeed Hosseini
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Eshraghian
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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Hatziagapiou K, Kakouri E, Lambrou GI, Bethanis K, Tarantilis PA. Antioxidant Properties of Crocus Sativus L. and Its Constituents and Relevance to Neurodegenerative Diseases; Focus on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:377-402. [PMID: 29564976 PMCID: PMC6482475 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x16666180321095705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, which are collectively called reactive oxygen-nitrogen species, are the inevitable by-products of cellular metabolic redox reactions, such as oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, phagocytosis, reactions of biotransformation of exogenous and endogenous substrata in endoplasmic reticulum, eicosanoid synthesis, and redox reactions in the presence of metal with variable valence. Among medicinal plants, there is growing interest in Crocus Sativus L. It is a perennial, stemless herb, belonging to Iridaceae family, cultivated in various countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain, Israel, Morocco, Turkey, Iran, India, China, Egypt and Mexico. OBJECTIVE The present study aims to address the protective role of Crocus Sativus L. in neurodegeneration with an emphasis in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS An electronic literature search was conducted by two of the authors from 1993 to August 2017. Original articles and systematic reviews (with or without meta-analysis), as well as case reports were selected. Titles and abstracts of papers were screened by a third reviewer to determine whether they met the eligibility criteria, and full texts of the selected articles were retrieved. RESULTS Hence, the authors focused on the literature concerning the role of Crocus Sativus L. on its anti-oxidant and neuroprotective properties. CONCLUSION Literature findings represented in current review herald promising results for using Crocus Sativus L. and/or its active constituents as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Hatziagapiou
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Choremeio Research Laboratory, Hematology/Oncology Unit, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Kakouri
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, School of Food Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George I Lambrou
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Choremeio Research Laboratory, Hematology/Oncology Unit, Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas Bethanis
- Physics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Food Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece
| | - Petros A Tarantilis
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, School of Food Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Moratalla-López N, Bagur MJ, Lorenzo C, Salinas MEMNR, Alonso GL. Bioactivity and Bioavailability of the Major Metabolites of Crocus sativus L. Flower. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24152827. [PMID: 31382514 PMCID: PMC6696252 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24152827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Crocus sativus L. has been cultivated throughout history to obtain its flowers, whose dried stigmas give rise to the spice known as saffron. Crocetin esters, picrocrocin, and safranal are the main metabolites of this spice, which possess a great bioactivity, although the mechanisms of action and its bioavailability are still to be solved. The rest of the flower is composed by style, tepals, and stamens that have other compounds, such as kaempferol and delphinidin, which have an important antioxidant capacity, and these can be applied in foods, phytopharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The aim of this work was to provide an updated and critical review of the research on the main compounds of Crocus sativus L. flower, including the adequate analytical methods for their identification and quantification, with a focus on their bioactivity and bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Moratalla-López
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, ETSI Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - María José Bagur
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, ETSI Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Cándida Lorenzo
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, ETSI Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | | | - Gonzalo L Alonso
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, ETSI Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain.
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50
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Marx W, Lane M, Rocks T, Ruusunen A, Loughman A, Lopresti A, Marshall S, Berk M, Jacka F, Dean OM. Effect of saffron supplementation on symptoms of depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev 2019; 77:557-571. [PMID: 31135916 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuz023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has gained interest as a potential treatment in psychiatry. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to investigate the effect of saffron supplementation, as both an adjunctive therapy and monotherapy, on symptoms of depression and anxiety in clinical and general populations compared with pharmacotherapy or placebo. DATA SOURCES Using the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials was conducted. DATA EXTRACTION A meta-analysis was conducted to determine treatment effect. Risk of bias was assessed using the Jadad scale. RESULTS Twenty-three studies were included. Saffron had a large positive effect size when compared with placebo for depressive symptoms (g = 0.99, P < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (g = 0.95, P < 0.006). Saffron also had a large positive effect size when used as an adjunct to antidepressants for depressive symptoms (g = 1.23, P = 0.028). Egger's regression test found evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS Saffron could be an effective intervention for symptoms of depression and anxiety; however, due to evidence of publication bias and lack of regional diversity, further trials are required. PROSPERO registration CRD42017070060.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Marx
- Food & Mood Centre, IMPACT SRC, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Melissa Lane
- Food & Mood Centre, IMPACT SRC, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Tetyana Rocks
- Food & Mood Centre, IMPACT SRC, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Anu Ruusunen
- Food & Mood Centre, IMPACT SRC, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland, and the Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Amy Loughman
- Food & Mood Centre, IMPACT SRC, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Adrian Lopresti
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Skye Marshall
- Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT SRC, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, and Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health and the Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Felice Jacka
- Food & Mood Centre, IMPACT SRC, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia, and the Black Dog Institute, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Olivia M Dean
- IMPACT SRC, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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