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Yan X, Zhao S, Feng X, Li X, Zhou Q, Chen Q. Effects of Crocus sativus on glycemic control and cardiometabolic parameters among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2024; 21:28. [PMID: 38796446 PMCID: PMC11127410 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-024-00806-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of clinical syndromes that is closely associated with an elevated risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In a series of animal experiments and clinical trials, crocus sativus and its component crocin have demonstrated promising hypoglycemic effects. However, there is currently insufficient evidence regarding their impact on cardiometabolic parameters. Our study aimed to assess the impact of Crocus sativus and crocin on glycemic control in individuals with metabolic syndrome and associated disorders, as well as their potential effects on improving cardiometabolic parameters. We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to ascertain the pertinent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) until December 30, 2023. Q-test and I2 statistics were utilized to evaluate heterogeneity among the included studies. Data were merged using a random-effects model and presented as (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The current comprehensive review and meta-analysis, encompassing 13 RCTs involving a total of 840 patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and associated disorders, demonstrates that Crocus sativus was superior to placebo on Hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) (WMD: -0.31;95% CI [-0.44,-0.19]. P = 0.002) and systolic blood pressure(SBP) (WMD:-7.49;95% CI [-11.67,-3.30]. P = 0.99) respectively. Moreover, Crocus sativus improved fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD:-7.25;95% CI [-11.82, -2.57]. P = 0.002) when used crocin and on other chronic diseases. Crocus sativus reduced the total cholesterol (TC) among the metabolic syndromepatients (WMD:-13.64;95%CI [-26.26, -1.03]. P = 0.03). We demonstrated that Crocus sativus exerts beneficial effects on glycemic control and cardiometabolic parameters in individuals with metabolic syndrome and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Yan
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Shuyuan Zhao
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Xue Feng
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Xinrui Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Qiu Chen
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China.
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2
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Baksh J, Lee D, Mori K, Zhang Y, Torii H, Jeong H, Hou J, Negishi K, Tsubota K, Kurihara T. Myopia Is an Ischemic Eye Condition: A Review from the Perspective of Choroidal Blood Flow. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2777. [PMID: 38792319 PMCID: PMC11122110 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Myopia is a common refractive error that affects a large proportion of the population. Recent studies have revealed that alterations in choroidal thickness (ChT) and choroidal blood flow (ChBF) play important roles in the progression of myopia. Reduced ChBF could affect scleral cellular matrix remodeling, which leads to axial elongation and further myopia progression. As ChT and ChBF could be used as potential biomarkers for the progression of myopia, several recent myopia treatments have targeted alterations in ChT and ChBF. Our review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent literature review on the relationship between ChBF and myopia. We also highlight the importance of ChT and ChBF in the progression of myopia and the potential of ChT as an important biomarker for myopia progression. This summary has significant implications for the development of novel strategies for preventing and treating myopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaul Baksh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Deokho Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kiwako Mori
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hidemasa Torii
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Heonuk Jeong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Jing Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kazuno Negishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kazuo Tsubota
- Tsubota Laboratory, Inc., 34 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0016, Japan
| | - Toshihide Kurihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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Han S, Cao Y, Wu X, Xu J, Nie Z, Qiu Y. New horizons for the study of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its active ingredients in the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders: A systematic review of clinical evidence and mechanisms. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2276-2302. [PMID: 38424688 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus), as an herbal medicine, has been extensively investigated for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. This systematic review aimed to assess the overall effects of saffron on cognition, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by searching PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials databases up to June 2023 according to search terms and inclusion criteria. The participants were either healthy or suffering from some diseases, including neurological and psychiatric disorders, and consumed saffron or its extracts as an intervention. The risk of bias was assessed according to the Cochrane guidelines, and the PRISMA statement was followed. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan and STATA software. A random-effects or fixed-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect sizes. Forty-six RCTs were enrolled, and the duration of these trials ranged from 4 to 48 weeks with saffron or its extracts, both alone or in combination with conventional drugs. Saffron was more effective than placebo in improving cognition, depression with an overall effect size of -4.26 (95% CI: -5.76, -2.77), anxiety of -3.75 (95% CI: -5.83, -1.67), and sleep disorders of -1.91 (95% CI: -2.88, -0.93). Saffron was non-inferior to conventional drugs for treating cognitive disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, and it exhibited good tolerance with few side effects. Saffron may exert protective roles for neurological and psychiatric disorders and represents a relatively favorable and safe treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufen Han
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifei Cao
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingrong Wu
- Male Department of General Psychiatry, Shanxi Provincial Mental Health Center and Taiyuan Psychiatric Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaoyang Xu
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zizheng Nie
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Qiu
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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Goyal A, Raza FA, Sulaiman SA, Shahzad A, Aaqil SI, Iqbal M, Javed B, Pokhrel P. Saffron extract as an emerging novel therapeutic option in reproduction and sexual health: recent advances and future prospectives. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:2856-2865. [PMID: 38694315 PMCID: PMC11060205 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000002013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Saffron, derived from Crocus sativus, is gaining research attention for potential therapeutic applications. Its diverse clinical applications extend to cardiovascular health, diabetes management, sleep quality, psychiatric illnesses, and rheumatoid arthritis. Saffron's positive effects on blood pressure, glucose levels, cognitive function, and inflammatory markers contribute to its versatility. Additionally, carotenoids like crocin and crocetin suggest anti-cancer potential. In terms of reproductive health, saffron's impact on male reproductive health shows conflicting findings on semen parameters. However, in female reproductive health, saffron appears promising for managing dysmenorrhoea, reducing menstrual pain, regulating hormonal fluctuations, and improving overall menstrual health. Safety considerations highlight the importance of adhering to specified dosages, as excessive intake may lead to toxicity. Yet, within the therapeutic range, saffron is considered safe, relieving symptoms without serious side effects, according to clinical research. Future trials in 2023 will explore saffron's potential in cancer therapy, diabetes management, mental health, stress response, cardiovascular health, postmenopausal women's well-being, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This ongoing research underscores saffron's adaptability and promise as a natural treatment across various medical applications, emphasizing its efficacy. The current review, therefore, aims to provide up-to-date insights on saffron's role particularly in the realm of reproductive health, contributing to a growing body of evidence supporting its diverse therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Goyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai
| | - Fatima Ali Raza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Karachi Medical and Dental College
| | - Samia Aziz Sulaiman
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Abeer Shahzad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow Medical College
| | - Syeda Ilsa Aaqil
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mahrukh Iqbal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Karachi Medical and Dental College
| | - Binish Javed
- Department of Internal Medicine, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences & Dr. Ram Manohar LohiaHospital, New Delhi,India
| | - Prakriti Pokhrel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Sinamangal, Kathmandu Nepal
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Broadhead GK, Grigg J, McCluskey PJ, Hong T, Schlub TE, Chu E, Chang AA. Saffron therapy for the ongoing treatment of age-related macular degeneration. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2024; 9:e001399. [PMID: 38485112 PMCID: PMC10941132 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2023-001399] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of oral saffron, a natural antioxidant, in treating mild/moderate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS AND ANALYSIS Open-label, extension trial of 93 adults (>50 years) with mild/moderate AMD and vision >20/70 Snellen equivalent in at least 1 eye. Exclusion criteria included confounding visual lesions or significant gastrointestinal disease impairing absorption.Participants were given oral saffron supplementation (20 mg/day) for 12 months. Those already consuming Age-Related Eye Diseases Study (AREDS) supplements or equivalent maintained these.Primary outcomes included changes in multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) response density and latency, and changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Secondary outcomes included safety outcomes, changes in mfERG and BCVA among participants on AREDS supplements and changes in microperimetry. RESULTS At 12 months, mean mfERG response density was significantly higher in rings 1, 2 and overall (p<0.001 for all) but not in rings 3-6, and there was no difference in response between those taking AREDS supplements and those not (p>0.05). Mean mfERG latency was not significantly different in any of rings 1-6 or overall (p>0.05 for all), again with no difference between those taking AREDS supplements or not (p>0.05). Mean BCVA was 1.6 letters worse (p<0.05) with no difference between those on AREDS supplements or not, and this may have been related to cataract progression. No saffron-related serious adverse events were detected. CONCLUSION Saffron supplementation modestly improved mfERG responses in participants with AMD, including those using AREDS supplements. Given the chronic nature of AMD, longer-term supplementation may produce greater benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey K Broadhead
- The University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Retina Clinic, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cureos, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Grigg
- The University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter J McCluskey
- The University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas Hong
- Sydney Retina Clinic, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cureos, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Timothy E Schlub
- The University of Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eugenia Chu
- Sydney Retina Clinic, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cureos, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew A Chang
- The University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Retina Clinic, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cureos, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Aissa R, Ibourki M, Ait Bouzid H, Bijla L, Oubannin S, Sakar EH, Jadouali S, Hermansyah A, Goh KW, Ming LC, Bouyahya A, Gharby S. Phytochemistry, quality control and medicinal uses of Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.): an updated review. J Med Life 2023; 16:822-836. [PMID: 37675158 PMCID: PMC10478662 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2022-0353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Saffron, botanically known as Crocus sativus L., is renowned as the world's most expensive spice and has been utilized in various fields since ancient times. Extensive scientific research has been conducted on Crocus sativus (C. sativus), focusing on its phytochemical composition, diverse applications, and biological activities. C. sativus phytochemicals consist mainly of three compounds, namely crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal, which are responsible for most of its properties. Saffron is rich in bioactive compounds, more than 150 of which have been isolated. Owing to its unique composition and properties, saffron is used in various fields, such as the food industry, perfumery, cosmetics, pharmaceutics, and medicine. However, the high economic value of saffron makes it susceptible to adulteration and various fraudulent practices. To deal with this issue, a number of methods and techniques have been developed to authenticate and determine adulterants in saffron. This paper presents a bibliometric study of saffron based on the Web of Science database, analyzing 3,735 studies published between 2000 and 2021. The study also examined author participation and collaboration networks among countries. Production, transformation, chemical composition, methods of adulteration detection, uses, and health properties of saffron are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabha Aissa
- Department of Bio-Industrial Engineering & Environment, Bioprocesses and Environment Team, Superior School of Technology, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Ibourki
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control Team, Laboratory of Analysis Modeling, Engineering, Natural Substances and Environment, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Hasna Ait Bouzid
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control Team, Laboratory of Analysis Modeling, Engineering, Natural Substances and Environment, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Laila Bijla
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control Team, Laboratory of Analysis Modeling, Engineering, Natural Substances and Environment, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Samira Oubannin
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control Team, Laboratory of Analysis Modeling, Engineering, Natural Substances and Environment, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco
| | - El Hassan Sakar
- Laboratory of Biology, Ecology, and Health, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Simohamed Jadouali
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Bioanalysis and Bioinformatics, Superior School of Technology, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Khenifra, Morocco
| | - Andi Hermansyah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Khang Wen Goh
- Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Long Chiau Ming
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Sunway City, Malaysia
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Abdelhakim Bouyahya
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Said Gharby
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control Team, Laboratory of Analysis Modeling, Engineering, Natural Substances and Environment, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco
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Boneva B, Marchev A, Amirova K, Ganova P, Georgiev M, Tchorbanov A, Mihaylova N. Crocus sativus Extract as a Biological Agent for Disease-Modifying Therapy of Collagenase-Induced Mouse Model of Osteoarthritis. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13040894. [PMID: 37109424 PMCID: PMC10143021 DOI: 10.3390/life13040894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related joint disease that involves the degeneration of cartilage and is the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting a large part of the population. OA is a multifactorial disorder, and no single etiological mechanism has been found to be common to all forms of the disease. Currently used therapies for control of the disease are mainly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid medications. The aim of this study was to investigate the extract from Crocus sativus as a biological disease-suppressing therapy agent. Methods: Balb/c mice were injected intra-articularly with Clostridium histolyticum type IA for induction of osteoarthritis. The mice were randomized to five groups: control group, I group (CIOA untreated), II group (CIOA + 100 mg/kg/daily saffron), III group (CIOA + 50 mg/kg/daily saffron), IV group (CIOA + 25 mg/kg/daily saffron). Flow-cytometry analysis was used to study the splenocytes’ phenotype isolated from the treated animals. The serum levels of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed with ELISA. The histological assessment was used to analyze the saffron extract effect on histopathological alterations. Results: Saffron treatment significantly decreased osteoarthritis-associated joint histological manifestations and decreased serum TNFα levels. The flow-cytometry analysis showed a decrease in pro-inflammatory immune cell subtypes in the spleen. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that saffron affected the disease progression and could be a potential therapeutic approach in osteoarthritic patients’ therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blagovesta Boneva
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Andrey Marchev
- Laboratory of Metabolomics, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 139 Ruski Blvd, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kristiana Amirova
- Laboratory of Metabolomics, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 139 Ruski Blvd, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Petya Ganova
- Laboratory of Immunohistochemistry and Immunopathology, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Milen Georgiev
- Laboratory of Metabolomics, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 139 Ruski Blvd, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Andrey Tchorbanov
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolina Mihaylova
- Laboratory of Immunohistochemistry and Immunopathology, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +359-2-979-3140; Fax: +359-2-870-0109
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Wang Y, Shen H, Pang L, Qiu B, Yuan Y, Guan X, Xiang X. Qihuang Granule protects the retinal pigment epithelium from oxidative stress via regulation of the alternative complement pathway. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:55. [PMID: 36800952 PMCID: PMC9938598 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03884-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in elderly people, and dry AMD is the most common type of AMD. Oxidative stress and alternative complement pathway activation may play essential roles in the pathogenesis of dry AMD. There are no available drugs for dry AMD. Qihuang Granule (QHG) is an herbal formula for the treatment of dry AMD, and it achieves a good clinical effect in our hospital. However, its potential mechanism is unclear. Our study investigated the effects of QHG on oxidative stress-associated retinal damage to reveal its underlying mechanism. METHODS Oxidative stress models were established using H2O2 and NaIO3 in ARPE-19 cells and C57BL/6 mice. Cell apoptosis and viability were assessed using phase contrast microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively. Alterations in the mouse retinal structure were evaluated using Masson staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of complement factor H (CFH), complement component 3a (C3a) and complement component 5a (C5a) in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and mice was measured using RT‒PCR, Western blot analysis and ELISA. RESULTS Pretreatment with QHG significantly prevented cell apoptosis and disorder of the RPE and inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) in H2O2-treated RPE cells and NaIO3-injected mice. QHG alleviated mitochondrial damage in mouse RPE cells, as shown by TEM. QHG also promoted CFH expression and inhibited the expression of C3a and C5a. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that QHG protects the retinal pigment epithelium from oxidative stress, likely by regulating the alternative complement pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Huangxuan Shen
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 54 Xianlie Road, Guangzhou, 510060 China
| | - Long Pang
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120 China
| | - Bo Qiu
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120 China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120 China
| | - Xiaoying Guan
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685The Second Clinical college of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Xiaolan Xiang
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685The Second Clinical college of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 China
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Liu J, Chang D, Cordato D, Lee K, Dixson H, Bensoussan A, Chan DKY. A pilot randomized controlled trial of WeiNaoKang (SaiLuoTong) in treating vascular dementia. Aging Med (Milton) 2022; 5:246-256. [PMID: 36606270 PMCID: PMC9805291 DOI: 10.1002/agm2.12230] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective WeiNaoKang (or SaiLuoTong) is an herbal formula consisting of ginkgo, ginseng, and saffron. Our objective was to investigate if WeiNaoKang could improve cognitive function and cerebral perfusion in patients suffering from vascular dementia. Methods A 16-week randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out in the setting of a memory disorder clinic at a single center. Patients with vascular dementia diagnosed clinically but supported by imaging and other investigations were invited to participate. The diagnoses were based on the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/Association Internationale pour la Recherche et l'Enseignement en Neurosciences (NINDS-AIREN) criteria. An independent blinded assessor evaluated the effects of the formula. Intervention group was compared to the control group. A subgroup of participants was randomly chosen for further evaluation of cerebral perfusion by single photon emission computed tomography scans post-treatment. Results Both groups were comparable in age (mean = 74 ± 7.2 years in the placebo group and 75 ± 7.4 in the intervention group) and in other demographics. Sixty-two participants were included in final analysis. Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive Portion (ADAS-cog) was the primary outcome. By week 16, the mean ADAS-cog reduced from 24.48 to 20.30 (mean reduction = 4.18) for those in the treatment group, and from 18.98 to 17.81 (mean reduction = 1.18) for those in the placebo group. The difference in mean reduction of ADAS-cog was -3.00 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -4.910 to -1.100) in favor of the treatment group. Secondary outcomes of activities of daily living and quality of life measures also showed significant difference. In the perfusion scan analysis, the difference in the change in cerebral blood flow (t-scores) pre- and post-treatment between the intervention group (n = 7) and the placebo group (n = 11) was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion In this randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial, we demonstrated significant differences in improvement in cognitive function and activities of daily living. The clinical improvement is corroborated with improvement in cerebral perfusion in a subset of participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junguang Liu
- NICM Health Research InstituteWestern Sydney UniversityWestmeadNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Dennis Chang
- NICM Health Research InstituteWestern Sydney UniversityWestmeadNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Dennis Cordato
- Department of NeurologyLiverpool HospitalLiverpoolNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Kien Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and UltrasoundBankstown‐Lidcombe HospitalBankstownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Hugh Dixson
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and UltrasoundBankstown‐Lidcombe HospitalBankstownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Alan Bensoussan
- NICM Health Research InstituteWestern Sydney UniversityWestmeadNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Daniel Kam Yin Chan
- NICM Health Research InstituteWestern Sydney UniversityWestmeadNew South WalesAustralia,University of New South WalesKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia,Department of Aged Care & RehabilitationBankstown‐Lidcombe HospitalBankstownNew South WalesAustralia
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10
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Review of Evidence for the Usage of Antioxidants for Eye Aging. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:5810373. [PMID: 36225983 PMCID: PMC9550496 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5810373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is one of the common factors leading to age-related eye diseases in older adults. Factors such as high oxygen consumption, high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and cumulative exposure to high-energy visible light in the eyes, lead to excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, hence triggering apoptosis of ocular cells and giving rise to ophthalmic diseases. Dietary supplements such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, and vitamins have antioxidant properties which may be of benefit in retaining better vision or reversing vision impairment; thus, studies have been conducted to understand the role of dietary supplements in the treatment or prevention of ophthalmic diseases. While high concentration of carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin decrease the risk of developing age-related macular disease, anthocyanins and vitamins play a role in the treatment and prevention of other ophthalmic diseases: saffron extract reduced intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients; bilberry extract prevented impairments in lenses and retina, as well as alleviate symptoms of dry eye disease; high concentration of beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing cataract. Further studies with clinical measurements are required to investigate the effectiveness of antioxidants on visual function and ophthalmic diseases.
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11
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Blasco-Fontecilla H, Moyano-Ramírez E, Méndez-González O, Rodrigo-Yanguas M, Martin-Moratinos M, Bella-Fernández M. Effectivity of Saffron Extract (Saffr’Activ) on Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Clinical Effectivity Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194046. [PMID: 36235697 PMCID: PMC9573091 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder worldwide. Choice treatment includes psychostimulants, but parents tend to be reluctant to administer them due to side effects, and alternatives are needed. Saffron extract is a natural stimulant that has been proven safe and effective for treating a variety of mental disorders. This study compares the efficacy of saffron and the usual treatment with methylphenidate, using objective and pen-and-paper tests. We performed a non-randomized clinical trial with two groups, methylphenidate (n = 27) and saffron (n = 36), in children and adolescents aged 7 to 17. Results show that the efficacy of saffron is comparable to that of methylphenidate. Saffron is more effective for treating hyperactivity symptoms, while methylphenidate is more effective for inattention symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilario Blasco-Fontecilla
- Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, 28222 Majadahonda, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM (Centro de Investigación en Salud Mental), Carlos III Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- ITA Mental Health, 28043 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | - María Rodrigo-Yanguas
- Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, 28222 Majadahonda, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Martin-Moratinos
- Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, 28222 Majadahonda, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos Bella-Fernández
- Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, 28222 Majadahonda, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Pontificia de Comillas, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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12
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Zhang Z, Wu J, Teng C, Wang J, Wang L, Wu L, Chen W, Lin Z, Lin Z. Safranal Treatment Induces Sirt1 Expression and Inhibits Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Mouse Chondrocytes and Alleviates Osteoarthritis Progression in a Mouse Model. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:9748-9759. [PMID: 35899925 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c01773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related degenerative disease. Oxidative stress (OS) modulates OA pathogenesis by enhancing chondrocyte apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degeneration via activation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Prior studies revealed that safranal plays a critical role in multiple diseases treatments, but there are no reports on its effect on OA. Therefore, investigating the effect of safranal on OA is needed. As a compound that can lead excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) was used to induce OS and OS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress for imitating OA in vitro. Besides, the bilateral medial meniscus was removed to induce joint instability and excessive friction of the joint surface to establish destabilization of medial meniscus for imitating the initiation and progression of OA in vivo. We, next, conducted Western blot and RT-PCR analyses to identify biomarkers of the underlying signaling pathway. Our results demonstrated that 30 μM safranal strongly upregulated Sirt1 expression, suppressed TBHP-mediated ER stress, and, in turn, prevented chondrocyte apoptosis and ECM degeneration. Furthermore, compared with the other two classic signaling pathways of ER stress, safranal can inhibit the PERK-eIF2α-CHOP axis at the lower concentration (5 and 15 μM). In vivo, using Safranin O staining, X-ray, immunofluorescence (IF), and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, we demonstrated that OA progression can be postponed with intraperitoneal injection of 90 and 180 mg/kg safranal in an OA mouse model. Taken together, our analyses revealed that safranal can potentially prevent OA development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jingtao Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Cheng Teng
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jinquan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Libo Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Long Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wenhao Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhen Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhongke Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
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13
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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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14
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Lian J, Zhong Y, Li H, Yang S, Wang J, Li X, Zhou X, Chen G. Effects of saffron supplementation on improving sleep quality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Sleep Med 2022; 92:24-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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15
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Possible effects of Saffron (Crocus sativus) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Herb Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2022.100551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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16
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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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17
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Shah HM, Jain AS, Joshi SV, Kharkar PS. Crocetin and related oxygen diffusion-enhancing compounds: Review of chemical synthesis, pharmacology, clinical development, and novel therapeutic applications. Drug Dev Res 2021; 82:883-895. [PMID: 33817811 PMCID: PMC8273373 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The current pandemic forced us to introspect and revisit our armamentarium of medicinal agents which could be life‐saving in emergency situations. Oxygen diffusion‐enhancing compounds represent one such class of potential therapeutic agents, particularly in ischemic conditions. As rewarding as the name suggests, these agents, represented by the most advanced and first‐in‐class molecule, trans‐sodium crocetinate (TSC), are the subject of intense clinical investigation, including Phase 1b/2b clinical trials for COVID‐19. Being a successor of a natural product, crocetin, TSC is being investigated for various cancers as a radiosensitizer owing to its oxygen diffusion enhancement capability. The unique properties of TSC make it a promising therapeutic agent for various ailments such as hemorrhagic shock, stroke, heart attack, among others. The present review outlines various (bio)synthetic strategies, pharmacological aspects, clinical overview and potential therapeutic benefits of crocetin and related compounds including TSC. The recent literature focusing on the delivery aspects of these compounds is covered as well to paint the complete picture to the curious reader. Given the potential TSC holds as a first‐in‐class agent, small‐ and/or macromolecular therapeutics based on the core concept of improved oxygen diffusion from blood to the surrounding tissues where it is needed the most, will be developed in future and satisfy the unmet medical need for many diseases and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hriday M Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Ashvi S Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Shreerang V Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Prashant S Kharkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
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18
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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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19
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Bosch-Morell F, Villagrasa V, Ortega T, Acero N, Muñoz-Mingarro D, González-Rosende ME, Castillo E, Sanahuja MA, Soriano P, Martínez-Solís I. Medicinal plants and natural products as neuroprotective agents in age-related macular degeneration. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:2207-2216. [PMID: 32594032 PMCID: PMC7749482 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.284978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina may suffer neurodegenerative damages, as other tissues of the central nervous system do, and serious eye diseases may develop. One of them is age-related macular degeneration, which causes progressive loss of vision due to retina degeneration. Treatment of age-related macular degeneration focuses on antioxidant agents and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor compounds, among others, that prevent/diminish oxidative stress and reduce neovascularisation respectively. The phytochemicals, medicinal plants and/or plant-diet supplements might be a useful adjunct in prevention or treatment of age-related macular degeneration owing to their antioxidant and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor properties. This review article presents the most investigated plants and natural products in relation to age-related macular degeneration, such as saffron, ginkgo, bilberry and blueberry, curcuma or turmeric, carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamins C and E. This study provides up-to-date information on the effects, treatments, safety and efficiency of these phytotherapy products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Bosch-Morell
- Biomedical Sciences Institute, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | - Victoria Villagrasa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | - Teresa Ortega
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy and Botany, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Acero
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Muñoz-Mingarro
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Eugenia González-Rosende
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | - Encarna Castillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | - M. Amparo Sanahuja
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pilar Soriano
- ICBiBE-Botanical Garden, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Martínez-Solís
- Biomedical Sciences Institute, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
- ICBiBE-Botanical Garden, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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20
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Ayati Z, Yang G, Ayati MH, Emami SA, Chang D. Saffron for mild cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:333. [PMID: 33167948 PMCID: PMC7650148 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03102-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saffron (stigma of Crocus sativus L.) from Iridaceae family is a well-known traditional herbal medicine that has been used for hundreds of years to treat several diseases such as depressive mood, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Recently, anti-dementia property of saffron has been indicated. However, the effects of saffron for the management of dementia remain controversial. The aim of the present study is to explore the effectiveness and safety of saffron in treating mild cognitive impairment and dementia. METHODS An electronic database search of some major English and Chinese databases was conducted until 31st May 2019 to identify relevant randomised clinical trials (RCT). The primary outcome was cognitive function and the secondary outcomes included daily living function, global clinical assessment, quality of life (QoL), psychiatric assessment and safety. Rev-Man 5.3 software was applied to perform the meta-analyses. RESULTS A total of four RCTs were included in this review. The analysis revealed that saffron significantly improves cognitive function measured by the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale-Sums of Boxes (CDR-SB), compared to placebo groups. In addition, there was no significant difference between saffron and conventional medicine, as measured by cognitive scales such as ADAS-cog and CDR-SB. Saffron improved daily living function, but the changes were not statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported in the included studies. CONCLUSIONS Saffron may have the potential to improve cognitive function and activities of daily living in patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, due to limited high-quality studies there is insufficient evidence to make any recommendations for clinical use. Further clinical trials on larger sample sizes are warranted to shed more light on its efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ayati
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- NICM Heath Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Guoyan Yang
- NICM Heath Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | | | - Seyed Ahmad Emami
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Dennis Chang
- NICM Heath Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
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21
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Therapeutic potentials of crocin in medication of neurological disorders. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 145:111739. [PMID: 32916219 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurological sicknesses are serious, multifactorial, debilitating disorders that may cause neurodegeneration. Neuroprotection is the protection of the structure and capacity of neurons from affronts emerging from cell injuries instigated by an assortment of specialists or neurodegenerative diseases. Various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and epilepsy, afflict many people worldwide, with increasing age representing the leading risk factor. Crocin is a natural carotenoid compound which was found to have therapeutic potentials in the management of the neurological disease. In this review, we focused on the restorative capabilities of Crocin as a neuroprotective agent. The general neuroprotective impact and the various conceivable basic components identified with Crocin have been examined. In light of the substantial proof indicating the neuro-pharmacological viability of Crocin to different exploratory standards, it is concluded that Crocin exerts direct antioxidant, antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities by multiple signaling pathways. Besides, Crocin was found to elevate dopamine level in the brain during the experimental model of Parkinson's disease. Thus, this compound has been demonstrated to be a promising option for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, with few adverse effects. It ought to be further considered as a potential contender for neuro-therapeutics, concentrating on the mechanistic and clinical evidence for its effects.
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22
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Sohaei S, Hadi A, Karimi E, Arab A. Saffron supplementation effects on glycemic indices: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD PROPERTIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2020.1807567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sohaei
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amir Hadi
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Karimi
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Research Development Center, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arman Arab
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Kavianipour F, Aryaeian N, Mokhtare M, Mirnasrollahiparsa R, Jannani L, Agah S, Fallah S, Moradi N. The effect of saffron supplementation on some inflammatory and oxidative markers, leptin, adiponectin, and body composition in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A double‐blind randomized clinical trial. Phytother Res 2020; 34:3367-3378. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Kavianipour
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Naheed Aryaeian
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Marjan Mokhtare
- Colorectal Research Center Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | | | - Leila Jannani
- Department of Biostatistics Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Shahram Agah
- Colorectal Research Center Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Sodabeh Fallah
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Nariman Moradi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences Sanandaj Iran
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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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25
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Ahmad T, Arora P, Nalli Y, Ali A, Riyaz‐Ul‐Hassan S. Antibacterial potential of Juglomycin A isolated from
Streptomyces achromogenes
, an endophyte of
Crocus sativus
Linn. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 128:1366-1377. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.14568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. Ahmad
- Microbial Biotechnology Division CSIR‐Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu Tawi India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research CSIR‐Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu Tawi India
| | - P. Arora
- Microbial Biotechnology Division CSIR‐Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu Tawi India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research CSIR‐Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu Tawi India
| | - Y. Nalli
- Natural Products Chemistry Division CSIR‐Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu Tawi India
| | - A. Ali
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research CSIR‐Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu Tawi India
- Natural Products Chemistry Division CSIR‐Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu Tawi India
| | - S. Riyaz‐Ul‐Hassan
- Microbial Biotechnology Division CSIR‐Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu Tawi India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research CSIR‐Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu Tawi India
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26
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Mori K, Torii H, Fujimoto S, Jiang X, Ikeda SI, Yotsukura E, Koh S, Kurihara T, Nishida K, Tsubota K. The Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Crocetin for Myopia Control in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8081179. [PMID: 31394821 PMCID: PMC6724222 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8081179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of myopia has been increasing in recent years. The natural carotenoid crocetin has been reported to suppress experimental myopia in mice. We evaluated the effects of crocetin on myopia suppression in children. A multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed with 69 participants aged 6 to 12 years, whose cycloplegic spherical equivalent refractions (SER) were between -1.5 and -4.5 diopter (D). The participants were randomized to receive either a placebo or crocetin and followed up for 24 weeks. Axial length (AL) elongation and changes in SER were evaluated for 24 weeks. Both written informed assent from the participants and written informed consent from legal guardians were obtained in this study because the selection criteria of this trial included children aged between 6 and 12 years old. This trial was approved by the institutional review boards. A mixed-effects model was used for analysis, using both eyes. Two participants dropped out and 67 children completed this trial. The change in SER in the placebo group, -0.41 ± 0.05 D (mean ± standard deviation), was significantly more myopic compared to that in the crocetin group, -0.33 ± 0.05 D (p = 0.049). The AL elongation in the placebo group, 0.21 ± 0.02 mm, was significantly bigger than that in the crocetin group, 0.18 ± 0.02 mm (p = 0.046). In conclusion, dietary crocetin may have a suppressive effect on myopia progression in children, but large-scale studies are required in order to confirm this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiwako Mori
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hidemasa Torii
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Satoko Fujimoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Xiaoyan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Ikeda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Erisa Yotsukura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shizuka Koh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Toshihide Kurihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Kohji Nishida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Kazuo Tsubota
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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Crocin attenuation of neurological deficits in a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage. Brain Res Bull 2019; 150:186-195. [PMID: 31173858 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating subtype of stroke that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, up to now, there are no effective prevention methods or specific therapies to improve its clinical outcomes. Herein, we explore preliminarily the efficacy of crocin, a carotenoid extracted from the stigma of saffron known for its anti-oxidation and free radical scavenging activities, in a mouse ICH model induced with collagenase infusion. Crocin or saline was administrated 6 h after ICH and then every 12 h for up to 7 days. Neurological scores were examined on days 1, 3, and 7 after ICH. Mice were sacrificed after1, 3, and 7 days of crocin treatment for examination of histology and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that oral administration of crocin attenuated the neurological deficits and reduced the myelin loss, neuron degeneration, iron deposition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in the early stage of ICH, making it potential to be an ideal candidate for medical therapy of ICH in clinic.
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28
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Heitmar R, Brown J, Kyrou I. Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) in Ocular Diseases: A Narrative Review of the Existing Evidence from Clinical Studies. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11030649. [PMID: 30889784 PMCID: PMC6471055 DOI: 10.3390/nu11030649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its main constituents, i.e., crocin and crocetin, are natural carotenoid compounds, which have been reported to possess a wide spectrum of properties and induce pleiotropic anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and neuroprotective effects. An increasing number of experimental, animal, and human studies have investigated the effects and mechanistic pathways of these compounds in order to assess their potential therapeutic use in ocular diseases (e.g., in age related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic maculopathy). This narrative review presents the key findings of published clinical studies that examined the effects of saffron and/or its constituents in the context of ocular disease, as well as an overview of the proposed underlying mechanisms mediating these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Heitmar
- Aston University, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
| | - James Brown
- Aston University, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Ioannis Kyrou
- Aston Medical Research Institute, Aston Medical School, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
- WISDEM, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK.
- Translational & Experimental Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
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29
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Pourmasoumi M, Hadi A, Najafgholizadeh A, Kafeshani M, Sahebkar A. Clinical evidence on the effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review meta-analysis. Pharmacol Res 2019; 139:348-359. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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30
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Crocetin attenuates DHT-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in mice via revising kisspeptin neurons. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 107:1363-1369. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.08.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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31
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Stone J, Mitrofanis J, Johnstone DM, Falsini B, Bisti S, Adam P, Nuevo AB, George-Weinstein M, Mason R, Eells J. Acquired Resilience: An Evolved System of Tissue Protection in Mammals. Dose Response 2018; 16:1559325818803428. [PMID: 30627064 PMCID: PMC6311597 DOI: 10.1177/1559325818803428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review brings together observations on the stress-induced regulation of resilience mechanisms in body tissues. It is argued that the stresses that induce tissue resilience in mammals arise from everyday sources: sunlight, food, lack of food, hypoxia and physical stresses. At low levels, these stresses induce an organised protective response in probably all tissues; and, at some higher level, cause tissue destruction. This pattern of response to stress is well known to toxicologists, who have termed it hormesis. The phenotypes of resilience are diverse and reports of stress-induced resilience are to be found in journals of neuroscience, sports medicine, cancer, healthy ageing, dementia, parkinsonism, ophthalmology and more. This diversity makes the proposing of a general concept of induced resilience a significant task, which this review attempts. We suggest that a system of stress-induced tissue resilience has evolved to enhance the survival of animals. By analogy with acquired immunity, we term this system 'acquired resilience'. Evidence is reviewed that acquired resilience, like acquired immunity, fades with age. This fading is, we suggest, a major component of ageing. Understanding of acquired resilience may, we argue, open pathways for the maintenance of good health in the later decades of human life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Stone
- Discipline of Physiology, Bosch Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Mitrofanis
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Bosch Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel M. Johnstone
- Discipline of Physiology, Bosch Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benedetto Falsini
- Facolta’ di Medicina e Chirurgia, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Universita’ Cattolica del S. Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Department of Biotechnical and Applied Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi dell’Aquila, IIT Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Genova and INBB Istituto Nazionale Biosistemi e Biostrutture, Rome, Italy
| | - Paul Adam
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Arturo Bravo Nuevo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mindy George-Weinstein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca Mason
- Discipline of Physiology, Bosch Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janis Eells
- College of Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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32
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Liou JC, Yang SL, Wang PH, Wu JL, Huang YP, Chen BY, Lee MC. Protective effect of crocin against the declining of high spatial frequency-based visual performance in mice. J Funct Foods 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2018.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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33
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Leone S, Recinella L, Chiavaroli A, Orlando G, Ferrante C, Leporini L, Brunetti L, Menghini L. Phytotherapic use of theCrocus sativusL. (Saffron) and its potential applications: A brief overview. Phytother Res 2018; 32:2364-2375. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy; G. d'Annunzio University; Chieti Italy
| | - Lucia Recinella
- Department of Pharmacy; G. d'Annunzio University; Chieti Italy
| | | | | | | | - Lidia Leporini
- Department of Pharmacy; G. d'Annunzio University; Chieti Italy
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy; G. d'Annunzio University; Chieti Italy
| | - Luigi Menghini
- Department of Pharmacy; G. d'Annunzio University; Chieti Italy
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34
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Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Inarejos-García AM, Prodanov M. affron ®, a standardised extract from saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for the treatment of youth anxiety and depressive symptoms: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Affect Disord 2018; 232:349-357. [PMID: 29510352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.02.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saffron has antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in adults with mild-to-moderate depression. However, this is the first study examining its mood-related effects in teenagers. METHODS In this 8-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, youth aged 12-16 years, with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depressive symptoms were given tablets containing placebo or a saffron extract (affron®, 14 mg b.i.d). The youth and parent versions of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) were used as outcome measures. RESULTS 80 participants were enrolled and 68 completed the study. Based on youth self-reports, affron® was associated with greater improvements in overall internalising symptoms (p = 0.049), separation anxiety (p = 0.003), social phobia (p = 0.023), and depression (p = 0.016). Total internalising scores decreased by an average of 33% compared to 17% in the placebo group (p = 0.029). However, parental reports of improvements were inconsistent as mean improvements in RCADS scores were greater in the saffron group (40% vs 26%) (p = 0.026), although no other significant differences were identified. affron® was well-tolerated and there was a trend of reduced headaches in participants on the active treatment. LIMITATIONS The use of a self-report instrument, limited study duration, single treatment dose, and non-clinical sample used in this study limit the generalisability of study findings. CONCLUSION The administration of a standardised saffron extract (affron®) for 8 weeks improved anxiety and depressive symptoms in youth with mild-to-moderate symptoms, at least from the perspective of the adolescent. However, these beneficial effects were inconsistently corroborated by parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian L Lopresti
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Peter D Drummond
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | | | - Marin Prodanov
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación CIAL (CEI CSIC-UAM), C/ Nicolás Cabrera, 9, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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35
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Gonzalez AM, Sell KM, Ghigiarelli JJ, Spitz RW, Accetta MR, Mangine GT. Effect of Multi-Ingredient Supplement Containing Satiereal, Naringin, and Vitamin D on Body Composition, Mood, and Satiety in Overweight Adults. J Diet Suppl 2018; 15:965-976. [PMID: 29336628 DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2017.1407385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of 28 days of a dietary supplement on body composition, mood, and satiety in overweight adults. Twenty healthy adults (25.5 ± 3.8 years; 87.3 ± 20.7 kg; 169.9 ± 10.6 cm; 29.9 ± 5.1 body mass index) participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation. Ten participants were provided with a dietary supplement containing 178 mg satiereal, 100 mg naringin, and 2,000 IU vitamin D3 daily (SUPP), and ten participants were provided a placebo (PL) for 28 days. Baseline (PRE) and post (POST) assessments included body mass, BMI, and waist circumference measures. In addition, participants provided self-reported food records and completed study questionnaires twice weekly. Questionnaires consisted of profile of mood states, visual analog scales, modified trait food-cravings questionnaire, and a modified state food-cravings questionnaire. No significant differences were noted between groups for total calorie or macronutrient intake (p = 0.65-0.92), body mass (p = 0.34), BMI (p = 0.24), or waist circumference measures (p = 0.56-0.94). In addition, no significant differences between groups were observed for mood states, subjective measures of food cravings, or feelings of anxiety, fullness, bloating, hunger, craving, and stress (p >.05). In conclusion, 28 days of a dietary supplement containing satiereal, naringin, and vitamin D3 did not have any detectable beneficial effects on body-weight management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Gonzalez
- a Department of Health Professions , Hofstra University , Hempstead , NY , USA
| | - Katie M Sell
- a Department of Health Professions , Hofstra University , Hempstead , NY , USA
| | - Jamie J Ghigiarelli
- a Department of Health Professions , Hofstra University , Hempstead , NY , USA
| | - Robert W Spitz
- a Department of Health Professions , Hofstra University , Hempstead , NY , USA
| | - Matthew R Accetta
- a Department of Health Professions , Hofstra University , Hempstead , NY , USA
| | - Gerald T Mangine
- b Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management , Kennesaw State University , Kennesaw , GA , USA
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