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Lobato-Gómez M, Drapal M, Fernández-Muñoz R, Presa S, Espinosa A, Fraser PD, Gómez-Gómez L, Orzaez D, Granell A. Maximizing saffron apocarotenoid production in varied tomato fruit carotenoid contexts. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39292868 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.17030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Saffron spice owes its commercial appreciation to its specific apocarotenoids: crocins, picrocrocin, and safranal. In Crocus sativus, these compounds are biosynthesized from zeaxanthin through oxidative cleavage by the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 2 (CCD2). Transgenic tomato plants expressing CsCCD2 in the fruit, named Tomaffron, accumulate high levels of saffron apocarotenoids despite the low substrate availability for CsCCD2. In the present study, CsCCD2 has been introduced into Xantomato; this tomato variety accumulates high levels of zeaxanthin and β-carotene in ripe fruit due to a combination of four mutant alleles. Xantomato and Tomaffron genotypes have been combined to optimize apocarotenoid production. The best transgenic lines accumulated 15 and 14 times more crocins and picrocrocin than Tomaffron, alongside a fourfold increase in β-carotene compared to Xantomato, albeit at a cost in fruit yield. Segregation of the four mutations has been carried out to find the best combination for obtaining high levels of saffron apocarotenoids without adverse effects on fruit yield. Plants harboring the high-pigmented 3 (hp3) and BETA (BSh) mutations accumulated 6 and 15 times more crocins and picrocrocin than Tomaffron, without observable pleiotropic effects. Additionally, those high levels of saffron apocarotenoids were obtained in fruit accumulating high levels of both lycopene and β-carotene independently or in combination, suggesting a regulatory role for the apocarotenoids produced and indicating that it is possible to increase the levels of both types of healthy promoting molecules simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lobato-Gómez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, CSIC-Universidad Politécnica de València, Valencia, 46022, Spain
| | - Margit Drapal
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Rafael Fernández-Muñoz
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea, CSIC-Universidad de Málaga, Algarrobo Costa, Málaga, 29750, Spain
| | - Silvia Presa
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, CSIC-Universidad Politécnica de València, Valencia, 46022, Spain
| | - Ana Espinosa
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, CSIC-Universidad Politécnica de València, Valencia, 46022, Spain
| | - Paul D Fraser
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Lourdes Gómez-Gómez
- Instituto Botánico, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, 02006, Spain
| | - Diego Orzaez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, CSIC-Universidad Politécnica de València, Valencia, 46022, Spain
| | - Antonio Granell
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, CSIC-Universidad Politécnica de València, Valencia, 46022, Spain
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Amanpour A, Soltani M, Lipan L, Garcia-Garví JM, Hernández-García F, Carbonell-Barrachina ÁA, Nadal ES. Comparative study on nutraceutical and sensorial characteristics of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) cultivated in Iran, Spain, and Türkiye. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024; 104:7580-7591. [PMID: 38775283 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality properties of 14 saffron samples from Iran, Spain, and Türkiye were compared. RESULTS Significant differences were observed between anthocyanins, volatile compounds, fatty acids, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of saffron samples (P < 0.05). Besides, significant differences in color parameters were observed. Moreover, a total of 13 volatile compounds were identified in the saffron samples using. headspace-solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, safranal and α-isophorone being the two predominant aroma compounds. Regarding fatty acids, significant differences were seen in the fatty acid profiles of saffron samples (P < 0.05), while linoleic acid was the most concentrated fatty acid. In terms of sensory properties, different concentrations of safranal, α-isophorone and 4-ketoisophorone may lead to significant differences in the odor and taste attributes of saffron samples (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Changes in corm origin along with climate and agricultural conditions may affect the quality characteristics of saffron cultivated in different geographical areas to a significant degree. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Grants
- MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501,100,011,033 Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades
- MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501,100,011,033 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
- AICO/2021/326 Generalitat Valenciana, Conselleria de Innovación, Universidades, Ciencia y Sociedad Digital
- Universidad Miguel Hernández
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Amanpour
- Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts Design and Architecture, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Mostafa Soltani
- Department of Food Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Nutrition and Food Sciences Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leontina Lipan
- Research Group 'Food Quality and Safety', Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Department of Agro-Food Technology, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Orihuela, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Jose Miguel Garcia-Garví
- Research Group 'Food Quality and Safety', Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Department of Agro-Food Technology, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Orihuela, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Francisca Hernández-García
- Grupo de Investigación en Fruticultura y Técnicas de Producción, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | - Ángel A Carbonell-Barrachina
- Research Group 'Food Quality and Safety', Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Department of Agro-Food Technology, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Orihuela, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Esther Sendra Nadal
- Research Group 'Food Quality and Safety', Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Department of Agro-Food Technology, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Orihuela, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
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3
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Nemati Z, Kazemi-Shahandashti SS, Garibay-Hernández A, Mock HP, Schmidt MHW, Usadel B, Blattner FR. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of yellow-flowered crocuses to infer alternative sources of saffron metabolites. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:369. [PMID: 38711012 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05036-1] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing demand for saffron metabolites in various commercial industries, including medicine, food, cosmetics, and dyeing, is driven by the discovery of their diverse applications. Saffron, derived from Crocus sativus stigmas, is the most expensive spice, and there is a need to explore additional sources to meet global consumption demands. In this study, we focused on yellow-flowering crocuses and examined their tepals to identify saffron-like compounds. RESULTS Through metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches, our investigation provides valuable insights into the biosynthesis of compounds in yellow-tepal crocuses that are similar to those found in saffron. The results of our study support the potential use of yellow-tepal crocuses as a source of various crocins (crocetin glycosylated derivatives) and flavonoids. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that yellow-tepal crocuses have the potential to serve as a viable excessive source of some saffron metabolites. The identification of crocins and flavonoids in these crocuses highlights their suitability for meeting the demands of various industries that utilize saffron compounds. Further exploration and utilization of yellow-tepal crocuses could contribute to addressing the growing global demand for saffron-related products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Nemati
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany.
- Present address: Institute of Medical Microbiology and hospital hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Seyyedeh-Sanam Kazemi-Shahandashti
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-4: Bioinformatics), Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC) , CEPLAS, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
- Institute for Biological Data Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Adriana Garibay-Hernández
- Molecular Biotechnology and Systems Biology, Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Mock
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Maximilian H-W Schmidt
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-4: Bioinformatics), Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC) , CEPLAS, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Grapevine Breeding, Geisenheim University, Geisenheim, Germany
| | - Björn Usadel
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-4: Bioinformatics), Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC) , CEPLAS, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
- Institute for Biological Data Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frank R Blattner
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany
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Malik AH, Khurshaid N, Shabir N, Ashraf N. Transcriptome wide identification, characterization and expression analysis of PHD gene family in Crocus sativus. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 30:81-91. [PMID: 38435850 PMCID: PMC10902251 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-024-01410-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Crocus sativus L., of the Iridaceae family, yields world's most prized spice, saffron. Saffron is well known for its distinctive aroma, odour and colour, which are imputed to the presence of some specific glycosylated apocarotenoids. Even though the main biosynthetic pathway and most of the enzymes leading to apocarotenoid production have been identified, the regulatory mechanisms that govern the developmental stage and tissue specific production of apocarotenoids in Crocus remain comparatively unravelled. Towards this, we report identification, and characterization of plant homeodomain (PHD) finger transcription factor family in Crocus sativus. We also report cloning and characterisation of CstPHD27 from C. sativus. CstPHD27 recorded highest expression in stigma throughout flower development. CstPHD27 exhibited expression pattern which corresponded to the apocarotenoid accumulation in Crocus stigmas. CstPHD27 is nuclear localized and transcriptionally active in yeast Y187 strain. Over-expression of CstPHD27 in Crocus stigmas enhanced apocarotenoid content by upregulating the biosynthetic pathway genes. This report on PHD finger transcription factor family from C. sativus may offer a basis for elucidating role of this gene family in this traditionally and industrially prized crop. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01410-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubid Hussain Malik
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR—Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190005 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002 India
| | - Nargis Khurshaid
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR—Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190005 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002 India
| | - Najwa Shabir
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR—Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190005 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002 India
| | - Nasheeman Ashraf
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR—Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190005 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002 India
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Mena-García A, Sanz ML, Díez-Municio M, Ruiz-Matute AI. A Combined Gas and Liquid Chromatographic Approach for Quality Evaluation of Saffron-Based Food Supplements. Foods 2023; 12:4071. [PMID: 38002129 PMCID: PMC10670060 DOI: 10.3390/foods12224071] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the interest in the bioactive properties of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), as well as its limited production and high price, saffron-based food supplements (SFS) are highly susceptible to adulteration. However, their complex composition and the wide variety of potential fraudulent practices make the comprehensive assessment of SFS quality a challenging task that has been scarcely addressed. To that aim, a new multianalytical strategy based on gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography with diode array detection coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) was developed and validated in order to detect different frauds affecting SFS. Dried saffron stigmas and a commercial standardized saffron extract (affron®) were selected as reference samples (RS) to obtain an authenticity profile, which was further used to evaluate the quality of 17 SFS. Up to 17 crocins and crocetins, 5 kaempferol glycosides, picrocrocin (determined for the first time by GC-MS), safranal, furanone and isophorone-related compounds were determined in RS. Safranal and crocins were identified in all SFS except for one sample. However, discrepancies with the content declared were detected in 65% of the cases. Moreover, this multianalytical methodology also allowed identifying undeclared additives and the non-declared addition of vegetable sources other than saffron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adal Mena-García
- Instituto de Química Orgánica General (CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (A.I.R.-M.)
- Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L.U. Faraday 7, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - María L. Sanz
- Instituto de Química Orgánica General (CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (A.I.R.-M.)
| | | | - Ana I. Ruiz-Matute
- Instituto de Química Orgánica General (CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (A.I.R.-M.)
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6
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Pourbagher-Shahri AM, Forouzanfar F. Saffron (Crocus sativus) and its constituents for pain management: A review of current evidence. Phytother Res 2023; 37:5041-5057. [PMID: 37528638 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7968] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Pain can become a chronic and deliberating experience with a significant burden. In preclinical and clinical studies, Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has shown analgesic activities. Considering the unsatisfactory results of current therapeutic management for chronic pain conditions, we aimed to review saffron's analgesic activity and underlying mechanisms. Saffron showed antinociceptive activities in formalin-, carrageenan-, and capsaicin-induced experimental pain models. Saffron analgesic activities affected several targets, including ion channels of nociceptors; the adrenergic system and central histaminic system; inhibition of inflammatory pathways, apoptotic pathways, and oxidative stress; regulation of NO pathway, and the endocannabinoid system. Clinical studies showed analgesia of Saffron in rheumatoid arthritis, after-pain following childbirth, dysmenorrhea, and fibromyalgia. Our literature review showed that saffron can be beneficial as an adjunct therapy to commonly used analgesics in practice, particularly in chronic pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Forouzanfar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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7
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Abu Safe FA, Badr AN, Shehata MG, El-Sayyad GS. Antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic activities of nanoemulsions based on Achillea millefolium and Crocus sativus flower extracts as green promising agents for food preservatives. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:289. [PMID: 37805450 PMCID: PMC10559460 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03033-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the mechanism of action of nanoemulsion is still unclear, the modern use of nanoemulsions made from natural extracts as antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic agents represents a potential food preservation and a safety target. METHODS Two natural nanoemulsion extracts of Crocus sativus (the saffron flower) and Achillea millefolium (the yarrow flower) were produced in the current study using a low-energy method that included carboxymethylcellulose and Arabic gum. The synthesized nanoemulsion was fully identified by different analytical methods. Detection of the volatile content was completed using GC-MS analysis. The antioxidant potential, and phenolic compounds content were analyzed in the extractions. The synthesized nanoemulsions were screened for their antimicrobial potential in addition to their anti-aflatoxigenic activity. RESULTS The droplet size of Saffron flowers was finer (121.64 ± 2.18 nm) than yarrow flowers (151.21 ± 1.12 nm). The Zeta potential measurements of the yarrow flower (-16.31 ± 2.54 mV) and the saffron flower (-18.55 ± 2.31 mV) both showed high stability, along with low PDI values (0.34-0.41). The nanoemulsion of yarrow flower revealed 51 compounds using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), with hexanal (16.25%), β-Pinene (7.41%), β-Myrcene (5.24%), D-Limonene (5.58%) and Caryophyllene (4.38%) being the most prevalent. Additionally, 31 compounds were detected in the saffron nanoemulsion, with D-limonene (4.89%), isophorone (12.29%), 4-oxy isophorone (8.19%), and safranal (44.84%) being the most abundant. Compared to the nanoemulsion of the yarrow flower, the saffron nanoemulsion had good antibacterial and antifungal activity. Saffron nanoemulsion inhibited total fungal growth by 69.64-71.90% in a simulated liquid medium and demonstrated the most significant decrease in aflatoxin production. Infected strawberry fruits coated with nanoemulsion extracts exhibited high antimicrobial activity in the form of saffron flower and yarrow flower extract nanoemulsions, which inhibited and/or controlled the growth of Aspergillus fungi. Due to this inhibition, the lag phase was noticeably prolonged, the cell load decreased, and the stability time increased. CONCLUSION This study will contribute to expanding the theoretical research and utilization of nanoemulsions as green protective agents in agricultural and food industries for a promising protection from the invasion of some pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feriala A Abu Safe
- Botany Department, Faculty of Women for Art, Science, and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed N Badr
- Food Toxicology and Contaminants Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Mohamed G Shehata
- Department of Food Technology, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab, 21934, Egypt
| | - Gharieb S El-Sayyad
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University (ACU), 6th October city, Giza, Egypt.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galala University, New Galala City, Suez, Egypt.
- Drug Microbiology Lab, Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
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8
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Horacek M, Lage M, Vakhlu J. Exploring the Potential of 87Sr/ 86Sr Isotope Ratio with Strontium and Rubidium Levels to Assess the Geographic Origin of Saffron. Foods 2023; 12:2830. [PMID: 37569099 PMCID: PMC10416822 DOI: 10.3390/foods12152830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Saffron is regarded as the most expensive spice, mainly because of its laborious harvest. Only a few countries dominate the global saffron market, with Iran producing by far the most saffron, and the saffron production of all other countries thus being much smaller. However, the respective national production (not only of saffron) is usually preferred by local consumers with respect to foreign products and often has a higher price. Cases of saffron with mislabeled geographic origin have repeatedly occurred. Thus, to protect local saffron production, control of the declared geographic origin is required. In the present case, differentiation of the geographic origin by 87Sr/86Sr is performed. The results show the saffron of several countries of origin to vary within the range of marine carbonates; however, saffron samples of Moroccan and Indian origin mainly show elevated 87Sr/86Sr values. Within the Indian saffron samples, one sample from Kishtwar Valley can be differentiated from the Kashmir saffron samples. The results are thus promising, especially when using the combination of Sr and Rb concentrations to differentiate geographic origin whenever the regions are of homogenous bedrock geology within and of different geology between the regions. However, the reported findings need to be checked and confirmed by further and additional saffron samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micha Horacek
- BLT Wieselburg, Rottenhauserstr. 1, 3250 Wieselburg, Austria
- Department of Lithospheric Research, Vienna University, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mounira Lage
- National Institute of Agronomique Research (INRA), Rabat 10000, Morocco
| | - Jyoti Vakhlu
- School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, Jammu 18006, India;
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9
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da Silva DC, Mapukata S, Currie S, Kitos AA, Lanterna AE, Nyokong T, Scaiano JC. Fibrous TiO 2 Alternatives for Semiconductor-Based Catalysts for Photocatalytic Water Remediation Involving Organic Contaminants. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:21585-21593. [PMID: 37360451 PMCID: PMC10286280 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Water decontamination remains a challenge in several developed and developing countries. Affordable and efficient approaches are needed urgently. In this scenario, heterogeneous photocatalysts appear as one of the most promising alternatives. This justifies the extensive attention that semiconductors, such as TiO2, have gained over the last decades. Several studies have evaluated their efficiency for environmental applications; however, most of these tests rely on the use of powder materials that have minimal to no applicability for large-scale applications. In this work, we investigated three fibrous TiO2 photocatalysts, TiO2 nanofibers (TNF), TiO2 on glass wool (TGW), and TiO2 in glass fiber filters (TGF). All materials have macroscopic structures that can be easily separated from solutions or that can work as fixed beds under flow conditions. We evaluated and compared their ability to bleach a surrogate dye molecule, crocin, under batch and flow conditions. Using black light (UVA/visible), our catalysts were able to bleach a minimum of 80% of the dye in batch experiments. Under continuous flow experiments, all catalysts could decrease dye absorption under shorter irradiation times: TGF, TNF, and TGW could, respectively, bleach 15, 18, and 43% of the dye with irradiation times as short as 35 s. Catalyst comparison was based on the selection of physical and chemical criteria relevant for application on water remediation. Their relative performance was ranked and applied in a radar plot. The features evaluated here had two distinct groups, chemical performance, which related to the dye degradation, and mechanical properties, which described their applicability in different systems. This comparative analysis gives insights into the selection of the right flow-compatible photocatalyst for water remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daliane
R. C. da Silva
- Department
of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Sivuyisiwe Mapukata
- Institute
for Nanotechnology Innovation, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
| | - Sara Currie
- Department
of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Alexandros A. Kitos
- Department
of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Anabel E. Lanterna
- Department
of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Tebello Nyokong
- Institute
for Nanotechnology Innovation, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
| | - Juan C. Scaiano
- Department
of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
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10
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Gharib SA, Archirel P, Adjei D, Belloni J, Mostafavi M. Unveiling the Intimate Mechanism of the Crocin Antioxidant Properties by Radiolytic Analysis and Molecular Simulations. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1202. [PMID: 37371932 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061202] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The successive steps of the oxidation mechanism of crocin, a major compound of saffron, by the free OH• radical are investigated by pulse radiolysis, steady-state (gamma) radiolysis methods, and molecular simulations. The optical absorption properties of the transient species and their reaction rate constants are determined. The absorption spectrum of the oxidized radical of crocin resulting from the H-abstraction presents a maximum of 678 nm and a band of 441 nm, almost as intense as that of crocin. The spectrum of the covalent dimer of this radical contains an intense band at 441 nm and a weaker band at 330 nm. The final oxidized crocin, issued from radical disproportionation, absorbs weaker with a maximum of 330 nm. The molecular simulation results suggest that the OH• radical is electrostatically attracted by the terminal sugar and is scavenged predominantly by the neighbor methyl site of the polyene chain as in a sugar-driven mechanism. Based on detailed experimental and theoretical investigations, the antioxidant properties of crocin are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Al Gharib
- Institut de Chimie Physique, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR8000 CNRS, Rue Michel Magat, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Pierre Archirel
- Institut de Chimie Physique, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR8000 CNRS, Rue Michel Magat, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Daniel Adjei
- Institut de Chimie Physique, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR8000 CNRS, Rue Michel Magat, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Jacqueline Belloni
- Institut de Chimie Physique, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR8000 CNRS, Rue Michel Magat, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Mehran Mostafavi
- Institut de Chimie Physique, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR8000 CNRS, Rue Michel Magat, F-91405 Orsay, France
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Renita AA, Gajaria TK, Sathish S, Kumar JA, Lakshmi DS, Kujawa J, Kujawski W. Progress and Prospective of the Industrial Development and Applications of Eco-Friendly Colorants: An Insight into Environmental Impact and Sustainability Issues. Foods 2023; 12:foods12071521. [PMID: 37048342 PMCID: PMC10093929 DOI: 10.3390/foods12071521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Color is the prime feature directly associated with the consumer's attraction and choice of their food. The flavor, safety, and nutritional value of any food product are directly associated with the food color. Natural and synthetic colorants (dyes and pigments) have diversified applications in various sectors such as food, feed, pharmaceutical, textiles, cosmetics, and others. Concerning the food industry, different types of natural and synthetic colorants are available in the market. Synthetic food colorants have gained popularity as they are highly stable and cheaply available. Consumers worldwide prefer delightful foodstuffs but are more concerned about the safety of the food. After its disposal, the colloidal particles present in the synthetic colorants do not allow sunlight to penetrate aquatic bodies. This causes a foul smell and turbidity formation and gives a bad appearance. Furthermore, different studies carried out previously have presented the toxicological, carcinogenic effects, hypersensitivity reactions, and behavioral changes linked to the usage of synthetic colorants. Natural food colorings, however, have nutraceutical qualities that are valuable to human health such as curcumin extracted from turmeric and beta-carotene extracted from carrots. In addition, natural colorants have beneficial properties such as excellent antioxidant properties, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, and antiarthritic effects. This review summarizes the sources of natural and synthetic colorants, their production rate, demand, extraction, and characterization of food colorants, their industrial applications, environmental impact, challenges in the sustainable utilization of natural colorants, and their prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Annam Renita
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600119, India
| | - Tejal K Gajaria
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, School of Science, Navrachana University, Vadodara 391410, India
| | - S Sathish
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600119, India
| | - J Aravind Kumar
- Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai 600119, India
| | | | - Joanna Kujawa
- Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 7 Gagarina Street, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kujawski
- Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 7 Gagarina Street, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
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12
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Morote L, Lobato-Gómez M, Ahrazem O, Argandoña J, Olmedilla-Alonso B, López-Jiménez AJ, Diretto G, Cuciniello R, Bergamo P, Frusciante S, Niza E, Rubio-Moraga Á, Crispi S, Granell A, Gómez-Gómez L. Crocins-rich tomato extracts showed enhanced protective effects in vitro. J Funct Foods 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2023.105432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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13
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Larsson M, Foley B. The king's spice cabinet-Plant remains from Gribshunden, a 15th century royal shipwreck in the Baltic Sea. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281010. [PMID: 36701280 PMCID: PMC9879437 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Maritime archaeological investigations of the wreck of the medieval warship Gribshunden (1495), flagship of King Hans of Denmark and Norway, have revealed diverse artifacts including exotic spices imported from far distant origins: saffron, ginger, clove, peppercorns, and almond. The special circumstances of the vessel's last voyage add unique context to the assemblage. Gribshunden and an accompanying squadron conveyed the king, courtiers, noblemen, and soldiers from Copenhagen to a political summit in Kalmar, Sweden. At that conference, Hans expected the Swedish Council to elect him king of Sweden, and thereby fulfill his ambition to reunify the Nordic region under a single crown. To achieve this, Hans assembled in his fleet and particularly aboard his flagship the people and elite cultural signifiers that would convince the Swedish delegation to accept his rule. Along the way, the ships anchored near Ronneby, Blekinge. Written sources record that an explosion and fire caused Gribshunden to sink off Stora Ekön (Great Oak Island). Exotic spices were status markers among the aristocracy in Scandinavia and around the Baltic Sea during the Middle Ages (1050-1550 CE). Until the Gribshunden finds, these extravagances have rarely or never been represented archaeologically. Evidence of their use and consumption in medieval Scandinavia has been limited to sparse written references. We present here the botanical remains from the Gribshunden shipwreck and compare them to previous archaeobotanical finds from the medieval Baltic region. These opulent status symbols traveled with a medieval king en route to a major historical event. The combination of textual and archaeological evidence allows a novel analytical view of the social environment in which these luxurious foods were consumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Larsson
- Department of Archaeology and Ancient History, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Brendan Foley
- Department of Archaeology and Ancient History, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Blekinge County Museum, Karlskrona, Sweden
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14
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Ezati P, Khan A, Rhim JW, Roy S, Hassan ZU. Saffron: Perspectives and Sustainability for Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Applications. FOOD BIOPROCESS TECH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11947-022-02949-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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15
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Avila-Sosa R, Nevárez-Moorillón GV, Ochoa-Velasco CE, Navarro-Cruz AR, Hernández-Carranza P, Cid-Pérez TS. Detection of Saffron’s Main Bioactive Compounds and Their Relationship with Commercial Quality. Foods 2022. [PMCID: PMC9601577 DOI: 10.3390/foods11203245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to evaluate the state of saffron’s main bioactive compounds and their relationship with its commercial quality. Saffron is the commercial name for the dried red stigmas of the Crocus sativus L. flower. It owes its sensory and functional properties mainly to the presence of its carotenoid derivatives, synthesized throughout flowering and also during the whole production process. These compounds include crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal, which are bioactive metabolites. Saffron’s commercial value is determined according to the ISO/TS3632 standard that determines their main apocatotenoids. Other techniques such as chromatography (gas and liquid) are used to detect the apocarotenoids. This, together with the determination of spectral fingerprinting or chemo typing are essential for saffron identification. The determination of the specific chemical markers coupled with chemometric methods favors the discrimination of adulterated samples, possible plants, or adulterating compounds and even the concentrations at which these are obtained. Chemical characterization and concentration of various compounds could be affected by saffron’s geographical origin and harvest/postharvest characteristics. The large number of chemical compounds found in the by-products (flower parts) of saffron (catechin, quercetin, delphinidin, etc.) make it an interesting aromatic spice as a colorant, antioxidant, and source of phytochemicals, which can also bring additional economic value to the most expensive aromatic species in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Avila-Sosa
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Edificio 105E, 14 Sur y Av. San Claudio, Ciudad Universitaria, Col. San Manuel, Puebla 72420, Mexico
| | | | - Carlos Enrique Ochoa-Velasco
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Edificio 105E, 14 Sur y Av. San Claudio, Ciudad Universitaria, Col. San Manuel, Puebla 72420, Mexico
| | - Addí Rhode Navarro-Cruz
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Edificio 105E, 14 Sur y Av. San Claudio, Ciudad Universitaria, Col. San Manuel, Puebla 72420, Mexico
| | - Paola Hernández-Carranza
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Edificio 105E, 14 Sur y Av. San Claudio, Ciudad Universitaria, Col. San Manuel, Puebla 72420, Mexico
| | - Teresa Soledad Cid-Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Edificio 105E, 14 Sur y Av. San Claudio, Ciudad Universitaria, Col. San Manuel, Puebla 72420, Mexico
- Correspondence:
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López-Jiménez AJ, Morote L, Niza E, Mondéjar M, Rubio-Moraga Á, Diretto G, Ahrazem O, Gómez-Gómez L. Subfunctionalization of D27 Isomerase Genes in Saffron. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810543. [PMID: 36142456 PMCID: PMC9504799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromoplasts and chloroplasts contain carotenoid pigments as all-trans- and cis-isomers, which function as accessory light-harvesting pigments, antioxidant and photoprotective agents, and precursors of signaling molecules and plant hormones. The carotenoid pathway involves the participation of different carotenoid isomerases. Among them, D27 is a β-carotene isomerase showing high specificity for the C9-C10 double bond catalyzing the interconversion of all-trans- into 9-cis-β-carotene, the precursor of strigolactones. We have identified one D27 (CsD27-1) and two D27-like (CsD27-2 and CsD27-3) genes in saffron, with CsD27-1 and CsD27-3, clearly differing in their expression patterns; specifically, CsD27-1 was mainly expressed in the undeveloped stigma and roots, where it is induced by Rhizobium colonization. On the contrary, CsD27-2 and CsD27-3 were mainly expressed in leaves, with a preferential expression of CsD27-3 in this tissue. In vivo assays show that CsD27-1 catalyzes the isomerization of all-trans- to 9-cis-β-carotene, and could be involved in the isomerization of zeaxanthin, while CsD27-3 catalyzes the isomerization of all-trans- to cis-ζ-carotene and all-trans- to cis-neurosporene. Our data show that CsD27-1 and CsD27-3 enzymes are both involved in carotenoid isomerization, with CsD27-1 being specific to chromoplast/amyloplast-containing tissue, and CsD27-3 more specific to chloroplast-containing tissues. Additionally, we show that CsD27-1 is co-expressed with CCD7 and CCD8 mycorrhized roots, whereas CsD27-3 is expressed at higher levels than CRTISO and Z-ISO and showed circadian regulation in leaves. Overall, our data extend the knowledge about carotenoid isomerization and their implications in several physiological and ecological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto José López-Jiménez
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos y Montes, Grado de Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Lucía Morote
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Enrique Niza
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain
- Facultad de Farmacia, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - María Mondéjar
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Ángela Rubio-Moraga
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos y Montes, Grado de Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Gianfranco Diretto
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development, Casaccia Research Centre, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Oussama Ahrazem
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos y Montes, Grado de Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Lourdes Gómez-Gómez
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain
- Facultad de Farmacia, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain
- Correspondence:
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17
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Kumar A, Devi M, Kumar R, Kumar S. Introduction of high-value Crocus sativus (saffron) cultivation in non-traditional regions of India through ecological modelling. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11925. [PMID: 35831447 PMCID: PMC9279281 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15907-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocus sativus L. (saffron) is a globally used expensive spice. There are a few countries like Iran, Greece, Morocco, Spain, Italy, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Pakistan, China, Japan and Australia where this spice is cultivated and exported to other countries. India contributes 5% of the world's total production of which 90% is supplied only from its Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) regions. In India, the production of saffron from J&K is 3.83 tonnes whereas its annual demand is approximately 100 tonnes. In this country, there are geographical regions that have similar environmental and ecological conditions to J&K and possess the possibility of introducing this crop. Identification of such regions can be made using Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM). Therefore, 'MaxEnt' ENM was carried out using 103 environmental variables, 20 presence data and topographic parameters (elevation, slope and aspect) to find suitable regions for saffron production in unconventional areas of India. The achieved area under the curve for the model was 0.99. The precipitation and temperature were the main environmental variable influencing its cultivation. The saffron was sowed in these new modelled locations in India representing its various states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur and Tamil Nadu. The quality, as well as yield of saffron produced in some of these regions, were evaluated and found at par with the saffron grown traditionally in India. Based on the promising results obtained in this work, we are expanding saffron cultivation to more modelled areas in India to meet our national demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar
- CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176 061, India.
| | - Mamta Devi
- CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176 061, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176 061, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176 061, India
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18
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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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Ahrazem O, Diretto G, Rambla JL, Rubio-Moraga Á, Lobato-Gómez M, Frusciante S, Argandoña J, Presa S, Granell A, Gómez-Gómez L. Engineering high levels of saffron apocarotenoids in tomato. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2022; 9:uhac074. [PMID: 35669709 PMCID: PMC9157650 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhac074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Crocins and picrocrocin are high-value hydrophilic pigments produced in saffron and used commercially in the food and pharmaceutical industries. These apocarotenoids are derived from the oxidative cleavage of zeaxanthin by specific carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases. The pathway for crocins and picrocrocin biosynthesis was introduced into tomato using fruit specific and constitutive promoters and resulted in 14.48 mg/g of crocins and 2.92 mg/g of picrocrocin in the tomato DW, without compromising plant growth. The strategy involved expression of CsCCD2L to produce crocetin dialdehyde and 2,6,6-trimethyl-4-hydroxy-1-carboxaldehyde-1-cyclohexene, and of glycosyltransferases UGT709G1 and CsUGT2 for picrocrocin and crocins production, respectively. Metabolic analyses of the engineered fruits revealed picrocrocin and crocetin-(β-D-gentiobiosyl)-(β-D-glucosyl)-ester, as the predominant crocin molecule, as well as safranal, at the expense of the usual tomato carotenoids. The results showed the highest crocins content ever obtained by metabolic engineering in heterologous systems. In addition, the engineered tomatoes showed higher antioxidant capacity and were able to protect against neurological disorders in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, these new developed tomatoes could be exploited as a new platform to produce economically competitive saffron apocarotenoids with health-promoting properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oussama Ahrazem
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, Albacete 02071, Spain
| | - Gianfranco Diretto
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development (ENEA), Biotechnology laboratory, Casaccia Research Centre, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - José Luis Rambla
- Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias y del Medio Natural, Universitat Jaume I, 12006 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Ángela Rubio-Moraga
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, Albacete 02071, Spain
| | - María Lobato-Gómez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Politécnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
| | - Sarah Frusciante
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development (ENEA), Biotechnology laboratory, Casaccia Research Centre, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Javier Argandoña
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, Albacete 02071, Spain
| | - Silvia Presa
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Politécnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
| | - Antonio Granell
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Politécnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
| | - Lourdes Gómez-Gómez
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, Albacete 02071, Spain
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Amrouche TA, Yang X, Güven EÇ, Huang W, Chen Q, Wu L, Zhu Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Lu B. Contribution of edible flowers to the Mediterranean diet: Phytonutrients, bioactivity evaluation and applications. FOOD FRONTIERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/fft2.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thanina Amel Amrouche
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science National‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment Key Laboratory for Agro‐Products Nutritional Evaluation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Agro‐Products Postharvest Handling of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food Processing Zhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Health Food Manufacturing and Quality
- Fuli Institute of Food Science Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
- Ningbo Research Institute Zhejiang University Ningbo China
| | - Xuan Yang
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science National‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment Key Laboratory for Agro‐Products Nutritional Evaluation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Agro‐Products Postharvest Handling of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food Processing Zhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Health Food Manufacturing and Quality
- Fuli Institute of Food Science Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
- Ningbo Research Institute Zhejiang University Ningbo China
| | - Esra Çapanoğlu Güven
- Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Food Engineering Department Istanbul Technical University Maslak Istanbul Turkey
| | - Weisu Huang
- Zhejiang Economic & Trade Polytechnic Department of Applied Technology Hangzhou China
| | - Qi Chen
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science National‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment Key Laboratory for Agro‐Products Nutritional Evaluation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Agro‐Products Postharvest Handling of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food Processing Zhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Health Food Manufacturing and Quality
- Fuli Institute of Food Science Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
- Ningbo Research Institute Zhejiang University Ningbo China
| | - Lipeng Wu
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science National‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment Key Laboratory for Agro‐Products Nutritional Evaluation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Agro‐Products Postharvest Handling of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food Processing Zhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Health Food Manufacturing and Quality
- Fuli Institute of Food Science Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
- Ningbo Research Institute Zhejiang University Ningbo China
| | - Yuhang Zhu
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science National‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment Key Laboratory for Agro‐Products Nutritional Evaluation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Agro‐Products Postharvest Handling of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food Processing Zhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Health Food Manufacturing and Quality
- Fuli Institute of Food Science Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
- Ningbo Research Institute Zhejiang University Ningbo China
| | - Yuqi Liu
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science National‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment Key Laboratory for Agro‐Products Nutritional Evaluation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Agro‐Products Postharvest Handling of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food Processing Zhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Health Food Manufacturing and Quality
- Fuli Institute of Food Science Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
- Ningbo Research Institute Zhejiang University Ningbo China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science National‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment Key Laboratory for Agro‐Products Nutritional Evaluation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Agro‐Products Postharvest Handling of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food Processing Zhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Health Food Manufacturing and Quality
- Fuli Institute of Food Science Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
- Ningbo Research Institute Zhejiang University Ningbo China
| | - Baiyi Lu
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science National‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment Key Laboratory for Agro‐Products Nutritional Evaluation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Agro‐Products Postharvest Handling of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food Processing Zhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Health Food Manufacturing and Quality
- Fuli Institute of Food Science Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
- Ningbo Research Institute Zhejiang University Ningbo China
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21
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Measurement of the Effect of Accelerated Aging on the Aromatic Compounds of Gewürztraminer and Teroldego Wines, Using a SPE-GC-MS/MS Protocol. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12020180. [PMID: 35208254 PMCID: PMC8876733 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12020180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowing in detail how the white and red wine aroma compounds behave under various storage conditions and especially at high temperature is important in order to understand the changes occurring to their sensorial character during the shelf life. The initial aim of this work was to develop and validate a fast, modern, robust, and comprehensive protocol for the quantification of 64 primary, secondary, and tertiary volatile compounds by using solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges in sample preparation and fast GC-MS/MS (gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay) in analysis. The protocol was applied to a study of the behavior of seven Gewürztraminer and seven Teroldego wines stored in anoxia at 50 °C for 2.5 and 5 weeks. The results demonstrated a sharp decrease of the main linear terpenes linalool, geraniol, and nerol and the consequent increase of the cyclic ones, such as α-terpineol and 1,8-cineole; the increase of the C13-norisoprenoids 1,1,6,-trimethyl-1,2-dihydronapthalene (TDN), and β-damascenone and the C10 norisoprenoid safranal; the hydrolysis of acetates and linear esters; and the increase of some branched-chain esters. In red wines, a moderate increase was observed for some lactones. Some unwanted compounds, such as 2-aminoacetophenone (2-AAP), showed a notable increase in some Gewürztraminer wines, exceeding the olfactory threshold.
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22
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Optimized Isolation of Safranal from Saffron by Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) and Rotatable Central Composite Design-Response Surface Methodology (RCCD-RSM). SEPARATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/separations9020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Safranal is the main aroma component of saffron stigmas. It is also a great antioxidant with known pharmacological properties and is a potent indicator for the grading and authentication of saffron. In this study, the optimum extraction conditions of safranal from saffron stigmas were investigated using solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) and response surface methodology (RSM). A rotatable-central composite design was applied, and a linear regression model has been used for the model building. The optimized factors were as follows: sample weight (15 mg), water volume (4 mL), exposure time in the headspace (20 min), and extraction temperature (45 °C). All factors were found significant; however, extraction temperature and exposure time were the most important for the isolation of safranal. The obtained model was successfully validated with a test set of saffron samples analyzed under the optimum extraction conditions. The optimized SPME extraction conditions of safranal found in this study contribute to the efforts towards the detection of saffron authentication and adulteration.
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Abdalla Y, Abdalla A, Hamza AA, Amin A. Safranal Prevents Liver Cancer Through Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Alleviating Inflammation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:777500. [PMID: 35177980 PMCID: PMC8845597 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.777500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite all efforts, an effective and safe treatment for liver cancer remains elusive. Natural products and their derived biomolecules are potential resources to mine for novel anti-cancer drugs. Chemopreventive effects of safranal, a major bioactive ingredient of the golden spice "saffron", were evaluated in this study against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver cancer in rats. Safranal's mechanisms of action were also investigated in the human liver cancer line "HepG2". When administered to DEN-treated rats, safranal significantly inhibited proliferation (Ki-67) and also induced apoptosis (TUNEL and M30 CytoDeath). It also exhibited anti-inflammatory properties where inflammatory markers such as NF-kB, COX2, iNOS, TNF-alpha, and its receptor were significantly inhibited. Safranal's in vivo effects were further supported in HepG2 cells where apoptosis was induced and inflammation was downregulated. In summary, safranal is reported here as a potent chemopreventive agent against hepatocellular carcinoma that may soon be an important ingredient of a broad-spectrum cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Abdalla
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Ali Abdalla
- Weinberg Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Alaaeldin Ahmed Hamza
- Hormone Evaluation Department, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Giza, Egypt
| | - Amr Amin
- The College, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Biology Department, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Vafaei S, Wu X, Tu J, Nematollahi-mahani SN. The Effects of Crocin on Bone and Cartilage Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:830331. [PMID: 35126154 PMCID: PMC8807478 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.830331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocin, the main biologically active carotenoid of saffron, generally is derived from the dried trifid stigma of Crocus sativus L. Many studies have demonstrated that crocin has several therapeutic effects on biological systems through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The wide range of crocin activities is believed to be because of its ability to anchor to many proteins, triggering some cellular pathways responsible for cell proliferation and differentiation. It also has therapeutic potentials in arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and articular pain probably due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-apoptotic effects, as well as osteoclast inhibition effects of crocin, have suggested it as a natural substance to treat osteoporosis and degenerative disease of bone and cartilage. Different mechanisms underlying crocin effects on bone and cartilage repair have been investigated, but remain to be fully elucidated. The present review aims to undertake current knowledge on the effects of crocin on bone and cartilage degenerative diseases with an emphasis on its proliferative and differentiative properties in mesenchymal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Vafaei
- Department of Anatomical Science, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Xuming Wu
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Jiajie Tu
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Jiajie Tu, ; Seyed Noureddin Nematollahi-mahani,
| | - Seyed Noureddin Nematollahi-mahani
- Department of Anatomical Science, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- *Correspondence: Jiajie Tu, ; Seyed Noureddin Nematollahi-mahani,
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25
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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: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [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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26
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The Relation between Drying Conditions and the Development of Volatile Compounds in Saffron ( Crocus sativus). Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26226954. [PMID: 34834046 PMCID: PMC8621395 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Saffron is derived from the stigmas of the flower Crocus sativus L. The drying process is the most important post-harvest step for converting C. sativus stigmas into saffron. The aim of this review is to evaluate saffron's post-harvest conditions in the development of volatile compounds and its aroma descriptors. It describes saffron's compound generation by enzymatic pathways and degradation reactions. Saffron quality is described by their metabolite's solubility and the determination of picrocrocin, crocins, and safranal. The drying process induce various modifications in terms of color, flavor and aroma, which take place in the spice. It affects the aromatic species chemical profile. In the food industry, saffron is employed for its sensory attributes, such as coloring, related mainly to crocins (mono-glycosyl esters or di-glycosyl polyene).
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27
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Kadoglou NPE, Christodoulou E, Kostomitsopoulos N, Valsami G. The cardiovascular-protective properties of saffron and its potential pharmaceutical applications: A critical appraisal of the literature. Phytother Res 2021; 35:6735-6753. [PMID: 34448254 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Saffron, the dried stigma of Crocus sativus L., is used in traditional medicine for its healing properties and the treatment of various pathological conditions. The present literature review aimed to summarize and evaluate the preclinical and clinical data regarding the protective effects and mechanisms of saffron and its main components (crocin, crocetin, safranal) on cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. Many in vitro and animal studies have been conducted implicating antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic, and antiinflammatory impact of saffron and its constituents. Notably, there is evidence of direct atherosclerosis regression and stabilization in valid atherosclerosis-prone animal models. However, current clinical trials have shown mostly weak effects of saffron and its constituents on cardiovascular risk factors: (a) Modest lowering of fasting blood glucose, without significant reduction of HbA1c in type 2 diabetic patients, (b) moderate/controversial hypolipidemic effects, (c) negligible hypotensive effect, and (d) inconsistent modification of metabolic syndrome parameters. There are important drawbacks in clinical trial design, including the absence of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic tests, the wide variance of doses and cohorts' characteristics, the small number of patients, the short duration. Therefore, large, properly designed, high-quality clinical trials, focusing on specific conditions are required to evaluate the biological/pharmacological activities and firmly establish the clinical efficacy of saffron and its possible therapeutic uses in cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eirini Christodoulou
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics-Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kostomitsopoulos
- Center of Clinical Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Valsami
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics-Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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28
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Moragrega I, Ríos JL. Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Depression: Evidence from Preclinical Studies. PLANTA MEDICA 2021; 87:656-685. [PMID: 33434941 DOI: 10.1055/a-1338-1011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Medicinal plants and their extracts are natural remedies with enormous potential for treating various diseases, including depression and anxiety. In the case of depression, hundreds of plants have traditionally been used in folk medicine for generations. Different plant extracts and natural products have been analyzed as potential antidepressant agents with validated models to test for antidepressant-like effects in animals, although other complementary studies have also been employed. Most of these studies focus on the possible mediators implicated in these potential effects, with dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline being the principal neurotransmitters implicated, both through interference with receptors and with their metabolism by monoamino oxidases, as well as through neuro-endocrine and neuroprotective effects. There are approximately 650 reports of antidepressant-like medicinal plants in PubMed; 155 of them have been compiled in this review, with a relevant group yielding positive results. Saffron and turmeric are the most relevant species studied in both preclinical and clinical studies; St. John's wort or kava have also been tested extensively. To the best of our knowledge, no review to date has provided a comprehensive understanding of the biomolecular mechanisms of action of these herbs or of whether their potential effects could have real benefits. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an update regarding medicinal plants from the year 2000 to the present to examine the therapeutic potential of these antidepressant-like plants in order to contribute to the development of new therapeutic methods to alleviate the tremendous burden that depression causes worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Moragrega
- Departament de Psicobiologia, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat de València
| | - José Luis Ríos
- Departament de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València
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29
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Angelis ED, Pilolli R, Bejjani A, Guagnano R, Garino C, Arlorio M, Monaci L. Optimization of an Untargeted DART-HRMS Method Envisaging Identification of Potential Markers for Saffron Authenticity Assessment. Foods 2021; 10:foods10061238. [PMID: 34072324 PMCID: PMC8230169 DOI: 10.3390/foods10061238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Saffron is one of the most expensive agricultural products in the world and as such, the most commonly adulterated spice, with undeclared plant-based surrogates or synthetic components simulating color and morphology. Currently, saffron quality is certificated in the international trade market according to specific ISO guidelines, which test aroma, flavor, and color strength. However, it has been demonstrated that specific adulterants such as safflower, marigold, or turmeric up to 20% (w/w) cannot be detected under the prescribed approach; therefore, there is still a need for advanced and sensitive screening methods to cope with this open issue. The current investigation aims to develop a rapid and sensitive untargeted method based on an ambient mass spectrometry ionization source (DART) and an Orbitrap™high-resolution mass analyzer to discriminate pure and adulterated saffron samples with either safflower or turmeric. The metabolic profiles of pure and adulterated model samples prepared at different inclusion levels were acquired. Unsupervised multivariate analysis was carried out based on hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis as first confirmation of the discriminating potential of the metabolic profile acquired under optimized DART-HRMS conditions. In addition, a preliminary selection of potential markers for saffron authenticity was accomplished, identifying compounds able to discriminate the type of adulteration down to a concentration level of 5%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta De Angelis
- Institute of Science of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 126/O, 70126 Bari, Italy; (E.D.A.); (R.P.); (R.G.)
| | - Rosa Pilolli
- Institute of Science of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 126/O, 70126 Bari, Italy; (E.D.A.); (R.P.); (R.G.)
| | - Alice Bejjani
- Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission, National Council for Scientific Research, Riad El Solh 107 2260 Beirut, Lebanon;
| | - Rocco Guagnano
- Institute of Science of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 126/O, 70126 Bari, Italy; (E.D.A.); (R.P.); (R.G.)
| | - Cristiano Garino
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”(UPO), Largo Donegani, 2, 28100 Novara, Italy; (C.G.); (M.A.)
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), D-14191 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marco Arlorio
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”(UPO), Largo Donegani, 2, 28100 Novara, Italy; (C.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Linda Monaci
- Institute of Science of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 126/O, 70126 Bari, Italy; (E.D.A.); (R.P.); (R.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0805929343
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30
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Gikas E, Koulakiotis NS, Tsarbopoulos A. Phytochemical Differentiation of Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) by High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Metabolomic Studies. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082180. [PMID: 33920081 PMCID: PMC8069427 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabolite profiling of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) from several countries was measured by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography combined with high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HR MS). Multivariate statistical analysis was employed to distinguish among the several samples of C. sativus L. from Greece, Italy, Morocco, Iran, India, Afghanistan and Kashmir. The results of this study showed that the phytochemical content in the samples of C. sativus L. were obviously diverse in the different countries of origin. The metabolomics approach was deemed to be the most suitable in order to evaluate the enormous array of putative metabolites among the saffron samples studied, and was able to provide a comparative phytochemical screening of these samples. Several markers have been identified that aided the differentiation of a group from its counterparts. This can be important for the selection of the appropriate saffron sample, in view of its health-promoting effect which occurs through the modulation of various biological and physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Gikas
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Anthony Tsarbopoulos
- GAIA Research Center, Bioanalytical Department, The Goulandris Natural History Museum, 14562 Kifissia, Greece;
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-7462-702
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31
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Diretto G, López-Jiménez AJ, Ahrazem O, Frusciante S, Song J, Rubio-Moraga Á, Gómez-Gómez L. Identification and characterization of apocarotenoid modifiers and carotenogenic enzymes for biosynthesis of crocins in Buddleja davidii flowers. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:3200-3218. [PMID: 33544822 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Crocetin biosynthesis in Buddleja davidii flowers proceeds through a zeaxanthin cleavage pathway catalyzed by two carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (BdCCD4.1 and BdCCD4.3), followed by oxidation and glucosylation reactions that lead to the production of crocins. We isolated and analyzed the expression of 12 genes from the carotenoid pathway in B. davidii flowers and identified four candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of crocins (BdALDH, BdUGT74BC1, BdUGT74BC2, and BdUGT94AA3). In addition, we characterized the profile of crocins and their carotenoid precursors, following their accumulation during flower development. Overall, seven different crocins, crocetin, and picrocrocin were identified in this study. The accumulation of these apocarotenoids parallels tissue development, reaching the highest concentration when the flower is fully open. Notably, the pathway was regulated mainly at the transcript level, with expression patterns of a large group of carotenoid precursor and apocarotenoid genes (BdPSY2, BdPDS2, BdZDS, BdLCY2, BdBCH, BdALDH, and BdUGT Genes) mimicking the accumulation of crocins. Finally, we used comparative correlation network analysis to study how the synthesis of these valuable apocarotenoids diverges among B. davidii, Gardenia jasminoides, and Crocus sativus, highlighting distinctive differences which could be the basis of the differential accumulation of crocins in the three species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Diretto
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development (ENEA), Biotechnology Laboratory, Casaccia Research Centre, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto José López-Jiménez
- Instituto Botánico. Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética. Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, Albacete, Spain
| | - Oussama Ahrazem
- Instituto Botánico. Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética. Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, Albacete, Spain
| | - Sarah Frusciante
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development (ENEA), Biotechnology Laboratory, Casaccia Research Centre, Rome, Italy
| | - Jingyuan Song
- Key Lab of Chinese Medicine Resources Conservation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Yunnan Branch, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Jinghong, China
| | - Ángela Rubio-Moraga
- Instituto Botánico. Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética. Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, Albacete, Spain
| | - Lourdes Gómez-Gómez
- Instituto Botánico. Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética. Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, Albacete, Spain
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32
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Keller M, Fankhauser S, Giezendanner N, König M, Keresztes F, Danton O, Fertig O, Marcourt L, Hamburger M, Butterweck V, Potterat O. Saponins from Saffron Corms Inhibit the Gene Expression and Secretion of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:630-645. [PMID: 33600177 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Corms are obtained as a byproduct during the cultivation of saffron (Crocus sativus). In a project aimed at the valorization of this waste product, we observed that a 70% EtOH extract of the corms and a sugar-depleted MeOH fraction of the extract inhibited the TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced secretion and gene expression of the chemokines IL-8, MCP-1, and RANTES in human HaCaT cells. The effects were in part stronger than those of the positive control hydrocortisone. For preparative isolation, the 70% EtOH extract was partitioned between n-BuOH and water. Separation of the n-BuOH-soluble fraction by centrifugal partition chromatography, followed by preparative and semipreparative HPLC, afforded a series of bidesmosidic glycosides of echinocystic acid bearing a 3,16-dihydroxy-10-oxo-hexadecanoic acid residue attached to the glycosidic moiety at C-28. They include azafrines 1 and 2, previously reported in saffron, and eight new congeners named azafrines 3-10. Saffron saponins significantly inhibited TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced secretion of RANTES in human HaCaT cells at 1 μM (p < 0.001). Some of them further lowered TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morris Keller
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmacenter, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Fankhauser
- School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences, Northwestern Switzerland, 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Noreen Giezendanner
- School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences, Northwestern Switzerland, 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Michelle König
- School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences, Northwestern Switzerland, 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Keresztes
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmacenter, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ombeline Danton
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmacenter, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Orlando Fertig
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmacenter, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laurence Marcourt
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland (ISPSW), University of Geneva, CMU, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Hamburger
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmacenter, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Veronika Butterweck
- School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences, Northwestern Switzerland, 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Potterat
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmacenter, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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Arzi L, Hoshyar R. Saffron anti-metastatic properties, ancient spice novel application. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:3939-3950. [PMID: 33653190 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1871320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Crocus sativus L. (saffron), was applied as a spice, food colorant and medicine since four millennia ago and has been used as a remedy for various maladies. In the last three decades, the anti-primary tumor properties of saffron and its main carotenoids, crocin and crocetin, have been well explored. Despite the fact that metastasis is the leading cause of death in cancer patients, the anti-metastatic potential of saffron and its carotenoids has been surveyed only this decade. This review aims to provide an unprecedented overview of the anti-metastatic effects of saffron, crocin and crocetin, and the mechanisms underlying these effects. Investigations on various cancers demonstrated the anti-migratory, anti-invasion, anti-angiogenic potentials of saffron and its carotenoids, as well as their effects suppressing cell-ECM adhesion and enhancing cell-cell attachment. Saffron and its carotenoids exert their impact through different mechanisms such as reduction of CD34 and suppression of Wnt/β-catenin, Ras/ERK, P38, DCLK1, EMT, matrix metalloproteinases and urokinases. Crocin displayed more effective anti-metastatic potency, in comparison with saffron extract and crocetin. The bioaccessibility/bioavailability, nontoxicity on normal cells, confirmed anti-tumor efficiency and the recent evidence on the anti-metastatic potential of saffron and its carotenoids, recommends them as a propitious multipotent dietary agent and herbal medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laleh Arzi
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhane Hoshyar
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Abstract
Saffron, comprising of dried stigmas of the plant known as Crocus sativus, is one of the most important and scantly cultivated agricultural products. It has been used as a precious spice for the last at least 3500 years. Due to its numerous medicinal qualities and pharmacological applications, it is considered as a “golden condiment”, and its demand and consumptions has risen over a period of time. Although efforts are continuously being made to enhance the productivity in the traditional areas and promote the cultivation of saffron in the newer areas, there are several constraints hindering these efforts. Prevalence of corm rot is one such limiting factor which results in the reduction in saffron production and decline in the area under its cultivation. The disease not only reduces the yield substantially, but also adversely affects the production of daughter corms. Complete understanding and knowledge about the disease is still lacking due to the inadequate information about its etiology and epidemiology. Moreover, due to the non-availability of resistant genotypes and lack of improved cultural practices, presently no effective and sustainable management strategies are available. This review article gives an overall account of the history and impact of saffron corm rot, its present status, yield losses caused by it, dynamics of the pathogens associated with the disease, their survival and dispersal, factors influencing disease intensity, epidemiology and sustainable management strategies. As comprehensive information on the disease is presently not available, an attempt has been made to review the current knowledge regarding corm rot of saffron. The information about the disease discussed here can eventually be beneficial for the growers, students, researchers, plant protection organizations, development departments, extension workers, policy makers, government agencies and public organizations.
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Taherkhani T, Zakaria RA, Omidi M, Taherkhani M. Expression of Genes Involved in the Biosynthesis of Crocin and Safranal in Cell Suspension Culture of Saffron (Crocus sativus). Pharm Chem J 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11094-021-02317-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Dai RC, Nabil WNN, Xu HX. The History of Saffron in China: From Its Origin to Applications. CHINESE MEDICINE AND CULTURE 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/cmac.cmac_38_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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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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Akbarpoor V, Karimabad MN, Mahmoodi M, Mirzaei MR. The saffron effects on expression pattern of critical self-renewal genes in adenocarcinoma tumor cell line (AGS). GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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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Aiello D, Siciliano C, Mazzotti F, Di Donna L, Athanassopoulos CM, Napoli A. A rapid MALDI MS/MS based method for assessing saffron (Crocus sativus L.) adulteration. Food Chem 2020; 307:125527. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Pandey DK, Nandy S, Mukherjee A, Dey A. Advances in bioactive compounds from Crocus sativus (saffron): Structure, bioactivity and biotechnology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-817907-9.00010-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
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Hatziagapiou K, Kakouri E, Lambrou GI, Koniari E, Kanakis C, Nikola OA, Theodorakidou M, Bethanis K, Tarantilis PA. Crocins: The Active Constituents of Crocus Sativus L. Stigmas, Exert Significant Cytotoxicity on Tumor Cells In Vitro. CURRENT CANCER THERAPY REVIEWS 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1573394714666181029120446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background::Tumors of the childhood are considered to be grave and devastating pathologies, with high mortality rates. Current therapeutic options like cytotoxic drugs and radiotherapy target both healthy and malignant cells, thus resulting in long-term neurological and intellectual sequelae and endocrinological disorders.Objectives::In this study, we focused on the anticancer potency of crocins, the main constituents of Crocus sativus L, stigmas. Crocins were first extracted using organic solvents from the dried stigmas and then were identified using the HPLC analysis.Materials and Methods::TE-671 cells were treated with the extract of crocins using a range of concentrations between 0.25-mg/ mL and 16 mg/mL. Viability of the cells was measured at 24h, 48h, 72h and 96h. In addition, we have examined the expression levels of the p53 gene using Real-Time Reverse Transcription PCR.Results::Results showed that crocins exerted significant cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects in a concentration and time - dependent-manner on TE-671 cells. Furthermore, p53 manifested similar expression pattern as the anti-proliferative effect of crocin.Conclusion::Our data demonstrate that crocins could be a novel promising agent for the improvement of tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Hatziagapiou
- Haematology and Oncology Unit, Choremeio Research Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 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
- Haematology and Oncology Unit, Choremeio Research Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Koniari
- Haematology and Oncology Unit, Choremeio Research Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalabos Kanakis
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, School of Food Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Olti A. Nikola
- Haematology and Oncology Unit, Choremeio Research Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Margarita Theodorakidou
- Haematology and Oncology Unit, Choremeio Research Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Bethanis
- Laboratory of Physics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Food Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, 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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Abstract
The Aromatic and Medicinal Plants sector has undergone a remarkable evolution, especially during the last decade. The global market is moving more and more towards products of natural origin. Indeed, of the 4200-existing plant in Morocco, 800 are listed as aromatic and medicinal plants. Among these plants, saffron is a source of income for many areas of Morocco. Saffron, the dried stigma of the Crocus sativus flower, is considered among the main terroir products of Morocco. Saffron has accompanied all civilizations, whether for its culinary role, for its quality of dye or its ancestral virtues rooted in folk medicine. This review highlights the main components of saffron, and the pharmacological activities that result from it and make this product a serious therapeutic hope. Then, a classification of uses of saffron was carried out according to its uses, traditional, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfumery without forgetting its use a spice incorporated in many dishes around the world.
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Consonni R, Cagliani LR. The potentiality of NMR-based metabolomics in food science and food authentication assessment. MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN CHEMISTRY : MRC 2019; 57:558-578. [PMID: 30447115 DOI: 10.1002/mrc.4807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the last years, there was an increasing interest on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, whose applications experienced an exponential growth in several research fields, particularly in food science. NMR was initially developed as the elective technique for structure elucidation of single molecules and nowadays is playing a dominant role in complex mixtures investigations. In the era of the "omics" techniques, NMR was rapidly enrolled as one of the most powerful methods to approach metabolomics studies. Its use in analytical routines, characterized by rapid and reproducible measurements, would provide the identification of a wide range of chemical compounds simultaneously, disclosing sophisticated frauds or addressing the geographical origin, as well as revealing potential markers for other authentication purposes. The great economic value of high-quality or guaranteed foods demands highly detailed characterization to protect both consumers and producers from frauds. The present scenario suggests metabolomics as the privileged approach of modern analytical studies for the next decades. The large potentiality of high-resolution NMR techniques is here presented through specific applications and using different approaches focused on the authentication process of some foods, like tomato paste, saffron, honey, roasted coffee, and balsamic and traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena, with a particular focus on geographical origin characterization, ageing determination, and fraud detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Consonni
- National Research Council, Institute for Macromolecular Studies (ISMAC), Lab. NMR, v. Corti 12, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Laura Ruth Cagliani
- National Research Council, Institute for Macromolecular Studies (ISMAC), Lab. NMR, v. Corti 12, Milan, 20133, Italy
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Esposito E, Drechsler M, Puglia C, Cortesi R. New Strategies for the Delivery of Some Natural Anti-oxidants with Therapeutic Properties. Mini Rev Med Chem 2019; 19:1030-1039. [DOI: 10.2174/1389557519666190228160242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nature offers tremendous potential in the medicine field. Natural antioxidant molecules inhibit or quench free radical reactions and delay or inhibit cellular damage. In the last few years, researchers have been focusing on the health benefits of natural products. Particularly some dietary nutrients, such as curcumin, crocin, resveratrol, quercetin, coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, as well as some polysaccharides have been evaluated for their numerous and unique therapeutic properties. This review focuses on examples of pharmaceutical applications of natural anti-oxidants, with special regards to their encapsulation in micro- and nano- delivery systems. In vitro and in vivo studies have been conducted to investigate the physicochemical and pharmacological properties of different delivery systems containing antioxidant molecules. For instance, ethosomes, organogels, monoolein aqueous dispersions and solid lipid nanoparticle have been considered. It was found that micro and nanoencapsulation strategy can improve the solubility of lipophilic molecules and the chemical stability of labile antioxidants, thus prolonging their efficacy. In vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted that antioxidant encapsulation prolongs release kinetics, bioavailability and antioxidant effects. Noticeably, some encapsulated antioxidants effectively inhibit cancer cell proliferation, cell migration and colony formation, thus suppressing cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Esposito
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Markus Drechsler
- Bavarian Polymerinstitute (BPI), Keylab "Electron and Optical Microscopy", University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Carmelo Puglia
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, I-95125-Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Cortesi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
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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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Senizza B, Rocchetti G, Ghisoni S, Busconi M, De Los Mozos Pascual M, Fernandez JA, Lucini L, Trevisan M. Identification of phenolic markers for saffron authenticity and origin: An untargeted metabolomics approach. Food Res Int 2019; 126:108584. [PMID: 31732022 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2019.108584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Saffron is a high-quality and expensive spice being widely subjected to adulteration. An UHPLC-ESI/QTOF-MS metabolomic-based approach was therefore used to investigate the discrimination potential between adulterated (added with different percentage of other parts of the flower) and authentic saffron, as well as to trace its geographical origin. Both unsupervised (hierarchical clustering) and supervised OPLS-DA multivariate statistics allowed discriminating authentic saffron from styles added of other floral components, as well as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) vs non PDO saffron samples according to their chemical fingerprints. The proposed markers were then validated through ROC curves. Anthocyanins and glycosidic flavonols were the best markers of the styles' adulteration. However, other flavonoids (mainly free flavonols and flavones), together with protocatechuic aldehyde and isomeric forms of hydroxybenzoic acid, were also validated as markers for the discrimination of PDO vs non PDO saffron samples. This work outlines the potential of untargeted metabolomics based on UHPLC-ESI/QTOF mass spectrometry for saffron authenticity and traceability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biancamaria Senizza
- Department for sustainable food process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Gabriele Rocchetti
- Department for sustainable food process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Silvia Ghisoni
- Department for sustainable food process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Matteo Busconi
- Department of sustainable crop production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Marcelino De Los Mozos Pascual
- Centro de Investigación Agroforestal de Albaladejito, Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal, Cuenca, Spain
| | - José Antonio Fernandez
- IDR-Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Luigi Lucini
- Department for sustainable food process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy.
| | - Marco Trevisan
- Department for sustainable food process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
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Rahmani J, Manzari N, Thompson J, Clark CC, Villanueva G, Varkaneh HK, Mirmiran P. The effect of saffron on weight and lipid profile: A systematic review, meta‐analysis, and dose–response of randomized clinical trials. Phytother Res 2019; 33:2244-2255. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Rahmani
- Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Student Research CommitteeShahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Nicla Manzari
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Jacqueline Thompson
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal SciencesUniversity of Oxford Oxford UK
| | | | | | - Hamed Kord Varkaneh
- Students' Scientific Research Center (SSRC)Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) Tehran Iran
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research InstituteShahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Parvin Mirmiran
- Nutrition and Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine ScienceShahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research InstituteShahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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Pittenauer E, Rados E, Tsarbopoulos A, Allmaier G. In-depth analysis of crocetin ester glycosides from dried/processed stigmas of Crocus sativus L. by HPLC-ESI-MS n (n = 2, 3). PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2019; 30:346-356. [PMID: 30644146 DOI: 10.1002/pca.2817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Saffron stigmas from Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) are used as a drug in folk medicine, as a food additive and as a dying agent for at least 3500 years. Despite this long-term use the chemical composition of saffron seems still to be not fully known. OBJECTIVE An analytical strategy for detailed investigations of aqueous saffron extract is developed based on reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation (HPLC-ESI) multistage mass spectrometry (MSn ) for crocins. METHODS Commercially available stigmas are analysed by reverse-phase HPLC in combination with ESI/three-dimensional (3D)-ion trap mass spectrometry (MS) and MSn (n = 2 and 3). Sodium chloride is added to the analyte solution ready for injection to promote abundant [M + Na]+ adduct ions of crocins, being ideal precursor ions for low-energy collision-induced dissociation (CID)-MS2/3 . RESULTS This strategy allows the detailed structural elucidation of known as well as previously unknown crocin derivatives (molecular mass of the aglycon, oligosaccharide chain length and linkage determination). The two isomeric trisaccharide substituents neapolitanose and gentiotriose are distinguished based on linkage-specific cross-ring cleavage for the first time. Furthermore, crocins containing up to six hexose units are also observed. Five novel crocin ester glycosides shifted by a mass difference of -40 Da indicate the presence of the here newly described C17 -aglycon, termed norcrocetin (crocetin = C20 ). CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate the action of at least two different carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCD2 and tentatively CCD4) during biosynthesis of this new bis-apocarotenoid aglycon (norcrocetin) and the existence of even higher glycosylated crocin derivatives at trace level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst Pittenauer
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology), Vienna, Austria
| | - Edita Rados
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology), Vienna, Austria
| | - Anthony Tsarbopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Bioanalytical Department, GAIA Research Centre, The Goulandris Natural History Museum, Kifissia, Greece
| | - Günter Allmaier
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology), Vienna, Austria
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Ahrazem O, Argandoña J, Fiore A, Rujas A, Rubio-Moraga Á, Castillo R, Gómez-Gómez L. Multi-species transcriptome analyses for the regulation of crocins biosynthesis in Crocus. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:320. [PMID: 31029081 PMCID: PMC6486981 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5666-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crocins are soluble apocarotenoids that mainly accumulate in the stigma tissue of Crocus sativus and provide the characteristic red color to saffron spice, in addition to being responsible for many of the medicinal properties of saffron. Crocin biosynthesis and accumulation in saffron is developmentally controlled, and the concentration of crocins increases as the stigma develops. Until now, little has been known about the molecular mechanisms governing crocin biosynthesis and accumulation. This study aimed to identify the first set of gene regulatory processes implicated in apocarotenoid biosynthesis and accumulation. RESULTS A large-scale crocin-mediated RNA-seq analysis was performed on saffron and two other Crocus species at two early developmental stages coincident with the initiation of crocin biosynthesis and accumulation. Pairwise comparison of unigene abundance among the samples identified potential regulatory transcription factors (TFs) involved in crocin biosynthesis and accumulation. We found a total of 131 (up- and downregulated) TFs representing a broad range of TF families in the analyzed transcriptomes; by comparison with the transcriptomes from the same developmental stages from other Crocus species, a total of 11 TF were selected as candidate regulators controlling crocin biosynthesis and accumulation. CONCLUSIONS Our study generated gene expression profiles of stigmas at two key developmental stages for apocarotenoid accumulation in three different Crocus species. Differential gene expression analyses allowed the identification of transcription factors that provide evidence of environmental and developmental control of the apocarotenoid biosynthetic pathway at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oussama Ahrazem
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - Javier Argandoña
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - Alessia Fiore
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development, Casaccia Research Centre, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Rujas
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - Ángela Rubio-Moraga
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - Raquel Castillo
- VITAB Laboratorios. Polígono Industrial Garysol C/ Pino, parcela 53, 02110 La Gineta, Albacete, Spain
| | - Lourdes Gómez-Gómez
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain.
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Paolis AD, Frugis G, Giannino D, Iannelli MA, Mele G, Rugini E, Silvestri C, Sparvoli F, Testone G, Mauro ML, Nicolodi C, Caretto S. Plant Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology: Following Mariotti's Steps. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 8:E18. [PMID: 30634627 PMCID: PMC6359066 DOI: 10.3390/plants8010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This review is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Domenico Mariotti, who significantly contributed to establishing the Italian research community in Agricultural Genetics and carried out the first experiments of Agrobacterium-mediated plant genetic transformation and regeneration in Italy during the 1980s. Following his scientific interests as guiding principles, this review summarizes the recent advances obtained in plant biotechnology and fundamental research aiming to: (i) Exploit in vitro plant cell and tissue cultures to induce genetic variability and to produce useful metabolites; (ii) gain new insights into the biochemical function of Agrobacterium rhizogenes rol genes and their application to metabolite production, fruit tree transformation, and reverse genetics; (iii) improve genetic transformation in legume species, most of them recalcitrant to regeneration; (iv) untangle the potential of KNOTTED1-like homeobox (KNOX) transcription factors in plant morphogenesis as key regulators of hormonal homeostasis; and (v) elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the transition from juvenility to the adult phase in Prunus tree species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo De Paolis
- Istituto di Scienze delle Produzioni Alimentari (ISPA), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Frugis
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria (IBBA), UOS Roma, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Salaria Km. 29,300, Monterotondo Scalo, 00015 Roma, Italy.
| | - Donato Giannino
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria (IBBA), UOS Roma, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Salaria Km. 29,300, Monterotondo Scalo, 00015 Roma, Italy.
| | - Maria Adelaide Iannelli
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria (IBBA), UOS Roma, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Salaria Km. 29,300, Monterotondo Scalo, 00015 Roma, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Mele
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria (IBBA), UOS Roma, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Salaria Km. 29,300, Monterotondo Scalo, 00015 Roma, Italy.
| | - Eddo Rugini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali (DAFNE), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Via San Camillo De Lellis S.N.C., 01100 Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Cristian Silvestri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali (DAFNE), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Via San Camillo De Lellis S.N.C., 01100 Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Francesca Sparvoli
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria (IBBA), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Giulio Testone
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria (IBBA), UOS Roma, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Salaria Km. 29,300, Monterotondo Scalo, 00015 Roma, Italy.
| | - Maria Luisa Mauro
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy.
| | - Chiara Nicolodi
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria (IBBA), UOS Roma, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Salaria Km. 29,300, Monterotondo Scalo, 00015 Roma, Italy.
| | - Sofia Caretto
- Istituto di Scienze delle Produzioni Alimentari (ISPA), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
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