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Pourmousavi L, Asadi RH, Zehsaz F, Jadidi RP. Potential therapeutic effects of crocin. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03131-6. [PMID: 38758225 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03131-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Crocin, a natural bioactive compound derived from saffron (Crocus sativus) and other Crocus genera, has gained significant attention recently due to its potential therapeutic properties. The multifaceted nature of crocin's biological effects has piqued the interest of researchers and health enthusiasts, prompting further investigations into its mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications. This review article comprehensively explores the emerging evidence supporting crocin's role as a promising ally in protecting against metabolic disorders. The review covers the molecular mechanisms underlying crocin's beneficial effects and highlights its potential applications in preventing and treating diverse pathological conditions. Understanding the mechanisms through which crocin exerts its protective effects could advance scientific knowledge and offer potential avenues for developing novel therapeutic interventions. As we uncover the potential of crocin as a valuable ally in the fight against disorders, it becomes evident that nature's palette holds remarkable solutions for enhancing our health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laleh Pourmousavi
- Department of Sport Sciences, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Farzad Zehsaz
- Department of Sport Sciences, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
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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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Rezaeimanesh N, Rafiee P, Saeedi R, Khosravian P, Sahraian MA, Eskandarieh S, Moghadasi AN, Jahromi SR. The effect of crocin-selenium nanoparticles on the cognition and oxidative stress markers of multiple sclerosis patients: a randomized triple-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial. Biometals 2024; 37:305-319. [PMID: 37917350 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-023-00548-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is estimated to be approximately 40-60%. There is an increasing body of evidence regarding the impact of both selenium and crocin as antioxidant agents on cognitive function. In the present study, for the first time, we investigated the effect of crocin-selenium nanoparticles (Cor@SeNs) on cognitive function and oxidative stress markers in MS patients. A triple-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted among 60 MS patients. The participants were randomly divided in a 1:1 ratio to either the Cor@SeNs or placebo group, employing block randomization. During the course of 12 weeks, the participants received Cor@SeNs capsules, containing 5.74 mg crocin and 55 mcg Selenium, or placebo capsules. Cognition assessed using the Persian version of the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) battery. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione reductase (GR) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) determined by colorimetric kits. Data analysis was performed in SPSS, version 26. P < 0.05 was considered as the significant range. The mean ± SD of TAC change was 0.03 ± 0.07 mM vs. - 0.03 ± 0.09 mM in intervention and placebo groups, respectively (Time × group effect P: 0.01; effect size: 0.10). The time effect of intervention on the California Verbal Learning Test second edition (CVLT-II) (P < 0.01; effect size: 0.29), CVLT-II-delay (P < 0.01; effect size: 0.29), and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (P < 0.01; effect size: 0.18) was increasing and significant. In addition, the time effect of intervention on GR activity was significant and decreasing in both groups (P < 0.01; effect size: 0.20). Our results suggested a significant effect of the Cor@SeNs intervention in improving TAC. We also observed a significant improvement in cognitive function in both groups during our study. However, although not statistically significant, a higher amount of change in cognitive function and serum antioxidant markers was noted in the Cor@SeNs group compared to the placebo group. This is the first study on this nano product with low dose of selenium and crocin. More investigations with longer duration and varied doses are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Rezaeimanesh
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Sina MS Research Center, Sina Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Hasan Abad Sq., Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Rafiee
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Sina MS Research Center, Sina Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Hasan Abad Sq., Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghayyeh Saeedi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Sina MS Research Center, Sina Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Hasan Abad Sq., Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Khosravian
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sahraian
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Sina MS Research Center, Sina Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Hasan Abad Sq., Tehran, Iran
| | - Sharareh Eskandarieh
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Sina MS Research Center, Sina Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Hasan Abad Sq., Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Sina MS Research Center, Sina Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Hasan Abad Sq., Tehran, Iran.
| | - Soodeh Razeghi Jahromi
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Sina MS Research Center, Sina Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Hasan Abad Sq., Tehran, Iran.
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Liu L, Wang B, Huang A, Zhang H, Li Y, Wang L. Biological characteristics of the bacteriophage LDT325 and its potential application against the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1370332. [PMID: 38533332 PMCID: PMC10964948 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1370332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bud blight disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae is a major bacterial disease of tea plants in China. Concerns regarding the emergence of bacterial resistance to conventional copper controls have indicated the need to devise new methods of disease biocontrol. Phage-based biocontrol may be a sustainable approach to combat bacterial pathogens. In this study, a P. syringae phage was isolated from soil samples. Based on morphological characteristics, bacteriophage vB_PsS_LDT325 belongs to the Siphoviridae family; it has an icosahedral head with a diameter of 53 ± 1 nm and nonretractable tails measuring 110 ± 1 nm. The latent period and burst size of the phage were 10 min and 17 plaque-forming units (PFU)/cell, respectively. Furthermore, an analysis of the biological traits showed that the optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) of the phage was 0.01. When the temperature exceeded 60°C, the phage titer began to decrease. The phage exhibited tolerance to a wide range of pH (3-11) and maintained relatively stable pH tolerance. It showed a high tolerance to chloroform, but was sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light. The effects of phage LDT325 in treating P. syringae infections in vivo were evaluated using a tea plant. Plants were inoculated with 2 × 107 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL P. syringae using the needle-prick method and air-dried. Subsequently, plants were inoculated with 2 × 107 PFU/mL LDT325 phage. Compared with control plants, the bacterial count was reduced by 1 log10/0.5 g after 4 days in potted tea plants inoculated with the phage. These results underscore the phage as a potential antibacterial agent for controlling P. syringae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lei Wang
- College of Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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Ebrahimi N, Javadinia SA, Salek R, Fanipakdel A, Sepahi S, Dehghani M, Valizadeh N, Mohajeri SA. Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Concurrent Use of Crocin During Chemoradiation for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Invest 2024; 42:155-164. [PMID: 38385429 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2024.2319754] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Crocin is the major active carotenoid of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Its pluripotent effects have led to a growing body of literature investigating its antitumor properties as well as its diverse potentials for mood stabilization, normal tissue protection, and inflammation reduction; However, there is a gap in clinical trials testing this substance in cancer patients. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, patients with newly diagnosed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were randomly assigned to either 30 mg/day of crocin or placebo, prescribed during the neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. The primary endpoints were pathological response and toxicity, and secondary endpoints were depression and anxiety levels and survival analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Ebrahimi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Alireza Javadinia
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Roham Salek
- Cancer Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Azar Fanipakdel
- Cancer Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Samaneh Sepahi
- Food and Beverages Safety Research Center, Urmia University of Medical sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Dehghani
- Cancer Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Niloufar Valizadeh
- Department of Radiology, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Seyed Ahmad Mohajeri
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Khan M, Hearn K, Parry C, Rasid M, Brim H, Ashktorab H, Kwabi-Addo B. Mechanism of Antitumor Effects of Saffron in Human Prostate Cancer Cells. Nutrients 2023; 16:114. [PMID: 38201944 PMCID: PMC10780623 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010114] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the USA. Several studies have demonstrated the antitumor properties of saffron in different types of cancers, including prostate cancer. The oral administration of saffron extract has been reported to have antitumor effects on aggressive prostate-cancer-cell-line-derived xenografts in nude male mice. The objective of this study was to carry out in vitro studies of saffron-treated prostate cancer cells to ascertain the effects of saffron on key intermediates in prostate carcinogenesis. Our studies demonstrated the significant inhibition of cell proliferation for androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cell lines via apoptotic pathways. We also demonstrate the statistically significant down-regulation of DNA methyltransferases (COMT, MGMT, EHMT2, and SIRT1 deacetylase) in saffron-treated prostate cancer cells. In addition, saffron-treated prostate cancer cells displayed a statistically significant dysregulation of DNA repair intermediates (WRN, p53, RECQ5, MST1R, and WDR70) in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, Western blot analysis demonstrated that saffron treatment induced changes in the expression of other key genes (DNMT1, DNMT3b, MBD2, CD44, HDAC3, c-Myc, NF-kB, TNFα, AR, N-RAS, and PTEN) in prostate cancer cells. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the important mechanisms by which saffron mediates anti-tumor properties in prostate cancer. These findings suggest that the use of saffron supplements alongside standard treatment protocols may yield beneficial effects for individuals with prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Hearn
- Department of Life Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA;
| | - Christian Parry
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Mudasir Rasid
- Cancer Center, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (M.R.); (H.A.)
| | - Hassan Brim
- Department of Pathology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Hassan Ashktorab
- Cancer Center, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (M.R.); (H.A.)
| | - Bernard Kwabi-Addo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA
- Cancer Center, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (M.R.); (H.A.)
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Zhou J, Huang D, Liu C, Hu Z, Li H, Lou S. Research Progress in Heterologous Crocin Production. Mar Drugs 2023; 22:22. [PMID: 38248646 PMCID: PMC10820313 DOI: 10.3390/md22010022] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Crocin is one of the most valuable components of the Chinese medicinal plant Crocus sativus and is widely used in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Traditional planting of C. sativus is unable to fulfill the increasing demand for crocin in the global market, however, such that researchers have turned their attention to the heterologous production of crocin in a variety of hosts. At present, there are reports of successful heterologous production of crocin in Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, microalgae, and plants that do not naturally produce crocin. Of these, the microalga Dunaliella salina, which produces high levels of β-carotene, the substrate for crocin biosynthesis, is worthy of attention. This article describes the biosynthesis of crocin, compares the features of each heterologous host, and clarifies the requirements for efficient production of crocin in microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zhou
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; (J.Z.); (D.H.); (C.L.); (Z.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Danqiong Huang
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; (J.Z.); (D.H.); (C.L.); (Z.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Chenglong Liu
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; (J.Z.); (D.H.); (C.L.); (Z.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Zhangli Hu
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; (J.Z.); (D.H.); (C.L.); (Z.H.); (H.L.)
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Hui Li
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; (J.Z.); (D.H.); (C.L.); (Z.H.); (H.L.)
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Sulin Lou
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; (J.Z.); (D.H.); (C.L.); (Z.H.); (H.L.)
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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Haseli R, Honarvar M, Yavari K, Ghavami M. Synergistic anticancer effects of crocin combined with deuterium-depleted water on HT-29 cells. Anticancer Drugs 2023; 34:1162-1170. [PMID: 36847076 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world and the study of the role of nutrients in preventing or inhibiting the growth of this cancer is of interest to scientists. In this article, the synergistic effect of deuterium-depleted water(DDW) and crocin at specific concentrations on HT-29 cells was investigated. In this regard, HT-29 cells were grown in RPMI medium containing DDW, alone and in combination with crocin for 24, 48 and 72 h. Cell viability, cell cycle changes and antioxidant enzymes status were determined by MTT assay, flow cytometry and quantitative luminescence methods, respectively. The results of these analyses proved the cell growth inhibitory effect of deuterium alone and its synergistic effect in combination with crocin. The cell cycle analysis showed an increase in the number of cells in the G0 and G1 phases whereas there was a decrease in the number of cells in the S, G2 and M phases. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes also decreased compared to the control group that is a reason to increase Malonyl dialdehyde factor. The results suggested that a combination of DDW and crocin can open a new strategic approach in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Haseli
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University
| | - Masoud Honarvar
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University
| | - Kamal Yavari
- Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Ghavami
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University
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Ellis SLS, Dada S, Nohara LL, Saranchova I, Munro L, Pfeifer CG, Eyford BA, Morova T, Williams DE, Cheng P, Lack NA, Andersen RJ, Jefferies WA. Curcuphenol possesses an unusual histone deacetylase enhancing activity that counters immune escape in metastatic tumours. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1119620. [PMID: 37637416 PMCID: PMC10449465 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1119620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Curcuphenol, a common component of the culinary spices, naturally found in marine invertebrates and plants, has been identified as a novel candidate for reversing immune escape by restoring expression of the antigen presentation machinery (APM) in invasive cancers, thereby resurrecting the immune recognition of metastatic tumours. Two synthetic curcuphenol analogues, were prepared by informed design that demonstrated consistent induction of APM expression in metastatic prostate and lung carcinoma cells. Both analogues were subsequently found to possess a previously undescribed histone deacetylase (HDAC)-enhancing activity. Remarkably, the H3K27ac ChIPseq analysis of curcuphenol-treated cells reveals that the induced epigenomic marks closely resemble the changes in genome-wide pattern observed with interferon-γ, a cytokine instrumental for orchestrating innate and adaptive immunity. These observations link dietary components to modifying epigenetic programs that modulate gene expression guiding poised immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. S. Ellis
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah Dada
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Departments of Medical Genetics, Zoology, and Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lilian L. Nohara
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Iryna Saranchova
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Departments of Medical Genetics, Zoology, and Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lonna Munro
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cheryl G. Pfeifer
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brett A. Eyford
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tunc Morova
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David E. Williams
- Departments of Chemistry and Earth Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ping Cheng
- Departments of Chemistry and Earth Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nathan A. Lack
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Raymond J. Andersen
- Departments of Chemistry and Earth Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wilfred A. Jefferies
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Departments of Medical Genetics, Zoology, and Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Aissa R, Ibourki M, Ait Bouzid H, Bijla L, Oubannin S, Sakar EH, Jadouali S, Hermansyah A, Goh KW, Ming LC, Bouyahya A, Gharby S. Phytochemistry, quality control and medicinal uses of Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.): an updated review. J Med Life 2023; 16:822-836. [PMID: 37675158 PMCID: PMC10478662 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2022-0353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Saffron, botanically known as Crocus sativus L., is renowned as the world's most expensive spice and has been utilized in various fields since ancient times. Extensive scientific research has been conducted on Crocus sativus (C. sativus), focusing on its phytochemical composition, diverse applications, and biological activities. C. sativus phytochemicals consist mainly of three compounds, namely crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal, which are responsible for most of its properties. Saffron is rich in bioactive compounds, more than 150 of which have been isolated. Owing to its unique composition and properties, saffron is used in various fields, such as the food industry, perfumery, cosmetics, pharmaceutics, and medicine. However, the high economic value of saffron makes it susceptible to adulteration and various fraudulent practices. To deal with this issue, a number of methods and techniques have been developed to authenticate and determine adulterants in saffron. This paper presents a bibliometric study of saffron based on the Web of Science database, analyzing 3,735 studies published between 2000 and 2021. The study also examined author participation and collaboration networks among countries. Production, transformation, chemical composition, methods of adulteration detection, uses, and health properties of saffron are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabha Aissa
- Department of Bio-Industrial Engineering & Environment, Bioprocesses and Environment Team, Superior School of Technology, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Ibourki
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control Team, Laboratory of Analysis Modeling, Engineering, Natural Substances and Environment, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Hasna Ait Bouzid
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control Team, Laboratory of Analysis Modeling, Engineering, Natural Substances and Environment, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Laila Bijla
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control Team, Laboratory of Analysis Modeling, Engineering, Natural Substances and Environment, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Samira Oubannin
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control Team, Laboratory of Analysis Modeling, Engineering, Natural Substances and Environment, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco
| | - El Hassan Sakar
- Laboratory of Biology, Ecology, and Health, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Simohamed Jadouali
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Bioanalysis and Bioinformatics, Superior School of Technology, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Khenifra, Morocco
| | - Andi Hermansyah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Khang Wen Goh
- Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Long Chiau Ming
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Sunway City, Malaysia
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Abdelhakim Bouyahya
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Said Gharby
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control Team, Laboratory of Analysis Modeling, Engineering, Natural Substances and Environment, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco
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11
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Nohara LL, Ellis SLS, Dreier C, Dada S, Saranchova I, Munro L, Pfeifer CG, Coyle KM, Morrice JR, Shim DJS, Ahn P, De Voogd N, Williams DE, Cheng P, Garrovillas E, Andersen RJ, Jefferies WA. A novel cell-based screen identifies chemical entities that reverse the immune-escape phenotype of metastatic tumours. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1119607. [PMID: 37256225 PMCID: PMC10225555 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1119607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic and epigenetic events have been implicated in the downregulation of the cellular antigen processing and presentation machinery (APM), which in turn, has been associated with cancer evasion of the immune system. When these essential components are lacking, cancers develop the ability to subvert host immune surveillance allowing cancer cells to become invisible to the immune system and, in turn, promote cancer metastasis. Here we describe and validate the first high-throughput cell-based screening assay to identify chemical extracts and unique chemical entities that reverse the downregulation of APM components in cell lines derived from metastatic tumours. Through the screening of a library of 480 marine invertebrate extracts followed by bioassay-guided fractionation, curcuphenol, a common sesquiterpene phenol derived from turmeric, was identified as the active compound of one of the extracts. We demonstrate that curcuphenol induces the expression of the APM components, TAP-1 and MHC-I molecules, in cell lines derived from both metastatic prostate and lung carcinomas. Turmeric and curcumins that contain curcuphenol have long been utilized not only as a spice in the preparation of food, but also in traditional medicines for treating cancers. The remarkable discovery that a common component of spices can increase the expression of APM components in metastatic tumour cells and, therefore reverse immune-escape mechanisms, provides a rationale for the development of foods and advanced nutraceuticals as therapeutic candidates for harnessing the power of the immune system to recognize and destroy metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian L. Nohara
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Samantha L. S. Ellis
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Carola Dreier
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah Dada
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Departments of Medical Genetics, Zoology, and Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Iryna Saranchova
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Departments of Medical Genetics, Zoology, and Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lonna Munro
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cheryl G. Pfeifer
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Krysta M. Coyle
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Jessica R. Morrice
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel Joo Sung Shim
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul Ahn
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nicole De Voogd
- Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity Naturalis, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - David E. Williams
- Departments of Chemistry and Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ping Cheng
- Departments of Chemistry and Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Garrovillas
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Raymond J. Andersen
- Departments of Chemistry and Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wilfred A. Jefferies
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Departments of Medical Genetics, Zoology, and Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Goyal A, Verma A, Agrawal A, Dubey N, Kumar A, Behl T. Therapeutic implications of crocin in Parkinson's disease: A review of preclinical research. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 101:1229-1240. [PMID: 36752710 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is among the most common forms of neurodegenerative illness, with present treatment being primarily symptomatic and frequently coming with substantial adverse effects. Neuronal degeneration may arise due to a variety of pathological events, like inflammatory responses, neurotransmitter dysregulation, oxidative damage, mitochondrial malfunction, apoptosis, and genetic factors. The health issue and financial burden brought on by Parkinson's disease can worsen as the population ages. In the search for new and secure therapeutic agents for Parkinson's disease, several natural compounds have been shown to exert considerable neuroprotective benefits. Crocin, a naturally occurring carotenoid molecule, was found to have neuroprotective potential in the therapy of this disorder. Taking into account, the outcomes of various studies and the restorative actions of crocin, the present study emphasized the protective ability of crocin in this disease. Given the strong evidence supporting the neuroprotective ability of crocin, it is inferred that crocin inhibits inflammatory, apoptotic, and antioxidant processes through multiple mechanisms. Therefore, this compound is considered a safe and effective therapeutic choice for neurodegenerative illnesses like Parkinson's disease. However, more research on its efficacy as a treatment of Parkinson's disease is needed, specifically examining its mechanisms and the results obtained in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahsas Goyal
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Aanchal Verma
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anant Agrawal
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nandini Dubey
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abhay Kumar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Bidohli, Uttarakhand, India
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Matraszek-Gawron R, Chwil M, Terlecki K, Skoczylas MM. Current Knowledge of the Antidepressant Activity of Chemical Compounds from Crocus sativus L. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:58. [PMID: 36678554 PMCID: PMC9860663 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychotropic effect of Crocus sativus L. (family Iridaceae) biologically active chemical compounds are quite well documented and they can therefore be used in addition to the conventional pharmacological treatment of depression. This systematic review on antidepressant compounds in saffron crocus and their mechanisms of action and side effects is based on publications released between 1995−2022 and data indexed in 15 databases under the following search terms: antidepressant effect, central nervous system, Crocus sativus, cognitive impairement, crocin, crocetin, depression, dopamine, dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, picrocrocin, phytotherapy, neurotransmitters, safranal, saffron, serotonin, and biologically active compounds. The comparative analysis of the publications was based on 414 original research papers. The investigated literature indicates the effectiveness and safety of aqueous and alcoholic extracts and biologically active chemical compounds (alkaloids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, flavonoid, phenolic, saponins, and terpenoids) isolated from various organs (corms, leaves, flower petal, and stigmas) in adjuvant treatment of depression and anxiety. Monoamine reuptake inhibition, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-α agonism are the main proposed mechanism of the antidepressant action. The antidepressant and neuroprotective effect of extract components is associated with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The mechanism of their action, interactions with conventional drugs and other herbal preparations and the safety of use are not fully understood; therefore, further detailed research in this field is necessary. The presented results regarding the application of C. sativus in phytotherapy are promising in terms of the use of herbal preparations to support the treatment of depression. This is particularly important given the steady increase in the incidence of this disease worldwide and social effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Matraszek-Gawron
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 15 Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mirosława Chwil
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 15 Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Karol Terlecki
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, Medical University of Lublin, Racławickie 1 Street, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Marian Skoczylas
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1 Street, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
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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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Ma S, Fan W, Zhang J. Network pharmacology study on the potential effect mechanism of Chuanzhi Tongluo Capsule in the treatment of cerebral infarction. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30916. [PMID: 36254030 PMCID: PMC9575740 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chuanxiong Tongluo capsules have been widely used to treat recovered stroke and cerebral infarction, but their specific therapeutic mechanism is not well understood. METHODS This study aims to investigate the mechanism of action for Chuanzhi Tongluo capsule on cerebral infarction based on a network pharmacology approach. The TCMSP platform collected the chemical composition of Chuanzhi Tongluo capsules. Its potential targets were predicted by Swiss target prediction and standardized using the Uniprot database for gene normalization. Meanwhile, the OMIM, Genecards, and TTD databases were used to obtain the targets related to cerebral infarction. The standard targets of Chuanzhi Tongluo capsule and cerebral infarction were uploaded to the STRING database to construct protein-protein interaction networks. Topological methods analyzed the key targets and components in the drug-component-disease-target network. Gene ontology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of the shared targets were performed using the DAVID database. RESULTS A total of 105 active ingredients and 427 targets were associated with Chuanzhi Tongluo capsule, and there were 3055 targets related to cerebral infarction disease and 240 common targets between the two keywords. The key targets included INS, ALB, IL-6, VEGFA, TNF, and TP53. The conduction pathways involved include the calcium signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. CONCLUSION The active ingredients in Chuanzhi Tongluo capsule may participate in the therapeutic process of cerebral infarction by regulating the calcium, cAMP, cGMP-PKG, and TNF signaling pathway through critical targets such as INS, ALB, IL-6, VEGFA, TNF, and TP53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenhui Fan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianxin Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Jianxin Zhang, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, No.247, Beiyuan Road, Tianqiao District, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China (e-mail: )
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16
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Alsantali RI, El-badrawy AM, Alsharif MA, Ahmed SA, Fadda AA. Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation of New Porphyrin and Metalloporphyrin Derivatives. Polycycl Aromat Compd 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/10406638.2022.2124285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reem I. Alsantali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afnan M. El-badrawy
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Meshari A. Alsharif
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A. Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A. Fadda
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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17
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Kianmehr M, Mahdizadeh F, Khazdair MR. The effects of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) and its ingredients on dietary intakes in cardiovascular disease in Iranian population: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:890532. [PMID: 35990354 PMCID: PMC9386225 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.890532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most common causes of mortality around the world. The aim of this study is to summarize and conclude the clinical evidence regarding the use of Crocus sativus (C. sativus) and its ingredients on cardiovascular risk factors. A systematic search was conducted with PubMed, Web of Science (ISI), and Scopus in the English language from 2015 until September 2021. A fixed-effect or random-effects model were applied to pool standard mean difference (SMD) and its 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Randomized controlled studies that assessed the clinical effects of C. sativus and its ingredients on dietary intake (Energy, Carbohydrate, Protein, and total Fat) in human subjects were included. Seven studies comprising 421 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Pooling of results showed significant effect of saffron on total fat (−0.14; 95% CI: −0.49 to 0.20; I2 = 57.3%) and significant effect of crocin on Energy (0.94; 95% CI: −0.77 to 2.65; I2 = 95.9%), Carbohydrate (0.44; 95% CI: −0.74 to 1.62; I2 = 92.6%), and Protein (−0.04; 95% CI: −0.26 to 0.34; I2 = 0.0%). Present meta-analysis suggests that treatment with crocins is more effective than saffron in energy, carbohydrate, and protein, while saffron is more effective than crocins in fat. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fateme Mahdizadeh
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Khazdair
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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18
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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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19
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Guo H, Ruan C, Zhan X, Pan H, Luo Y, Gao K. Crocetin Protected Human Hepatocyte LO2 Cell From TGF-β-Induced Oxygen Stress and Apoptosis but Promoted Proliferation and Autophagy via AMPK/m-TOR Pathway. Front Public Health 2022; 10:909125. [PMID: 35836988 PMCID: PMC9273739 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.909125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the protective effects of crocetin against transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)—induced injury in LO2 cells. Methods Human hepatocyte LO2 cells were pre-treated with crocetin (10 μM) for 6, 12, and 24 h, and then induced by TGF-β. Proliferation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and related proteins were assessed. Results Crocetin pre-treating promoted proliferation but suppressed apoptosis in TGF-β-induced LO2 cells. Crocetin protected LO2 cells from TGF-β-induced inflammation and oxygen stress by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) but enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). Autophagy was suppressed in TGF-β but crocetin promoted autophagy in LO2 cells by mediating Adenosine 5'-monophosphate—activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (m-TOR) signaling pathway via upregulating p-AMPK and p-Beclin-1 but downregulating p-mTOR. Conclusions Crocetin protected LO2 cells from TGF-β-induced damage by promoting proliferation and autophagy, and suppressing apoptosis and anti-inflammation via regulation of AMPK/m-TOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxing Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenyu Ruan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuhong Zhan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yumei Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Gao
- Department of Pathology, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Foshan, China
- *Correspondence: Ke Gao
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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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Sepahi S, Golfakhrabadi M, Bonakdaran S, Lotfi H, Mohajeri SA. Effect of crocin on diabetic patients a Placebo- controlled, triple-blinded clinical trial. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022; 50:255-263. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Selective terpene based therapeutic deep eutectic systems against colorectal cancer. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 175:13-26. [PMID: 35483600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains a major health problem worldwide, with colorectal cancer (CRC) being the third most incident and the second most lethal. Inflammation, on the other hand, has been highly associated with cancer development and maintenance, therefore, the reduction of the inflammatory microenvironment represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Deep eutectic systems (DES) are based on the combination of different components which together, at a certain molar ratio, present a deep decrease in their melting point compared with the individual compounds. When an active pharmaceutical ingredient is part of a DES it is designated by therapeutic deep eutectic system (THEDES). New THEDES combining terpenes with anticancer properties, such as safranal, menthol and linalool, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, ketoprofen and flurbiprofen were produced. To evaluate THEDES anti-CRC therapeutic potential, their physico-chemical properties, bioavailability and bioactivity, were explored. Our results show that safranal:ibuprofen (3:1), safranal:ibuprofen (4:1) and menthol:ibuprofen (3:1) present promising therapeutic activity towards CRC cells due to a selective cytotoxic action towards cancer cells. menthol:ibuprofen (3:1) anti-proliferative action seems to be related with cell membrane disruption, reduction of the inflammation through the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and induction of apoptosis via caspase-3. On the other hand, safranal:ibuprofen (3:1) and safafranal:ibuprofen (4:1) seem to prevent tumour expansion only through the induction of apoptosis via caspase-3. Besides, these systems present an increase in ibuprofen permeability, with menthol:ibuprofen (3:1) increasing also ibuprofen's solubility thus its overall bioavailability. Knowing that cancer is a huge problematic situation that requires alternative therapies with less side effects, improved efficacy, associated with less costs and environmentally friendly, a new opportunity emerges for DES to be part of the pharmaceutical industry.
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Guo ZL, Li MX, Li XL, Wang P, Wang WG, Du WZ, Yang ZQ, Chen SF, Wu D, Tian XY. Crocetin: A Systematic Review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:745683. [PMID: 35095483 PMCID: PMC8795768 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.745683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocetin is an aglycone of crocin naturally occurring in saffron and produced in biological systems by hydrolysis of crocin as a bioactive metabolite. It is known to exist in several medicinal plants, the desiccative ripe fruit of the cape jasmine belonging to the Rubiaceae family, and stigmas of the saffron plant of the Iridaceae family. According to modern pharmacological investigations, crocetin possesses cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antidepressant, antiviral, anticancer, atherosclerotic, antidiabetic, and memory-enhancing properties. Although poor bioavailability hinders therapeutic applications, derivatization and formulation preparation technologies have broadened the application prospects for crocetin. To promote the research and development of crocetin, we summarized the distribution, preparation and production, total synthesis and derivatization technology, pharmacological activity, pharmacokinetics, drug safety, drug formulations, and preparation of crocetin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Liang Guo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese of PLA, Gansu Plateau Pharmaceutical Technology Center, Lanzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mao-Xing Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese of PLA, Gansu Plateau Pharmaceutical Technology Center, Lanzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese of PLA, Gansu Plateau Pharmaceutical Technology Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese of PLA, Gansu Plateau Pharmaceutical Technology Center, Lanzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei-Gang Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese of PLA, Gansu Plateau Pharmaceutical Technology Center, Lanzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei-Ze Du
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese of PLA, Gansu Plateau Pharmaceutical Technology Center, Lanzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese of PLA, Gansu Plateau Pharmaceutical Technology Center, Lanzhou, China.,Institute of Chemical Technology, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sheng-Fu Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese of PLA, Gansu Plateau Pharmaceutical Technology Center, Lanzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese of PLA, Gansu Plateau Pharmaceutical Technology Center, Lanzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiu-Yu Tian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese of PLA, Gansu Plateau Pharmaceutical Technology Center, Lanzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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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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25
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ALBARIDI NA, YEHIA HM. The real role of select herb and spice extracts against Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579 growth in cooked rice. FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/fst.08521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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26
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Butnariu M, Quispe C, Herrera-Bravo J, Sharifi-Rad J, Singh L, Aborehab NM, Bouyahya A, Venditti A, Sen S, Acharya K, Bashiry M, Ezzat SM, Setzer WN, Martorell M, Mileski KS, Bagiu IC, Docea AO, Calina D, Cho WC. The Pharmacological Activities of Crocus sativus L.: A Review Based on the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities of its Phytoconstituents. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8214821. [PMID: 35198096 PMCID: PMC8860555 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8214821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Crocus species are mainly distributed in North Africa, Southern and Central Europe, and Western Asia, used in gardens and parks as ornamental plants, while Crocus sativus L. (saffron) is the only species that is cultivated for edible purpose. The use of saffron is very ancient; besides the use as a spice, saffron has long been known also for its medical and coloring qualities. Due to its distinctive flavor and color, it is used as a spice, which imparts food preservative activity owing to its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. This updated review discusses the biological properties of Crocus sativus L. and its phytoconstituents, their pharmacological activities, signaling pathways, and molecular targets, therefore highlighting it as a potential herbal medicine. Clinical studies regarding its pharmacologic potential in clinical therapeutics and toxicity studies were also reviewed. For this updated review, a search was performed in the PubMed, Science, and Google Scholar databases using keywords related to Crocus sativus L. and the biological properties of its phytoconstituents. From this search, only the relevant works were selected. The phytochemistry of the most important bioactive compounds in Crocus sativus L. such as crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal and also dozens of other compounds was studied and identified by various physicochemical methods. Isolated compounds and various extracts have proven their pharmacological efficacy at the molecular level and signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, toxicity studies and clinical trials were analyzed. The research results highlighted the various pharmacological potentials such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antidepressant, hypolipidemic, and antihyperglycemic properties and protector of retinal lesions. Due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, saffron has proven effective as a natural food preservative. Starting from the traditional uses for the treatment of several diseases, the bioactive compounds of Crocus sativus L. have proven their effectiveness in modern pharmacological research. However, pharmacological studies are needed in the future to identify new mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic studies, new pharmaceutical formulations for target transport, and possible interaction with allopathic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Butnariu
- 1Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Quispe
- 2Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Avda Arturo Prat 2120, Iquique 1110939, Chile
| | - Jesús Herrera-Bravo
- 3Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, Chile
- 4Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | | | - Laxman Singh
- 6G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Nora M. Aborehab
- 7Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October 12566, Egypt
| | - Abdelhakim Bouyahya
- 8Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Genomic Center of Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco
| | - Alessandro Venditti
- 9Dipartimento di Chimica, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Surjit Sen
- 10Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
- 11Department of Botany, Fakir Chand College, Diamond Harbour, West Bengal 743331, India
| | - Krishnendu Acharya
- 10Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Moein Bashiry
- 12Department of Food Science and Technology, Nutrition and Food Sciences Faculty, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Shahira M. Ezzat
- 13Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Ainy Street, Cairo 11562, Egypt
- 14Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October 12566, Egypt
| | - William N. Setzer
- 15Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA
| | - Miquel Martorell
- 16Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Ksenija S. Mileski
- 17Department of Morphology and Systematic of Plants, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Iulia-Cristina Bagiu
- 18Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara Discipline of Microbiology, Timișoara, Romania
- 19Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Anca Oana Docea
- 20Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniela Calina
- 21Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - William C. Cho
- 22Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Intraperitoneal Lavage with Crocus sativus Prevents Postoperative-Induced Peritoneal Adhesion in a Rat Model: Evidence from Animal and Cellular Studies. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:5945101. [PMID: 34956439 PMCID: PMC8702342 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5945101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Postoperative peritoneal adhesions are considered the major complication following abdominal surgeries. The primary clinical complications of peritoneal adhesion are intestinal obstruction, infertility, pelvic pain, and postoperative mortality. In this study, regarding the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Crocus sativus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of Crocus sativus on the prevention of postsurgical-induced peritoneal adhesion. Male Wistar-Albino rats were used to investigate the preventive effects of C. sativus extract (0.5%, 0.25% and 0.125% w/v) against postsurgical-induced peritoneal adhesion compared to pirfenidone (PFD, 7.5% w/v). We also investigated the protective effects of PFD (100 μg/ml) and C. sativus extract (100, 200, and 400 μg/ml) in TGF-β1-induced fibrotic macrophage polarization. The levels of cell proliferation and oxidative, antioxidative, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory, fibrosis, and angiogenesis biomarkers were evaluated both in vivo and in vitro models. C. sativus extract ameliorates postoperational-induced peritoneal adhesion development by attenuating oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA)]; inflammatory mediators [interleukin- (IL-) 6, tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)]; fibrosis [transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1, IL-4, and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)]; and angiogenesis [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] markers, while propagating antioxidant [glutathione (GSH)], anti-inflammatory (IL-10), and fibrinolytic [tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)] markers and tPA/PAI ratio. In a cellular model, we revealed that the extract, without any toxicity, regulated the levels of cell proliferation and inflammatory (TNF-α), angiogenesis (VEGF), anti-inflammatory (IL-10), M1 [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)] and M2 [arginase-1 (Arg 1)] biomarkers, and iNOS/Arg-1 ratio towards antifibrotic M1 phenotype of macrophage, in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, the current study indicated that C. sativus reduces peritoneal adhesion formation by modulating the macrophage polarization from M2 towards M1 cells.
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28
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Sahebari M, Heidari H, Nabavi S, Khodashahi M, Rezaieyazdi Z, Dadgarmoghaddam M, Hosseinzaheh H, Abbasi S, Hashemzadeh K. A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial of oral saffron in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. AVICENNA JOURNAL OF PHYTOMEDICINE 2021; 11:332-342. [PMID: 34290965 PMCID: PMC8264227 DOI: 10.22038/ajp.2020.17280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recently, saffron (Crocus sativus L. from the Iridaceae family) has been characterized by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of saffron on disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial (RCT) performed on 55 newly- diagnosed RA patients without previous treatment, who were randomly divided into intervention (included 28 cases) and control groups (consisted of 27 individuals). Standard therapy including prednisolone, oral methotrexate, folic acid, vitamin D, calcium, and alendronate, was administered similarly in both groups. Patients received a 100 mg saffron pill/day (pure saffron powder) or placebo besides the standard protocol. The placebo had the same shape as the saffron pills. Follow up of DAS28ESR disease activity score was done on the 30th, 45th and 90th day of the study. RESULTS There was no difference between the intervention and control groups regarding to the DAS28ESR at the end of the study. However, a significant decrease in DAS28-ESR was observed in each group compared to the first visit (p=0.001). The results also showed no significant difference in the incidence of side effects in both groups. CONCLUSION In summary, patients who received pure saffron pills (100 mg/day) in addition to standard therapy did not have a significant difference in improvement of disease activity from the patients on standard therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Sahebari
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Heidari
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shima Nabavi
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mandana Khodashahi
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Rezaieyazdi
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maliheh Dadgarmoghaddam
- Community Medicine Department, faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseinzaheh
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Abbasi
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Kamila Hashemzadeh
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Song YN, Wang Y, Zheng YH, Liu TL, Zhang C. Crocins: A comprehensive review of structural characteristics, pharmacokinetics and therapeutic effects. Fitoterapia 2021; 153:104969. [PMID: 34147548 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2021.104969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Crocins, as a kind of water-soluble carotenoid pigment, are a series of ester compounds formed from crocetin and gentibiose or glucose, and mainly distributed among Crocus sativus L. (CSL), Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. (GJE). Crocins exhibit a wide range of pharmacological effects on neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, depression, liver disease, arthritis, tumor, diabetes, etc. This review systematically discussed the pharmacologic study of crocins in the aspect of structural characteristic and pharmacokinetics, and summarized the mechanism of treating disease. It summarized the abundant research of crocins from 1984 to 2020 based on the above aspects, which provide a reference for the deeply development and application of crocins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Song
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271016, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Ying-Hao Zheng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | | | - Cun Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
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30
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Husaini AM, Jan KN, Wani GA. Saffron: A potential drug-supplement for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (COVID) management. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07068. [PMID: 34007917 PMCID: PMC8118646 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), came as a significant health care challenge for humans in 2019-20. Based on recent laboratory and epidemiological studies, a growing list of mutations in the virus has the potential to enhance its transmission or help it evade the immune response. To further compound the problems, there are considerable challenges to the availability of effective, affordable, safe vaccines on a mass scale. These impediments have led some to explore additional options available in traditional medicines, especially immune-boosting natural products. Saffron has been used for centuries to treat fever, bronchitis, cold and other immune, respiratory disorders. Herein, we discuss the potential role of saffron during and after COVID-19 infection, focusing on immunomodulation, respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular functions. As a nutraceutical or drug supplement, it can alleviate the magnitude of COVID-19 symptoms in patients. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other medicinal properties attributed to saffron bioactive compounds can help in both pre-and post-infection management strategies. The abnormalities associated with COVID-19 survivors include anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Saffron can help manage these post-hospitalization abnormalities (sub-acute and chronic) too, owing to its anti-depressant property. It can help common people boost immunity and manage depression, stress and anxiety caused due to prolonged lockdown, isolation or quarantine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad M. Husaini
- Genome Engineering and Societal Biotechnology Lab, Division of Plant Biotechnology, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Jammu & Kashmir, 190025, India
| | - Khan Nadiya Jan
- Genome Engineering and Societal Biotechnology Lab, Division of Plant Biotechnology, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Jammu & Kashmir, 190025, India
| | - Gowher A. Wani
- Genome Engineering and Societal Biotechnology Lab, Division of Plant Biotechnology, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Jammu & Kashmir, 190025, India
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Farahi A, Abedini MR, Javdani H, Arzi L, Chamani E, Farhoudi R, Talebloo N, Hoshyar R. Crocin and Metformin suppress metastatic breast cancer progression via VEGF and MMP9 downregulations: in vitro and in vivo studies. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3341-3351. [PMID: 33929675 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-04043-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer remains a serious health concern and numerous investigations recommended medicinal plants as a complementary therapy. Crocin is one of the known anticancer bio-component. Recently, the inhibitory effect of metformin has been studied on the various aspects of cancer. However, no study reported their combination effects on metastatic breast cancer. In the present study, we have assessed their anti-metastatic effects on in vitro and in vivo breast cancer models. Using MTT assay, scratch, and adhesion tests, we have evaluated the cytotoxic, anti-invasive and anti-adhesion effects of crocin and metformin on 4T1 cell line, respectively. Their protective effects and MMP9 as well as VEGF protein expression levels (Western blotting) investigated in the 4T1 murine breast cancer model. Our results showed that both crocin and metformin reduced cell viability, delayed scratch healing and inhibited the cell adhesion, in vitro. While crocin alone restored the mice's weight reduction, crocin, metformin, and their combination significantly reduced the tumor volume size and enhanced animal survival rate in murine breast cancer model, responses that were associated with VEGF and MMP9 down-regulation. These findings suggest that a combination of crocin and metformin could serve as a novel therapeutic approach to enhance the effectiveness of metastatic breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Farahi
- Student Research Committee and Department of Molecular Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 9717853577, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Abedini
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 9717853577, Birjand, Iran. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa School of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Hossein Javdani
- Student Research Committee and Department of Molecular Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 9717853577, Birjand, Iran
| | - Laleh Arzi
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Chamani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 9717853577, Birjand, Iran
| | - Ramin Farhoudi
- Department of Viral Vaccine Production, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Research and Production Complex, Karaj, Iran
| | - Nazanin Talebloo
- Precision Health Program, Department of Radiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Reyhane Hoshyar
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 9717853577, Birjand, Iran. .,Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Department, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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Koski C, Sarkar N, Bose S. Cytotoxic and osteogenic effects of crocin and bicarbonate from calcium phosphates for potential chemopreventative and anti-inflammatory applications in vitro and in vivo. J Mater Chem B 2021; 8:2048-2062. [PMID: 32064472 DOI: 10.1039/c9tb01462d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Delayed healing and nonhealing of bone defects or resected bone sites remains an important clinical concern in the biomedical field. Osteosarcoma is one of the most common types of primary bone cancers. Among calcium phosphates, hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) are the most widely used in various biomedical applications for bone reconstruction and replacement. In this study, crocin, saffron's natural bioactive and anti-inflammatory molecule, and bicarbonate, a neutralizing agent, were directly loaded onto HA disks to evaluate their in vitro release and effect on human osteoblast and osteosarcoma cell lines. This was assessed through release, initial toxicity, drug optimization, final toxicity studies and in vivo anti-inflammatory assessment through H&E indexing. It is hypothesized that the release of crocin, bicarbonate, and the dual release of both agents will decrease osteosarcoma cellular viability with no effect on osteoblast cells. A plateaued release of crocin and bicarbonate was achieved over seven weeks in physiological and acidic environments, where bicarbonate was shown to modulate the release of crocin. Through morphological characterization and MTT assay analysis, bicarbonate showed no toxicity to human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) cells and crocin significantly enhanced osteoblast proliferation. Through drug concentration optimization, all drug loaded samples decreased human osteosarcoma (MG-63) viability by 50% compared to control samples by Day 11, with clear changes in cell spreading and morphology. Moreover, 3D printed TCP scaffolds loaded with crocin and bicarbonate were tested in vivo in order to assess their preliminary effects on inflammation in a rat distal femur model at 4 days. Lower inflammatory cellular recruitment was achieved in the presence of crocin and bicarbonate, compared to the control. These results suggest a pro-apoptotic mechanism against osteosarcoma as well as anti-inflammatory properties of crocin and bicarbonate, elucidating a potential application for osteosarcoma regulation and wound healing for bone tissue regeneration applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Koski
- W. M. Keck Biomedical Materials Research Laboratory, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA.
| | - Naboneeta Sarkar
- W. M. Keck Biomedical Materials Research Laboratory, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA.
| | - Susmita Bose
- W. M. Keck Biomedical Materials Research Laboratory, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA.
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Mousavi SM, Mokhtari P, Asbaghi O, Rigi S, Persad E, Jayedi A, Rezvani H, Mahamat-Saleh Y, Sadeghi O. Does saffron supplementation have favorable effects on liver function indicators? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:6315-6327. [PMID: 33724127 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1900059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical approaches have been suggested to improve liver health. There is a large discrepancy in the effects of saffron supplementation on liver function in adults. To fill this knowledge gap, this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assess the effects of saffron supplementation on liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). A systematic search current to August 2020 was performed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords to detect eligible articles. A random-effects model was used to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence (95% CI). Nine eligible trials were included in the final analysis. The pooled analysis revealed that serum ALT concentrations were significantly reduced using saffron compared to placebo (WMD: -2.39 U/L; 95% CI: -4.57 to -0.22; P = 0.03, I2= 87.9%, P < 0.001). However, saffron supplementation did not affect levels of serum AST (WMD: 1.12 U/L; 95% CI: -1.42 to 3.65; P = 0.39) or ALP (WMD: 4.32 U/L; 95% CI: -6.91 to 15.54; P = 0.78). In the dose-response analysis, we did not find a significant dose-response relationship between dosage and duration of saffron supplementation on serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP. We found that saffron supplementation can reduce ALT serum concentrations without significant effects on other liver function indicators, including AST and ALP. Nevertheless, future large RCTs on diverse populations are needed to understand better the effects of saffron and its constituents on these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Mousavi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pari Mokhtari
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Omid Asbaghi
- Nutritional Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Somaye Rigi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Emma Persad
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Ahmad Jayedi
- Food Safety Research Center (salt), Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Hamid Rezvani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yahya Mahamat-Saleh
- CESP, Fac. de médecine - Univ. Paris-Sud, Fac. de médecine - UVSQ, INSERM, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Omid Sadeghi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Gerash Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
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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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Therapeutic Potential of Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) in Ischemia Stroke. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6643950. [PMID: 33747107 PMCID: PMC7943274 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6643950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a main cause of disability worldwide. The majority (approximately 80%) of strokes are ischemic. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has been considered for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Pharmacological effects of saffron are attributed to the presence of crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal. In the present review, we summarized the reported neuroprotective effects of saffron and its active constituents against cerebral ischemia stroke. Saffron and its components exert its beneficial effects as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic agent though inhibition of biochemical, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers. Taken together, this review indicates that saffron and its ingredients could be a potent candidate in the process of new drug production for the treatment of ischemia stroke.
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Pitsikas N. Crocus sativus L. Extracts and Its Constituents Crocins and Safranal; Potential Candidates for Schizophrenia Treatment? Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26051237. [PMID: 33669124 PMCID: PMC7956290 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental devastating disease. Current therapy suffers from various limitations including low efficacy and serious side effects. Thus, there is an urgent necessity to develop new antipsychotics with higher efficacy and safety. The dried stigma of the plant Crocus sativus L., (CS) commonly known as saffron, are used in traditional medicine for various purposes. It has been demonstrated that saffron and its bioactive components crocins and safranal exert a beneficial action in different pathologies of the central nervous system such as anxiety, depression, epilepsy and memory problems. Recently, their role as potential antipsychotic agents is under investigation. In the present review, I intended to critically assess advances in research of these molecules for the treatment of schizophrenia, comment on their advantages over currently used neuroleptics as well-remaining challenges. Up to our days, few preclinical studies have been conducted to this end. In spite of it, results are encouraging and strongly corroborate that additional research is mandatory aiming to definitively establish a role for saffron and its bioactive components for the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Pitsikas
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Panepistimiou 3, 415-00 Larissa, Greece
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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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Bisindolylmaleimide IX: A novel anti-SARS-CoV2 agent targeting viral main protease 3CLpro demonstrated by virtual screening pipeline and in-vitro validation assays. Methods 2021; 195:57-71. [PMID: 33453392 PMCID: PMC7807167 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 consists of several enzymes with essential functions within its proteome. Here, we focused on repurposing approved and investigational drugs/compounds. We targeted seven proteins with enzymatic activities known to be essential at different stages of the viral cycle including PLpro, 3CLpro, RdRP, Helicase, ExoN, NendoU, and 2'-O-MT. For virtual screening, energy minimization of a crystal structure of the modeled protein was carried out using the Protein Preparation Wizard (Schrodinger LLC 2020-1). Following active site selection based on data mining and COACH predictions, we performed a high-throughput virtual screen of drugs and investigational molecules (n = 5903). The screening was performed against viral targets using three sequential docking modes (i.e., HTVS, SP, and XP). Virtual screening identified ∼290 potential inhibitors based on the criteria of energy, docking parameters, ligand, and binding site strain and score. Drugs specific to each target protein were further analyzed for binding free energy perturbation by molecular mechanics (prime MM-GBSA) and pruning the hits to the top 32 candidates. The top lead from each target pool was further subjected to molecular dynamics simulation using the Desmond module. The resulting top eight hits were tested for their SARS-CoV-2 anti-viral activity in-vitro. Among these, a known inhibitor of protein kinase C isoforms, Bisindolylmaleimide IX (BIM IX), was found to be a potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2. Further, target validation through enzymatic assays confirmed 3CLpro to be the target. This is the first study that has showcased BIM IX as a COVID-19 inhibitor thereby validating our pipeline.
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Safdari MR, Shakeri F, Mohammadi A, Bibak B, Alesheikh P, Jamialahmadi T, Sathyapalan T, Sahebkar A. Role of Herbal Medicines in the Management of Brain Injury. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1328:287-305. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73234-9_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Nassar R, Eid S, Chahine R, Chabi B, Bonnieu A, Sabban ME, Najjar F, Hamade A. Antioxidant effects of lebanese Crocus sativus L. and its main components, crocin and safranal, on human skeletal muscle cells. Eur J Integr Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lv YQ, Ji S, Chen X, Xu D, Luo XT, Cheng MM, Zhang YY, Qu XL, Jin Y. Effects of crocin on frozen-thawed sperm apoptosis, protamine expression and membrane lipid oxidation in Yanbian yellow cattle. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1011-1020. [PMID: 32533872 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Glycerol is used as a bovine semen osmotic cryoprotectant that greatly improves the quality of frozen and thawed bovine sperm. However, high glycerol concentrations can have a toxic effect on frozen and thawed bovine sperm. Therefore, this experiment investigated the effect of replacing a portion of the glycerol in a cryoprotectant solution with crocin on the sperm apoptosis, protamine deficiency and membrane lipid oxidation of frozen and thawed Yanbian yellow cattle sperm. The experiment included a control group (6% glycerol) and four treatment groups: I (3% glycerol), II (3% glycerol +0.5 mM crocin), III (3% glycerol + 1 mM crocin) and IV (3% glycerol + 2 mM crocin). Computer assisted semen analysis was used to detect sperm motility, Hoechst 33,342, propidium iodide, and JC-1 staining were used to analyse sperm viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, chromomycin A3 staining was used to detect protamine deficiency and DNA damage, flow cytometry was used for sperm membrane lipid disorder detection and analysis, and real-time quantitative RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of protamine-related genes (PRM2, PRM3), sperm acrosome-associated genes (SPACA3), oxidative stress-related genes (ROMO1) and apoptosis-related genes (BCL2, BAX). Compared to the control group, replacing a portion of glycerol with 1 mM crocin significantly improved sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, membrane lipid disorders (p < .05) and viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, protamine deficiency (p < .01). The expression level of PRM2, PRM3, SPACA3 and BCL2 significantly increased (p < .05), while the expression levels of ROMO1 and BAX significantly decreased (p < .05). Accordingly, the BCL2/BAX ratio significantly increased (p < .05). In summary, the substitution of a portion of glycerol with crocin in cryoprotective solution improved the quality of Yanbian yellow cattle sperm after freezing and thawing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Q Lv
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - S Ji
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - X Chen
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - D Xu
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - X T Luo
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - M M Cheng
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Y Y Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - X L Qu
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Y Jin
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
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Saeideh S, Yasavoli M, Gholamnezhad Z, Aslani MR, Boskabady MH. The Relaxant Effect of Crocin on Rat Tracheal Smooth Muscle and Its Possible Mechanisms. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2020; 18:1358-1370. [PMID: 32641946 PMCID: PMC6934977 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2019.1100713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Crocin, a component of saffron, showed hypotensive activity which is perhaps due to vascular smooth muscle relaxant effect. The relaxant effects of saffron on tracheal smooth muscle also could be due to its constituent, crocin. In the present study, the relaxant effects of crocin and its possible mechanisms on rat tracheal smooth muscle were investigated. The relaxant effects of three cumulative concentrations of crocin (30, 60, and 120 μM) or theophylline (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 mM) as positive control were examined on pre-contracted tracheal smooth muscle by methacholine or KCl in non-incubated or incubated conditions with different agents including atropine, chlorpheniramine, indomethacin, diltiazem, glibenclamide, and propranolol. In non-incubated tracheal smooth muscle, crocin showed significant relaxant effects on KCl induced muscle contraction (p < 0.001 for two higher concentrations). However, crocin did not show relaxant effect on methacholine induced tissue contraction. In incubated tissues with chlorpheniramine, indomethacin, diltiazem and propranolol, there were no significant differences in the relaxant effects of crocin between non-incubated and incubated tissues. However, the relaxant effects of crocin obtained in incubated tissues with atropine and glibenclamide were significant lower than non-incubated tracheal smooth muscle (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The EC50 value obtained in incubated tissue with propranolol was significantly increased. Theophylline showed significant relaxant effect on both KCl and methacholine induced tissue contraction (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). A relatively potent relaxant effect of crocin on tracheal smooth muscle, lower than that of theophylline was shown. Muscarinic receptor blocking, potassium channels opening and ß2-adrenoreceptors stimulation were also suggested as possible mechanisms of this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Saeideh
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahsa Yasavoli
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Gholamnezhad
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Aslani
- Ardabil Imam Khomeini Educational and Clinical Hospital, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Shakeri M, Hashemi Tayer A, Shakeri H, Sotoodeh Jahromi A, Moradzadeh M, Hojjat-Farsangi M. Toxicity of Saffron Extracts on Cancer and Normal Cells: A Review Article. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2020; 21:1867-1875. [PMID: 32711409 PMCID: PMC7573418 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.7.1867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Medicinal plants have played an important role in human health since the Stone Age. According to WHO, 80% of Asian and African people rely on traditional medicine and medicinal plants to conserve their health. Saffron has received much attention among the herbal compounds related to cancer treatment. METHODS This review aims to provide an overview of in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation molecule mechanism for anti-tumor activity, cancer preventing and protective effects of saffron extract. The review is based on the available data accessible in PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Magiran.ir, and SID.ir databases. RESULTS Saffron has selective toxic and preventive effects on cancerous cells and without adverse effects on normal cells and prevents tumor formation. Saffron appears to reduce the toxic effects of anticancer drugs. Saffron has toxicity effects when used in high amounts, which are far greater than those are used in human food culture. CONCLUSIONS Considering the observed effects of saffron on the removal of cancer cells, saffron extract can be used in the treatment and prevention of cancer after confirmation in human clinical trials. According to the high IC50 of saffron extracts in normal cells, its toxicity against non-cancerous cells is low and its use is safe. Besides, the studies suggested the cytotoxic effects of saffron on some of the more cancers, including nervous system cancer and common cancers. Further studies are required to determine the effective dose and influence of mechanism of saffron in various animal type of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masihollah Shakeri
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Disease, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Akbar Hashemi Tayer
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Disease, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Heshmatollah Shakeri
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Disease, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | | | - Malihe Moradzadeh
- Golestan Rheumatology Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hojjat-Farsangi
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Immune and Gene Therapy Lab, Cancer Center Karolinska (CCK), Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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The effect of Saffron supplementation on waist circumference, HA1C, and glucose metabolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Med 2020; 49:102298. [PMID: 32147057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Carotenoids (including zeaxanthin and lycopene) and phytosterols reportedly confer beneficial effects on metabolic profile and function, which is of clinical importance. Thus, we sought to review the saffron effects on waist circumstance (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and HA1C concentrations reported in Randomized Control Trials (RCTs). METHOD A comprehensive systematic electronic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Web of sciences, and SCOPUS to identify RCTs up to February 2019 without any language restrictions. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) calculated with DerSimonian-Laird random. PRISMA guidelines adhered to for this meta-analysis. RESULT Nine articles with 12 arms containing 595 participants were included in this study. Our study found WC was significantly reduced (WMD: -2.18 cm, 95 % CI: -4.05, -0.32) and FPG (WMD: -6.54 mg/dl, 95 % CI: -10.22, -2.85) following saffron intervention. Subgroup analysis highlighted that FPG levels (WMD: -10.24 mg/dl, 95 % CI: -15.76, -4.72) reduced significantly when intervention duration was longer than twelve weeks. There was no significant effect on HA1C levels (WMD: -0.13 mg/dl, 95 % CI: -0.31, 0.04) following saffron intervention. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the present study indicates beneficial effects on WC and FPG, following saffron supplementation.
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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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Pakfetrat A, Talebi M, Dalirsani Z, Mohajeri A, Zamani R, Ghazi A. Evaluation of the effectiveness of crocin isolated from saffron in treatment of burning mouth syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. AVICENNA JOURNAL OF PHYTOMEDICINE 2019; 9:505-516. [PMID: 31763210 PMCID: PMC6823529 DOI: 10.22038/ajp.2019.12764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objective Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a debilitating disorder with few limited treatment modalities. Because of the proven association between BMS symptoms, and depression and anxiety, treatment modalities that alleviate the two latter etiologic factors can be clinically effective. Thus, owing to the antidepressant and potential analgesic effects of crocin (as an active constituent of saffron), the present study was performed to compare the effect of crocin and citalopram (as control) on BMS symptoms and depression/anxiety in patients with BMS. Materials and Methods The present double-blind randomized clinical trial was carried out on BMS patients. Patients were randomly divided into citalopram (n=21) and crocin (n=26) groups and treated for 11 weeks. BMS symptoms (based on Visual Analysis Scale (VAS)), as well as anxiety and depression (based on Hamilton questionnaire) were evaluated at baseline and during the treatment period. Mann-Whitney, Chi-Square test, Independent t-test, Friedman, and Spearman correlation were employed for statistical analysis. Results Our findings showed a significant effect for crocin on the severity of BMS symptoms, anxiety and depression in BMS patients. Conclusion Crocin can be considered for treatment of BMS subjects with concurrent anxiety and/or depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atessa Pakfetrat
- Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehdi Talebi
- Family Medicine Department, Faculty of Psychiatry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zohreh Dalirsani
- Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ahmad Mohajeri
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Roya Zamani
- Department of Oral Health, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Ala Ghazi
- Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Gupta A, Singh AK, Kumar R, Ganguly R, Rana HK, Pandey PK, Sethi G, Bishayee A, Pandey AK. Corilagin in Cancer: A Critical Evaluation of Anticancer Activities and Molecular Mechanisms. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24183399. [PMID: 31546767 PMCID: PMC6767293 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24183399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Corilagin (β-1-O-galloyl-3,6-(R)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-d-glucose), an ellagitannin, is one of the major bioactive compounds present in various plants. Ellagitannins belong to the hydrolyzable tannins, a group of polyphenols. Corilagin shows broad-spectrum biological, and therapeutic activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antitumor actions. Natural compounds possessing antitumor activities have attracted significant attention for treatment of cancer. Corilagin has shown inhibitory activity against the growth of numerous cancer cells by prompting cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and augmented apoptosis. Corilagin-induced apoptosis and autophagic cell death depends on production of intracellular reactive oxygen species in breast cancer cell line. It blocks the activation of both the canonical Smad and non-canonical extracellular-signal-regulated kinase/Akt (protein kinase B) pathways. The potential apoptotic action of corilagin is mediated by altered expression of procaspase-3, procaspase-8, procaspase-9, poly (ADP ribose) polymerase, and Bcl-2 Bax. In nude mice, corilagin suppressed cholangiocarcinoma growth and downregulated the expression of Notch1 and mammalian target of rapamycin. The aim of this review is to summarize the anticancer efficacy of corilagin with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms involving various signaling pathways in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211 002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Amit Kumar Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211 002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211 002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Risha Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211 002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Harvesh Kumar Rana
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211 002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Prabhash Kumar Pandey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211 002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore.
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA.
| | - Abhay K Pandey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211 002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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48
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Pashirzad M, Shafiee M, Avan A, Ryzhikov M, Fiuji H, Bahreyni A, Khazaei M, Soleimanpour S, Hassanian SM. Therapeutic potency of crocin in the treatment of inflammatory diseases: Current status and perspective. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:14601-14611. [PMID: 30673132 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Crocin is the major component of saffron, which is used in phytomedicine for the treatment of several diseases including diabetes, fatty liver, depression, menstruation disorders, and, of special interest in this review, inflammatory diseases. Promising selective anti-inflammatory properties of this pharmacological active component have been observed in several studies. Saffron has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory properties against several inflammatory diseases and can be used as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases either alone or in combination with other standard anti-inflammatory agents. This review summarizes the protective role of saffron and its pharmacologically active constituents in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases including digestive diseases, dermatitis, asthma, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases for a better understanding and hence a better management of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Pashirzad
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Shafiee
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mikhail Ryzhikov
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University, School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Hamid Fiuji
- Department of Biochemistry, Payame-Noor University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Bahreyni
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunogenetic Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Saman Soleimanpour
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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49
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagy Morsy
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Khulais, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
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50
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Maruca A, Catalano R, Bagetta D, Mesiti F, Ambrosio FA, Romeo I, Moraca F, Rocca R, Ortuso F, Artese A, Costa G, Alcaro S, Lupia A. The Mediterranean Diet as source of bioactive compounds with multi-targeting anti-cancer profile. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 181:111579. [PMID: 31398616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Many bioactive agents have been extracted from plants or belong to functional foods and have been considered in the treatment of serious and multifactorial diseases, such as cancer. In particular, this review is focused on the anti-cancer properties owned by several natural products typically from the Mediterranean area. In some regions of the South of Italy, a lower cancer incidence has been observed. There is increasing evidence that adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern correlates with reduced risk of several cancer types. This could be mainly attributed to the typical lifestyle aspects of the Mediterranean diet, such as high consumption of fruit and vegetables. In this review, the main natural products of the Mediterranean area are discussed, with particular attention on their anti-cancer properties endowed with multi-target profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Maruca
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Raffaella Catalano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Donatella Bagetta
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Mesiti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Alessandra Ambrosio
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Isabella Romeo
- Net4Science srl, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Federica Moraca
- Net4Science srl, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Rocca
- Net4Science srl, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine "Magna Græcia" University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Francesco Ortuso
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Anna Artese
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giosuè Costa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Lupia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Università "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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