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Mir RA, Tyagi A, Hussain SJ, Almalki MA, Zeyad MT, Deshmukh R, Ali S. Saffron, a Potential Bridge between Nutrition and Disease Therapeutics: Global Health Challenges and Therapeutic Opportunities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1467. [PMID: 38891276 PMCID: PMC11174376 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Plants are an important source of essential bioactive compounds that not only have a beneficial role in human health and nutrition but also act as drivers for shaping gut microbiome. However, the mechanism of their functional attributes is not fully understood despite their significance. One such important plant is Crocus sativus, also known as saffron, which possesses huge medicinal, nutritional, and industrial applications like food and cosmetics. The importance of this plant is grossly attributed to its incredible bioactive constituents such as crocins, crocetin, safranal, picrocrocin, and glycosides. These bioactive compounds possess a wide range of therapeutic activities against multiple human ailments. Since a huge number of studies have revealed negative unwanted side effects of modern-day drugs, the scientific communities at the global level are investigating a large number of medicinal plants to explore natural products as the best alternatives. Taken into consideration, the available research findings indicate that saffron has a huge scope to be further explored to establish alternative natural-product-based drugs for health benefits. In this review, we are providing an update on the role of bioactive compounds of saffron as therapeutic agents (human disorders and antimicrobial activity) and its nutritional values. We also highlighted the role of omics and metabolic engineering tools for increasing the content of key saffron bioactive molecules for its mass production. Finally, pre-clinical and clinical studies seem to be necessary to establish its therapeutic potential against human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakeeb Ahmad Mir
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal 191201, India
| | - Anshika Tyagi
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sofi Javed Hussain
- Department of Botany, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal 191201, India;
| | - Mohammed A. Almalki
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Tarique Zeyad
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India;
| | - Rupesh Deshmukh
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh 123031, India;
| | - Sajad Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea;
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Diab R, Choufani A, Dagher J, Chahine N. The Influence of Circadian Rhythm on the Antioxidant Capacity of Saliva in Periodontal Diseases. Cureus 2024; 16:e56174. [PMID: 38618333 PMCID: PMC11015908 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56174] [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] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Saliva has a powerful antioxidant activity proposing that it might have a protective role in the oral cavity. It is yet unclear, how circadian rhythm might affect this activity. Objective The main goal of this study was to compare the antioxidant status of saliva in patients with periodontal diseases (PD) to that of healthy people on a diurnal basis. Material and methods A total of 18 periodontal healthy individuals and 18 patients with chronic periodontitis were chosen. Samples of saliva were collected in the morning between 6:00 and 8:00 and in the evening between 6:00 and 8:00 (both stimulated and non-stimulated). The amount of glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant status (TAS) in the salivary samples were analyzed, and its flow was also assessed. In addition, the scavenging capacity of saliva was tested in three systems generating oxygen free radicals. Results Results showed that GSH and TAS concentrations in the evening saliva of healthy subjects were significantly higher than those in the morning saliva, while MDA levels decreased (p<0.05). Conversely, there was no significant increase in GSH and TAS levels in the evening saliva of subjects with PD, and lipid peroxidation remained constant. On the other hand, the evening saliva of healthy subjects but not of subjects with PD was significantly more potent in scavenging free radicals in vitro than the morning saliva, especially for the superoxide (O2.-) radical (p<0.05). Moreover, scavenging activity was higher in stimulated than non-stimulated saliva. This activity was higher in evening saliva compared to the morning one and greater in healthy subjects compared to patients with PD (p<0.05). Conclusion A balance exists between oxidative stress and antioxidant mechanisms to maintain homeostasis in the oral cavity. This balance is deregulated in patients with PD as their saliva is unable to properly scavenge free radicals that might potentially increase over the day. Antioxidant supplements may be used in accordance with the circadian rhythm to minimize oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randa Diab
- Faculty of Dentistry, Lebanese University, Beirut, LBN
| | | | - Jihad Dagher
- Faculty of Dentistry, Lebanese University, Beirut, LBN
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Potential Role of Phytochemical Extract from Saffron in Development of Functional Foods and Protection of Brain-Related Disorders. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6480590. [PMID: 36193081 PMCID: PMC9526642 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6480590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The present review is designed to measure the effects of saffron extract in functional foods and its pharmacological properties against various disorders. Saffron is a traditional medicinal plant used as a food additive. The stigma of saffron has bioactive compounds such as safranal, crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, kaempferol, and flavonoid. These bioactive compounds can be extracted using conventional (maceration, solvent extraction, soxhlet extraction, and vapor or hydrodistillation) and novel techniques (emulsion liquid membrane extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, enzyme-associated extraction, pulsed electric field extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction). Saffron is used as a functional ingredient, natural colorant, shelf-life enhancer, and fortifying agent in developing different food products. The demand for saffron has been increasing in the pharma industry due to its protection against cardiovascular and Alzheimer disease and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antidepressant properties. Conclusively, the phytochemical compounds of saffron improve the nutrition value of products and protect humans against various disorders.
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Saffron, Its Active Components, and Their Association with DNA and Histone Modification: A Narrative Review of Current Knowledge. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163317. [PMID: 36014823 PMCID: PMC9414768 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163317] [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: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intensive screening for better and safer medications to treat diseases such as cancer and inflammatory diseases continue, and some phytochemicals have been discovered to have anti-cancer and many therapeutical activities. Among the traditionally used spices, Crocus sativus (saffron) and its principal bioactive constituents have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemopreventive properties against multiple malignancies. Early reports have shown that the epigenetic profiles of healthy and tumor cells vary significantly in the context of different epigenetic factors. Multiple components, such as carotenoids as bioactive dietary phytochemicals, can directly or indirectly regulate epigenetic factors and alter gene expression profiles. Previous reports have shown the interaction between active saffron compounds with linker histone H1. Other reports have shown that high concentrations of saffron bind to the minor groove of calf thymus DNA, resulting in specific structural changes from B- to C-form of DNA. Moreover, the interaction of crocin G-quadruplex was reported. A recent in silico study has shown that residues of SIRT1 interact with saffron bio-active compounds and might enhance SIRT1 activation. Other reports have shown that the treatment of Saffron bio-active compounds increases γH2AX, decreases HDAC1 and phosphorylated histone H3 (p-H3). However, the question that still remains to be addressed how saffron triggers various epigenetic changes? Therefore, this review discusses the literature published till 2022 regarding saffron as dietary components and its impact on epigenetic mechanisms. Novel bioactive compounds such as saffron components that lead to epigenetic alterations might be a valuable strategy as an adjuvant therapeutic drug.
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Liu J, Zhang Q, Tao T, Wang LY, Sun JY, Wu CJ, Zou WJ. Health benefits of spices in individuals with chemotherapeutic drug-induced cardiotoxicity. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 63:102187. [PMID: 35245798 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cardio-oncology is an emerging field that mainly focuses on a series of cardiovascular diseases caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In the history and culture of human nutrition, spices have been emphasized for their wide range of economic and medical applications in addition to being used as a food-flavoring agent and food preservative. Currently, an increasing number of studies have focused on the health benefits of spices in preventing cardiovascular diseases, particularly their antioxidant effects against cardiovascular damage. This review summarizes the cardioprotective effects of black pepper, cardamom, clove, garlic, ginger, onion, and other spices against chemotherapeutic drug-induced cardiotoxicity and the potential mechanisms. Here, we recommend dietary adjustments with spices for patients with cancer to prevent or mitigate the cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Qing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Ting Tao
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Ling-Yu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Jia-Yi Sun
- Innovation Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, PR China.
| | - Chun-Jie Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, PR China.
| | - Wen-Jun Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, PR China.
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Xing B, Li S, Yang J, Lin D, Feng Y, Lu J, Shao Q. Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and potential clinical applications of saffron: A review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 281:114555. [PMID: 34438035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Saffron, the dried red stigma of the perennial herb Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), is one of the most important and expensive spices in the world. It is used as a traditional Chinese medicine with demonstrated effects in promoting blood circulation and suppressing blood stasis, cooling blood detoxification, and relieving depression. It is mainly used for the treatment of depression, irregular menstruation, postpartum thrombosis, and bruises. AIM OF THE STUDY This review aims to provide a systematic and up-to-date overview of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical applications of saffron. We hope it could provide useful references and guidance for the future directions of research on saffron. MATERIALS AND METHODS The online database, such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, SpringerLink, Wiley Online Library, SciFinder and Chemical book, and CNKI were used to collect relevant literature. And the classic books about Chinese herbal medicine were also being referenced. RESULTS More than 150 chemical compounds, including carotenoids, flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides, monoterpenes and monoterpenoid derivatives, monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, amino acids, alkaloids and others, were revealed. The pharmacological activities study of saffron were focused on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antidepressant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, memory-enhancing, and so on. Currently, saffron is mainly used for the treatment of diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, depression, anxiety disorders, cardiovascular diseases, learning and memory disorders, cancer, and other conditions. CONCLUSIONS Phytochemical and pharmacological analyses of saffron have been revealed in recent studies. However, clinical studies have focused mainly on AD, depression and anxiety disorders. Therefore, a large number of clinical trials are needed to study the efficacy of saffron and its major chemical components against other diseases including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cancer. Further studies of the mechanism of action and toxicological properties of saffron are also required, especially research to establish an effective dose of saffron and its long-term toxicity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingcong Xing
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Shuailing Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Jiaxin Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Ding Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Yue Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Jiangjie Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, China
| | - Qingsong Shao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China.
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Kadoglou NPE, Christodoulou E, Kostomitsopoulos N, Valsami G. The cardiovascular-protective properties of saffron and its potential pharmaceutical applications: A critical appraisal of the literature. Phytother Res 2021; 35:6735-6753. [PMID: 34448254 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Saffron, the dried stigma of Crocus sativus L., is used in traditional medicine for its healing properties and the treatment of various pathological conditions. The present literature review aimed to summarize and evaluate the preclinical and clinical data regarding the protective effects and mechanisms of saffron and its main components (crocin, crocetin, safranal) on cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. Many in vitro and animal studies have been conducted implicating antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic, and antiinflammatory impact of saffron and its constituents. Notably, there is evidence of direct atherosclerosis regression and stabilization in valid atherosclerosis-prone animal models. However, current clinical trials have shown mostly weak effects of saffron and its constituents on cardiovascular risk factors: (a) Modest lowering of fasting blood glucose, without significant reduction of HbA1c in type 2 diabetic patients, (b) moderate/controversial hypolipidemic effects, (c) negligible hypotensive effect, and (d) inconsistent modification of metabolic syndrome parameters. There are important drawbacks in clinical trial design, including the absence of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic tests, the wide variance of doses and cohorts' characteristics, the small number of patients, the short duration. Therefore, large, properly designed, high-quality clinical trials, focusing on specific conditions are required to evaluate the biological/pharmacological activities and firmly establish the clinical efficacy of saffron and its possible therapeutic uses in cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eirini Christodoulou
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics-Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kostomitsopoulos
- Center of Clinical Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Valsami
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics-Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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The Beneficial Effects of Saffron Extract on Potential Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Diseases. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6699821. [PMID: 33542784 PMCID: PMC7840270 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6699821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Saffron is commonly used in traditional medicines and precious perfumes. It contains pharmacologically active compounds with notably potent antioxidant activity. Saffron has a variety of active components, including crocin, crocetin, and safranal. Oxidative stress plays an important role in many cardiovascular diseases, and its uncontrolled chain reaction is related to myocardial injury. Numerous studies have confirmed that saffron exact exhibits protective effects on the myocardium and might be beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. In view of the role of oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease, people have shown considerable interest in the potential role of saffron extract as a treatment for a range of cardiovascular diseases. This review analyzed the use of saffron in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases through antioxidant stress from four aspects: antiatherosclerosis, antimyocardial ischemia, anti-ischemia reperfusion injury, and improvement in drug-induced cardiotoxicity, particularly anthracycline-induced. Although data is limited in humans with only two clinically relevant studies, the results of preclinical studies regarding the antioxidant stress effects of saffron are promising and warrant further research in clinical trials. This review summarized the protective effect of saffron in cardiovascular diseases and drug-induced cardiotoxicity. It will facilitate pharmacological research and development and promote utilization of saffron.
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Hatziagapiou K, Lambrou GI. The Protective Role of Crocus Sativus L. (Saffron) Against Ischemia- Reperfusion Injury, Hyperlipidemia and Atherosclerosis: Nature Opposing Cardiovascular Diseases. Curr Cardiol Rev 2018; 14:272-289. [PMID: 29952263 PMCID: PMC6300793 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x14666180628095918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, which are collective-ly called reactive oxygen-nitrogen species, are inevitable by-products of cellular metabolic redox reac-tions, such as oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, phagocytosis, reac-tions of biotransformation of exogenous and endogenous substrate in endoplasmic reticulum, eico-sanoid synthesis, and redox reactions in the presence of metal with variable valence. Among medici-nal plants, there is growing interest in Crocus Sativus L. It is a perennial, stemless herb, belonging to Iridaceae family, cultivated in various countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain, Israel, Morocco, Tur-key, Iran, India, China, Egypt and Mexico. Objective: The present study aims to address the anti-toxicant role of Crocus Sativus L. in the case of cardiovascular disease and its role towards the cardioprotective role of Crocus Sativus L. Materials and Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted by the two authors from 1993 to August 2017. Original articles and systematic reviews (with or without meta-analysis), as well as case reports were selected. Titles and abstracts of papers were screened by a third reviewer to deter-mine whether they met the eligibility criteria, and full texts of the selected articles were retrieved. Results: Our review has indicated that scientific literature confirms the role of Crocus Sativus L. as a cardiovascular-protective agent. The literature review showed that Saffron is a potent cardiovascular-protective agent with a plethora of applications ranging from ischemia-reperfusion injury, diabetes and hypertension to hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: Literature findings represented in current review herald promising results for using Crocus Sativus L. and/or its active constituents as a cardiovascular-protective agent and in particular, Crocus Sativus L. manifests beneficial results against ischemia-reperfusion injury, hypertension, hy-perlipidemia and diabetes
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Hatziagapiou
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Choremeio Research Laboratory, Hematology/ Oncology Unit, Thivon & Levadeias, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - George I Lambrou
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Choremeio Research Laboratory, Hematology/ Oncology Unit, Thivon & Levadeias, 11527, Athens, Greece
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Ghaffari S, Roshanravan N. Saffron; An updated review on biological properties with special focus on cardiovascular effects. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 109:21-27. [PMID: 30391705 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Saffron as a natural product has long been used to impede and treat different disorders including cardiovascular disease (CVDs). Stigma is the most principal part of saffron. Various compounds such as carotenoids and flavonoids are the essential components of saffron stigma. The health benefits of saffron have been shown in previous studies; however, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the mechanistic aspects of its cardiovascular-health properties. This current comprehensive review focuses on the medicinal applications of saffron, and then the new findings regarding its cardiovascular-health effects and various cellular and molecular mechanisms of action will be debated. METHODS The literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library was performed for all comparative studies since 2000-2018 with the limitations of the English language. RESULTS The results provided new evidence about antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti- atherogenic, anti- apoptotic, anti- hypertensive, and hypolipidemic effects of saffron. Pharmacological effects of saffron are due to a number of ingredients contained within this spice, including safranal, crocetin and crocins. CONCLUSIONS Our study concludes that saffron with wide range of usefulness in medicine may be the potent candidate in the process of new drug production for the treatment of CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samad Ghaffari
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Neda Roshanravan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Baghishani F, Mohammadipour A, Hosseinzadeh H, Hosseini M, Ebrahimzadeh-Bideskan A. The effects of tramadol administration on hippocampal cell apoptosis, learning and memory in adult rats and neuroprotective effects of crocin. Metab Brain Dis 2018; 33:907-916. [PMID: 29470767 PMCID: PMC5956046 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0194-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tramadol, a frequently used pain reliever drug, present neurotoxic effects associated to cognitive dysfunction. Moreover, crocin has been reported to have neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study was to assess crocin's capacity to protect learning, and memory abilities on tramadol-treated rats. A total of 35 rats were divided into five groups: Control, Saline, tramadol (50 mg/kg), tramadol + crocin(30 mg/kg), crocin groups and treated orally for 28 consecutive days. Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) tests were done, followed by dissection of the rat's brains for toluidine blue and TUNEL staining. In MWM test, tramadol group spent lower time and traveled shorter distance in the target quadrant (Q1) (P < 0.05). On the other side, the traveled distance in tramadol-crocin group was higher than tramadol (P < 0.05). In PA test, both the delay for entering the dark, and the total time spent in the light compartment decreased in tramadol comparing to the control group (P < 0.05), while it increased in tramadol-crocin compared with the tramadol group (P < 0.05). In tramadol-treated animals, the dark neurons (DNs) and apoptotic cells in CA1, CA3 and DG increased (P < 0.05), while concurrent intake of crocin decreased the number of DNs and apoptotic cells in these areas (P < 0.05). Crocin was able to improve learning and memory of tramadol-treated rats and also decreased DNs and apoptotic cells in the hippocampus. Considering these results, the potential capacity of crocin for decreasing side effects of tramadol on the nervous system is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh Baghishani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Sq., Vakilabad Blvd, P.O. Box 91779-48564, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Abbas Mohammadipour
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Sq., Vakilabad Blvd, P.O. Box 91779-48564, Mashhad, Iran
- Microanatomy Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossain Hosseinzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Hosseini
- Division of Neurocognitive Sciences, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Ebrahimzadeh-Bideskan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Sq., Vakilabad Blvd, P.O. Box 91779-48564, Mashhad, Iran.
- Microanatomy Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Hosseini A, Sahebkar A. Reversal of Doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity by Using Phytotherapy: A Review. J Pharmacopuncture 2017; 20:243-256. [PMID: 30151294 PMCID: PMC6104714 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2017.20.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin as a chemotherapeutic drug is widely used for the treatment of patients with cancer. However, clinical use of this drug is hampered by its cardiotoxicity, which is manifested as electrocardiographic abnormalities, arrhythmias, irreversible degenerative cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. The precise mechanisms underlying the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin are not clear, but impairment of calcium homeostasis, generation of iron complexes, production of oxygen radicals, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell membrane damage have been suggested as potential etiologic factors. Compounds that can neutralize the toxic effect of doxorubicin on cardiac cells without reducing the drug's antitumor activity are needed. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that herbal medicines and bioactive phytochemicals can serve as effective add-on therapies to reduce the cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin. This review describes different phytochemicals and herbal products that have been shown to counterbalance doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azar Hosseini
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad,
Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad,
Iran
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad,
Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad,
Iran
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Moradzadeh M, Sadeghnia HR, Tabarraei A, Sahebkar A. Anti-tumor effects of crocetin and related molecular targets. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:2170-2182. [PMID: 28407293 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Natural products have gained a wide popularity as chemopreventive and anti-cancer agents owing to their multi-mechanistic mode of action, availability and synergism with several conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Crocetin is a carotenoid compound isolated from the stigma of Crocus sativus L. (saffron). Crocetin has shown promising effects as an anti-tumor agent in animal models and cell culture systems. Crocetin retards the growth of cancer cells via inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis, enhancing anti-oxidative system, and inducing apoptosis and differentiation pathways. The present review outlines natural sources of crocetin, and its pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties relevant to the prevention and treatment of cancer. Also, we discuss molecular targets underlying the putative anti-tumor effects of crocetin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maliheh Moradzadeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of New Sciences and Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Sadeghnia
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of New Sciences and Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Neurocognitive Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alijan Tabarraei
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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15
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Abushouk AI, Ismail A, Salem AMA, Afifi AM, Abdel-Daim MM. Cardioprotective mechanisms of phytochemicals against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 90:935-946. [PMID: 28460429 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline antibiotic, which is effectively used in the treatment of different malignancies, such as leukemias and lymphomas. Its most serious side effect is dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, which occurs through inducing oxidative stress apoptosis. Due to the myelosuppressive effect of dexrazoxane, a commonly-used drug to alleviate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, researchers investigated the potential of phytochemicals for prophylaxis and treatment of this condition. Phytochemicals are plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties. Preclinical trials have shown antioxidant properties for several plant extracts, such as those of Aerva lanata, Aronia melanocarpa, Astragalus polysaccharide, and Bombyx mori plants. Other plant extracts showed an ability to inhibit apoptosis, such as those of Astragalus polysaccharide, Azadirachta indica, Bombyx mori, and Allium stavium plants. Unlike synthetic agents, phytochemicals do not impair the clinical activity of DOX and they are particularly safe for long-term use. In this review, we summarized the results of preclinical trials that investigated the cardioprotective effects of phytochemicals against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Future human trials are required to translate these cardioprotective mechanisms into practical clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ammar Ismail
- NovaMed Medical Research Association, Cairo, Egypt; Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amr Muhammad Abdo Salem
- Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; NovaMed Medical Research Association, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Afifi
- Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Abdel-Daim
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt; Pharmacology Department, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
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16
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Razmaraii N, Babaei H, Mohajjel Nayebi A, Assadnassab G, Ashrafi Helan J, Azarmi Y. Cardioprotective Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Chronic Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Toxicity in Wistar Rats. Adv Pharm Bull 2016; 6:423-433. [PMID: 27766227 PMCID: PMC5071806 DOI: 10.15171/apb.2016.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Revised: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine the ability of grape seed extract (GSE) as a powerful antioxidant in preventing adverse effect of doxorubicin (DOX) on heart function. Methods: Male rats were divided into three groups: control, DOX (2 mg/kg/48h, for 12 days) and GSE (100 mg/kg/24h, for 16 days) plus DOX. Left ventricular (LV) function and hemodynamic parameters were assessed using echocardiography, electrocardiography and a Millar pressure catheter. Histopathological analysis and in vitro antitumor activity were also evaluated. Results: DOX induced heart damage in rats through decreasing the left ventricular systolic and diastolic pressures, rate of rise/decrease of LV pressure, ejection fraction, fractional shortening and contractility index as demonstrated by echocardiography, electrocardiography and hemodynamic parameters relative to control group. Our data demonstrated that GSE treatment markedly attenuated DOX-induced toxicity, structural changes in myocardium and improved ventricular function. Additionally, GSE did not intervene with the antitumor effect of DOX. Conclusion: Collectively, the results suggest that GSE is potentially protective against DOX-induced toxicity in rat heart and maybe increase therapeutic index of DOX in human cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasser Razmaraii
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5165665811, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5166614756, Iran
| | - Hossein Babaei
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5165665811, Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5166414766, Iran
| | | | - Gholamreza Assadnassab
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, 5157944533, Iran
| | - Javad Ashrafi Helan
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, 5166617564, Iran
| | - Yadollah Azarmi
- School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5166414766, Iran
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17
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Paredi G, Raboni S, Marchesani F, Ordoudi SA, Tsimidou MZ, Mozzarelli A. Insight of Saffron Proteome by Gel-Electrophoresis. Molecules 2016; 21:167. [PMID: 26840283 PMCID: PMC6273178 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Saffron is a spice comprised of the dried stigmas and styles of Crocus sativus L. flowers and, since it is very expensive, it is frequently adulterated. So far, proteomic tools have never been applied to characterize the proteome of saffron or identify possible cases of fraud. In this study, 1D-Gel Electrophoresis was carried out to characterize the protein profile of (i) fresh stigmas and styles of the plant; (ii) dried stigmas and styles from different geographical origins (Spanish, Italian, Greek and Iranian) that had been stored for various periods of time after their processing; and (iii) two common plant adulterants, dried petals of Carthamus tinctorius L. and dried fruits of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. A selective protein extraction protocol was applied to avoid interference from colored saffron metabolites, such as crocins, during electrophoretic analyses of saffron. We succeeded in separating and assigning the molecular weights to more than 20 proteins. In spite of the unavailability of the genome of saffron, we were able to identify five proteins by Peptide Mass Fingerprinting: phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase 3, heat shock cognate 70 KDa protein, crocetin glucosyltransferase 2, α-1,4-glucan-protein synthase and glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-2. Our findings indicate that (i) few bands are present in all saffron samples independently of origin and storage time, with amounts that significantly vary among samples and (ii) aging during saffron storage is associated with a reduction in the number of detectable bands, suggesting that proteases are still active. The protein pattern of saffron was quite distinct from those of two common adulterants, such as the dried petals of Carthamus tinctorius and the dried fruits of Gardenia jasminoides indicating that proteomic analyses could be exploited for detecting possible frauds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Paredi
- Department of Pharmacy, Interdepartment Center SITEIA.PARMA, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy.
| | - Samanta Raboni
- Department of Pharmacy, Interdepartment Center SITEIA.PARMA, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy.
| | - Francesco Marchesani
- Department of Pharmacy, Interdepartment Center SITEIA.PARMA, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy.
| | - Stella A Ordoudi
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
| | - Maria Z Tsimidou
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
| | - Andrea Mozzarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Interdepartment Center SITEIA.PARMA, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy.
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Rome 00136, Italy.
- Institute of Biophysics, CNR, Pisa 56124, Italy.
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18
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Abidi E, Habib J, Yassine A, Chahine N, Mahjoub T, Elkak A. Effects of methanol extracts from roots, leaves, and fruits of the Lebanese strawberry tree (Arbutus andrachne) on cardiac function together with their antioxidant activity. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2015; 54:1035-41. [PMID: 26511200 PMCID: PMC11132868 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2015.1100638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Several plant-derived natural products have been used in clinical phase for applications in neurological, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases. Arbutus andrachne L. (Ericacea) is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. Traditionally, the fruits and leaves of Arbutus tree are well known and used as antiseptics, diuretics, blood tonic, and laxatives. OBJECTIVE Data regarding the biological effects of compounds derived from the Lebanese Arbutus andrachne are not available. In the present work, we studied the antioxidant activity of methanol extracts of leaves, fruits, and roots of the plant against electrolysis; together with their effects on the cardiodynamics of isolated perfused rabbit hearts. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vitro electrolysis of the different root, leaves, and fruits methanol extracts was evaluated by the amount of free radicals that has been reduced by increasing the concentration of root extracts ranging from 0.5 to 2 mg after 1, 2, 3, and 4 min. Left ventricular pressure (LVP), heart rate (HR), and coronary flow (CR) were investigated in isolated rabbit heart after administration of 0.5, 1, 2, and 2 mg of each methanol extracts plotted against time (0, 0.5, 1.5, 5, and 10 min), according to the Langendorff method. Lipid peroxidation study was performed by the colorimetric method on myocard tissue after incubation with 500 μl of the different methanol extracts. The amount of MDA was determined at 500 nm absorbance after 5 min incubation. RESULTS Among the different methanol extracts, the roots showed the highest in vitro antioxidant activity, particularly observed at concentration of 2 mg which completely inhibits free radical generation after 4 min. LVP decreases by 32% at the dose of 2 mg of root extracts after 5 min. No significant effect was observed by the three tested extracts on the heart rate. The three methanol extracts did not show any significant effect on the coronary flow. Moreover, the roots show an increase in the coronary flow at a concentration of 1 and 2 mg/ml during 1 min. Electrolysis on heart tissue treated with the roots extracts shows a decrease in the MDA level from 70.51 ± 6.71 to 48.58 ± 4.15 nmole/g of tissue. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Methanol extracts of the roots possess antihypertensive effect that may result from its ability to decrease the LVP together with its protective role by inhibiting free radical generation and significantly decreasing the MDA level of heart tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emna Abidi
- Laboratoire De Valorisation Des Ressources Naturelles Et Produits De Santé (VRNPS), EDST, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Jean Habib
- Laboratoire De Recherche Et Développement Des Médicaments Et Des Produits Naturels, (RDMPN), EDST, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Ahmad Yassine
- Laboratoire De Recherche Et Développement Des Médicaments Et Des Produits Naturels, (RDMPN), EDST, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Nathalie Chahine
- Laboratoire De Stress Oydatif Et Antioxidants, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Rafic Hariri University Campus, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Touhami Mahjoub
- Human Genetics and Multifactorial Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Assem Elkak
- Laboratoire De Valorisation Des Ressources Naturelles Et Produits De Santé (VRNPS), EDST, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
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Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H. Saffron as an antidote or a protective agent against natural or chemical toxicities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 23:31. [PMID: 25928729 PMCID: PMC4418072 DOI: 10.1186/s40199-015-0112-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus) is an extensively used food additive for its color and taste. Since ancient times this plant has been introduced as a marvelous medicine throughout the world. The wide spectrum of saffron pharmacological activities is related to its major constituents including crocin, crocetin and safranal. Based on several studies, saffron and its active ingredients have been used as an antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antinociceptive, antidepressant, antitussive, anticonvulsant, memory enhancer, hypotensive and anticancer. According to the literatures, saffron has remarkable therapeutic effects. The protective effects of saffron and its main constituents in different tissues including brain, heart, liver, kidney and lung have been reported against some toxic materials either natural or chemical toxins in animal studies. In this review article, we have summarized different in vitro and animal studies in scientific databases which investigate the antidotal and protective effects of saffron and its major components against natural toxins and chemical-induced toxicities. Due to the lake of human studies, further investigations are required to ascertain the efficacy of saffron as an antidote or a protective agent in human intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibi Marjan Razavi
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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20
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Chahine N, Nader M, Duca L, Martiny L, Chahine R. Saffron extracts alleviate cardiomyocytes injury induced by doxorubicin and ischemia-reperfusion in vitro. Drug Chem Toxicol 2015; 39:87-96. [PMID: 25885550 DOI: 10.3109/01480545.2015.1036281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX), a highly active chemotherapeutic drug, faces limitations in clinical application due to severe cardiotoxic effects (mainly through increased oxidative stress). Therefore, its effect is exacerbated in subjects with ischemic heart disease. We have recently reported that saffron extract (SAF), a natural compound mainly consisting of safranal and corcins, exerts a protective effect against DOX oxidative cytotoxicity in isolated rabbit hearts. Here, we aimed to investigate whether SAF exerts cardioprotection against combined ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and DOX toxicity in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. H9c2 were subjected to simulated I/R, with or without DOX treatment at reperfusion, in the presence or absence of SAF prior to ischemia or at reperfusion. We evaluated the effects of these treatments by MTT, LDH and western blot analysis. Apoptosis was assessed by Hoechst 33258 staining, tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester fluorescence and caspase activity. The results showed that I/R and DOX significantly decreased cardiomyocytes viability, inhibited reperfusion injury salvage kinase cardioprotective pathway, reduced contractile proteins (α-Actinine, Troponine C and MLC), increased caspase-3 expression and induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. These effects were remarkably inhibited by treatment with SAF (10 μg/mL) at reperfusion. SAF activated AKT/P70S6K and ERK1/2, restored contractile proteins expression, inhibited mitochondrial permeability transition pore and decreased caspase-3 activity. In conclusion, our findings indicate that SAF treatment exerted cardioprotection against I/R and DOX toxicity by reducing oxidative stress (LDH assay). Thereby, SAF offers a potential novel antioxidant therapeutic strategy to counteract I/R and DOX cardiotoxicity, paving the way for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Chahine
- a Physiology Lab , Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Group, Faculty of Medical Sciences and Doctoral School of Science and Technology, Lebanese University , Hadat , Beirut , Lebanon .,c Signalisation et récepteurs matriciels (SiRMa) UMR CNRS 6237 Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Moulin de la Housse, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne , France
| | - Moni Nader
- b Department of Physiological Sciences , College of Medicine, Alfaisal University , Riyadh , KSA , and
| | - Laurent Duca
- c Signalisation et récepteurs matriciels (SiRMa) UMR CNRS 6237 Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Moulin de la Housse, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne , France
| | - Laurent Martiny
- c Signalisation et récepteurs matriciels (SiRMa) UMR CNRS 6237 Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Moulin de la Housse, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne , France
| | - Ramez Chahine
- a Physiology Lab , Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Group, Faculty of Medical Sciences and Doctoral School of Science and Technology, Lebanese University , Hadat , Beirut , Lebanon
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21
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Bhandari PR. Crocus sativus L. (saffron) for cancer chemoprevention: A mini review. J Tradit Complement Med 2015; 5:81-7. [PMID: 26151016 PMCID: PMC4488115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most feared diseases globally and there has been a sustained rise in its incidence in both developing and developed countries. Despite the growing therapeutic options for patients with cancer, their efficacy is time-limited and non-curative. Hence to overcome these drawbacks, an incessant screening for superior and safer drugs has been ongoing for numerous decades, resulting in the detection of anti-cancer properties of several phytochemicals. Chemoprevention using readily available natural substances from vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices is one of the significantly important approaches for cancer prevention in the present era. Among the spices, Crocus sativus L. (saffron; fān hóng huā) has generated interest because pharmacological experiments have established numerous beneficial properties including radical scavenging, anti-mutagenic and immuno-modulating effects. The more powerful components of saffron are crocin, crocetin and safranal. Studies in animal models and with cultured human malignant cell lines have demonstrated antitumor and cancer preventive activities of saffron and its main ingredients. This review provides a brief insight into the anticancer properties of saffron and its components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasan R Bhandari
- Department of Pharmacology, S.D.M College of Medical Sciences & Hospital, Sattur, Dharwad 580009, Karnataka, India
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