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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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Milajerdi A, Djafarian K, Hosseini B. The toxicity of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its constituents against normal and cancer cells. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION & INTERMEDIARY METABOLISM 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnim.2015.12.332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Abstract
Saffron carotenoids, crocin and crocetin, have shown anticancer activity in various animal models of cancer and against different cancerous cell lines. The radical scavenging property and activation of antioxidant defense system are two well-known characteristics of these compounds. However, the results of the studies indicated other mechanisms could also be involved in this function. Insights into various molecular mechanisms of action for crocin and crocetin have been obtained in recent years. The results indicated that despite the structural similarity of crocin and crocetin, their anticancer effects may exert through different mechanisms. Particular interest concerns the ROS-dependent signaling pathways of crocetin. Saffron compounds are safe and may provide inexpensive therapy for treating cancer. They also have protective potential in targeting other disorders including diabetes, Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease, cognitive deficits, ischemia-induced retinal damage, and many other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zahra Bathaie
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fuyuhiko Tamanoi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Bhattacharjee B, Vijayasarathy S, Karunakar P, Chatterjee J. Comparative reverse screening approach to identify potential anti-neoplastic targets of saffron functional components and binding mode. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2013; 13:5605-11. [PMID: 23317225 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2012.13.11.5605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last two decades, pioneering research on anti-tumour activity of saffron has shed light on the role of crocetin, picrocrocin and safranal, as broad spectrum anti-neoplastic agents. However, the exact mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Identification and characterization of the targets of bioactive constituents will play an imperative role in demystifying the complex anti-neoplastic machinery. METHODS In the quest of potential target identification, a dual virtual screening approach utilizing two inverse screening systems, one predicated on idTarget and the other on PharmMapper was here employed. A set of target proteins associated with multiple forms of cancer and ranked by Fit Score and Binding energy were obtained from the two independent inverse screening platforms. The validity of the results was checked by meticulously analyzing the post-docking binding pose of the picrocrocin with Hsp90 alpha in AutoDock. RESULTS The docking pose reveals that electrostatic and hydrogen bonds play the key role in inter-molecular interactions in ligand binding. Picrocrocin binds to the Hsp90 alpha with a definite orientation appropriate for nucleophilic attacks by several electrical residues inside the Hsp90-alpha ATPase catalytic site. CONCLUSION This study reveals functional information about the anti-tumor mechanism of saffron bioactive constituents. Also, a tractable set of anti-neoplastic targets for saffron has been generated in this study which can be further authenticated by in vivo and in vitro experiments.
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Zhang Z, Wang CZ, Wen XD, Shoyama Y, Yuan CS. Role of saffron and its constituents on cancer chemoprevention. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2013; 51:920-4. [PMID: 23570520 PMCID: PMC3971062 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2013.771190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cancer dramatically impacts human life expectancy and quality of life. Natural substances from vegetables, herbs and spices could be beneficial in the prevention or treatment of a variety of cancers. Crocus sativus (Iridaceae), which has been used as a folk medicine for treating diseases for ages, showed obvious cancer chemoprevention potential. OBJECTIVE This article focuses on the effects of Crocus sativus and its main ingredients, such as crocin, on cancer therapeutics. METHODS We reviewed research data from saffron, a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, and its constituents using the major databases, namely, Web of Science, SciFinder and PubMed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Saffron possesses free radical-scavenging properties and antitumor activities. Significant cancer chemopreventive effects have been shown in both in vitro and in vivo models. Based on current data, saffron and its ingredients could be considered as a promising candidate for clinical anticancer trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyu Zhang
- Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research, The Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, U.S.A
- Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, The Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, U.S.A
| | - Chong-Zhi Wang
- Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research, The Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, U.S.A
- Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, The Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, U.S.A
| | - Xiao-Dong Wen
- Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research, The Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, U.S.A
- Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, The Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, U.S.A
| | - Yukihiro Shoyama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Chun-Su Yuan
- Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research, The Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, U.S.A
- Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, The Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, U.S.A
- Committee on Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, The Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, U.S.A
- Address for correspondence: Chun-Su Yuan, MD, PhD, Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research, The Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 4028, Chicago, IL 60637, U.S.A. Tel. (773) 702-1916; FAX (773) 834-0601;
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Boskabady MH, Tabatabaee A, Byrami G. The effect of the extract of Crocus sativus and its constituent safranal, on lung pathology and lung inflammation of ovalbumin sensitized guinea-pigs. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 19:904-911. [PMID: 22743244 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2012.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Revised: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Different pharmacological effects of Crocus sativus have been demonstrated on guinea pig tracheal chains in previous studies. In the present study, the prophylactic effect of the extract of C. sativus and its constituent, safranal on lung pathology and total and differential white blood cells (WBC) of sensitized guinea pigs was examined. Guinea pigs were sensitized with injection and inhalation of ovalbumin (OA). One group of sensitized guinea pigs were given drinking water alone (group S) and three groups were given drinking water containing three concentrations of safranal (S+SA1, S+SA2 and S+SA3 groups), three groups, drinking water containing three concentrations of extract (S+CS1, S+CS2 and S+CS3 groups) and one group drinking water containing one concentration of dexamethasone (S+D group) (n=6, for all groups). The lung pathology was evaluated in control, non treated and treated sensitized groups. Total and differential WBC counts of lung lavage were also examined. All pathological indices in group S showed significant increased compared to control group (p<0.05 for lung congestion and p<0.001 for other groups). Total WBC number (p<0.001), eosinophyl percentage (p<0.001) in lung lavage and serum histamine levels (p<0.01) were also increased in sensitized animals compared to those of controls. Treatment of S animals with dexamethasone, all concentrations of the extract and safranal significantly improved lung pathological changes, most types of WBC and serum histamine levels compared to group S (p<0.05-0.001). Treatment of S group with first concentration of safranal also decreased total WBC. Treatment with safranal was more effective in improvement of most pathological changes, total and differential WBC count as well as serum histamine level (p<0.05-0.001). These results showed a preventive effect of the extract of C. sativus and its constituent safranal on lung inflammation of sensitized guinea pigs. The results also showed that the effect of the plant is perhaps due to its constituent safranal.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Boskabady
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 177948564, Iran.
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Boskabady MH, Seyedhosseini Tamijani SM, Rafatpanah H, Rezaei A, Alavinejad A. The effect of Crocus sativus extract on human lymphocytes' cytokines and T helper 2/T helper 1 balance. J Med Food 2012; 14:1538-45. [PMID: 22145772 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2011.1697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of macerated extracts of Crocus sativus (Family Iridaceae) (saffron) on cell viability and cytokine release of stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and nonstimulated cells were examined. The effects of three concentrations of macerated extract, dexamethasone, and saline on cell viability and production of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were evaluated. In cells stimulated with PHA, different concentrations of the extract significantly inhibited cell viability of lymphocytes (P<.001 for all concentrations). High concentrations of the extract (500 μg/mL) also inhibited secretion of IFN-γ in stimulated cells and IL-10 secretion in both stimulated and nonstimulated cells (P<.05 for all cases). The effects of high and low concentrations of the extract (500 and 50 μg/mL, respectively) on IL-4 secretion were lower than that of dexamethasone (P<.05 to P<.001). The extract showed a stimulatory effect on IFN-γ and IL-4 secretion in nonstimulated cells. The ratios of IFN-γ to IL-4 in the presence of all concentrations of saffron on stimulated cells were significantly higher than for the control group (P<.05 to P<.01). These results indicated that the extract of saffron leads to increased ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
- Department of Physiology and Pharmaceutical Research Center, Buali Institute, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Bathaie SZ, Mousavi SZ. New Applications and Mechanisms of Action of Saffron and its Important Ingredients. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2010; 50:761-86. [DOI: 10.1080/10408390902773003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Geetha BS, Latha PG, Remani P. Evaluation of Elephantopus scaber on the inhibition of chemical carcinogenesis and tumor development in mice. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2010; 48:342-348. [PMID: 20645824 DOI: 10.3109/13880200903133845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The effect of the active fraction of Elephantopus scaber L. (Asteraceae) (ES) on skin papillomas induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) as an initiator and croton oil as promoter was studied in mice. The active fraction of E. scaber (100 mg/kg) on topical application delayed the onset of papilloma formation and reduced the mean number of papillomas and the mean weight of papillomas per mouse. The intraperitoneal administration of the active fraction of E. scaber also had a significant effect on subcutaneous injection of 20-methylcholanthrene (20-MCA)-induced soft tissue sarcomas in mice. It inhibited the incidence of sarcomas and reduced the tumor diameter compared to MCA-treated control animals. The subcutaneous administration of the active fraction of E. scaber significantly inhibited the growth of subcutaneously transplanted DLA and EAC solid tumors, delayed the onset of tumor formation, and increased the life span of tumor bearing mice. The present study thus indicates the tumor inhibitory activity of the active fraction of E. scaber against chemically induced tumors and its ability to inhibit the development of solid tumors.
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MESH Headings
- Administration, Cutaneous
- Animals
- Anticarcinogenic Agents/administration & dosage
- Anticarcinogenic Agents/isolation & purification
- Anticarcinogenic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/isolation & purification
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/therapeutic use
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Male
- Mice
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Neoplasms, Experimental/chemically induced
- Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Neoplasms, Experimental/mortality
- Neoplasms, Experimental/prevention & control
- Phytotherapy
- Plant Extracts/administration & dosage
- Plant Extracts/isolation & purification
- Plant Extracts/therapeutic use
- Time Factors
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
- Vernonia/chemistry
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Geetha
- Phytochemistry and Phytopharmacology Division, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, India.
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Hosseinzadeh H, Abootorabi A, Sadeghnia HR. Protective Effect of Crocus sativus Stigma Extract and Crocin (trans-crocin 4) on Methyl Methanesulfonate–Induced DNA Damage in Mice Organs. DNA Cell Biol 2008; 27:657-64. [DOI: 10.1089/dna.2008.0767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I.R. Iran
- Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I.R. Iran
| | - Akram Abootorabi
- Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I.R. Iran
| | - Hamid R. Sadeghnia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I.R. Iran
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Hosseinzadeh H, Sadeghnia HR. Effect of Safranal, a Constituent of Crocus sativus (Saffron), on Methyl Methanesulfonate (MMS)–Induced DNA Damage in Mouse Organs: An Alkaline Single-Cell Gel Electrophoresis (Comet) Assay. DNA Cell Biol 2007; 26:841-6. [PMID: 17854266 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2007.0631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of safranal, a constituent of Crocus sativus L. stigmas, on methyl methanesulfonate (MMS)-induced DNA damage was examined using alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE), or comet, assay in multiple organs of mice (liver, lung, kidney, and spleen). NMRI mice were divided into five groups, each of which contained five mice. The animals in different groups were received the following chemicals: physiological saline (10 mL/kg, ip), safranal (363.75 mg/kg, ip), MMS (120 mg/kg, ip), safranal (72.75 mg/kg, ip) 45 min prior to MMS administration, and safranal (363.75 mg/kg, ip) 45 min prior to MMS administration. Mice were sacrificed about 3 h after the administration of direct mutagen MMS, safranal, or saline, and the alkaline comet assay was used to evaluate the influence of safranal on DNA damage in different mouse organs. Increase in DNA migration was varied between 9.08 times (for spleen) and 22.12 times (for liver) in nuclei of different organs of MMS-treated mice, as compared with those of saline-treated animals (p < 0.001). In control groups, no significant difference was found in the DNA migration between safranal- and saline-pretreated mice. The MMS-induced DNA migration in safranal-pretreated mice (363.75 mg/kg) was reduced between 4.54-fold (kidney) and 7.31-fold (liver) as compared with those of MMS-treated animals alone (p < 0.001). This suppression of DNA damage by safranal was found to be depended on the dose, and pretreatment with safranal (72.75 mg/kg) only reduced DNA damage by 25.29%, 21.58%, 31.32%, and 25.88% in liver, lung, kidney, and spleen, respectively (p < 0.001 as compared with saline-treated group). The results of the present study showed that safranal clearly repressed the genotoxic potency of MMS, as measured by the comet assay, in different mouse organs, but the mechanism of this protection needs to be more investigated using different in vitro system assays and different experimental designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I.R. Iran.
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Bathaie SZ, Bolhasani A, Hoshyar R, Ranjbar B, Sabouni F, Moosavi-Movahedi AA. Interaction of saffron carotenoids as anticancer compounds with ctDNA, Oligo (dG.dC)15, and Oligo (dA.dT)15. DNA Cell Biol 2007; 26:533-40. [PMID: 17688404 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2007.0598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocin and crocetin are two important natural saffron carotenoids, which, along with dimethylcrocetin (DMC) as a semi-synthetic product, are responsible for its color. Many biological properties of saffron have been reported, among which the anticancer property is the most important. Some anticancer drugs have direct interaction with DNA, and thus the present study attempted to investigate the interaction of three major saffron carotenoids-crocin, crocetin, and DMC--with calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) and oligonucleotides. The spectrophotometric data showed some changes in ctDNA absorption spectra due to the formation of complex with saffron extract and each of these three components. Also, all the three components caused the quenching of the fluorescence emission of ctDNA-ethidium bromide complex. The Scatchard analysis of these data indicated a noncompetitive manner for quenching, which is accompanied by the outside groove-binding pattern. The circular dichroism (CD) spectra also indicated the nonintercalative binding and induction of the conformational changes, and B to C transition in ctDNA structure and then unstacking of ctDNA bases at higher concentrations of the carotenoids. The CD spectra of G.C and A.T oligonucleotides after addition of these carotenoids indicated the transition from B- to C-DNA, which is very similar to the ctDNA spectral changes. The DeltaG(H(2)O), the best parameter for the estimation of macromolecule stability, was determined for ctDNA denaturation using dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide in the absence and presence of crocin, crocetin, or DMC. Our results showed a decrease in the Delta G(H(2)O), indicating the ctDNA destabilization due to its interaction with the mentioned ligands. In conclusion, the results show that saffron and its carotenoids interact with DNA and induce some conformational changes in it. Of these carotenoids, the order of potential of interaction with DNA is crocetin > DMC >> crocin.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zahra Bathaie
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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Fernández JA. Anticancer properties of saffron, Crocus sativus Linn. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1572-557x(05)02018-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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Ashrafi M, Bathaie SZ, Taghikhani M, Moosavi-Movahedi AA. The effect of carotenoids obtained from saffron on histone H1 structure and H1-DNA interaction. Int J Biol Macromol 2005; 36:246-52. [PMID: 16087230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2005.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2005] [Revised: 05/17/2005] [Accepted: 05/17/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
It is already known that transcriptional activation of genes occurs due to the H1 dissociation from linker DNA; hence, histone H1-DNA complex is considered as a model of chromatin. Anticancer property of saffron and its carotenoids has already been reported. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of saffron carotenoids on H1 structure and H1-DNA interaction as a possible mechanism of their anticarcinogenic action. After purification of the saffron carotenoids (crocin, crocetin and dimethylcrocetin), their interaction with histone H1 was studied using spectrophotometry and spectrofluorometry. Some changes on the absorption spectra of H1 indicated the complex formation between this protein and saffron carotenoids. Also, the fluorescence emission of H1 was quenched by the mentioned ligands. The binding parameters of all the three ligands were obtained through Schatchard analysis of the quenching data. Then, the effect of each ligand on the H1-DNA interaction was studied. The results showed a shift in the precipitation curve to the left in the presence of the mentioned carotenoids, which is due to the reduction in the interaction of H1 with DNA. These observations led to the suggesting a mechanism in which the H1 depletion may promote transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ashrafi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modarres University, P.O. Box 14115-111, Tehran, Iran
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Abdullaev FI, Espinosa-Aguirre JJ. Biomedical properties of saffron and its potential use in cancer therapy and chemoprevention trials. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 28:426-32. [PMID: 15582266 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdp.2004.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chemoprevention strategies are very attractive and have earned serious consideration as potential means of controlling the incidence of cancer. An important element of anticancer drug development using plants is the accumulation and analysis of pertinent experimental data and purported ethnomedical (folkloric) uses for plants. The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of experimental in vitro and in vivo investigations focused on the anticancer activity of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its principal ingredients. Potential use of these natural agents in cancer therapy and chemopreventive trials are also discussed. METHODS A computerized search of published articles was performed using the MEDLINE database from 1990 to 2004. Search terms utilized including saffron, carotenoids, chemoprevention, and cancer. All articles were obtained as reprints from their original authors. Additional sources were identified through cross-referencing. RESULTS Studies in animal models and with cultured human malignant cell lines have demonstrated antitumor and cancer preventive activities of saffron and its main ingredients, possible mechanisms for these activities are discussed. More direct evidence of anticancer effectiveness of saffron as chemopreventive agent may come from trials that use actual reduction of cancer incidence as the primary endpoint CONCLUSIONS This work suggests that future research be warranted that will define the possible use of saffron as effective anticancer and chemopreventive agent in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- F I Abdullaev
- Laboratorio Oncología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida Imán # 1 Torre de Investigación, 04530 México D.F., México.
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Abdullaev FI, Riverón-Negrete L, Caballero-Ortega H, Manuel Hernández J, Pérez-López I, Pereda-Miranda R, Espinosa-Aguirre JJ. Use of in vitro assays to assess the potential antigenotoxic and cytotoxic effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Toxicol In Vitro 2003; 17:731-6. [PMID: 14599470 DOI: 10.1016/s0887-2333(03)00098-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Saffron is harvested from the dried, dark red stigmas of Crocus sativus L. flowers. It is used as a spice for flavoring and coloring food and as a perfume. It is often used for treating several diseases. We assessed the antimutagenic, comutagenic and cytotoxic effects of saffron and its main ingredients using the Ames/Salmonella test system, two well known mutagens (BP, 2AA), the in vitro colony formation assay and four different cultured human normal (CCD-18Lu) and malignant (HeLa, A-204 and HepG2) cells. When only using the TA98 strain in the Ames/Salmonella test system, saffron showed non-mutagenic, as well as non-antimutagenic activity against BP-induced mutagenicity, and demonstrated a dose-dependent co-mutagenic effect on 2-AA-induced mutagenicity. The saffron component responsible for this unusual comutagenic effect was safranal. In the in vitro colony formation test system, saffron displayed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect only against human malignant cells. All isolated carotenoid ingredients of saffron demonstrated cytotoxic activity against in vitro tumor cells. Saffron crocin derivatives possessed a stronger inhibitory effect on tumor cell colony formation. Overall, these results suggest that saffron itself, as well as its carotenoid components might be used as potential cancer chemopreventive agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- F I Abdullaev
- Instituto Nacional de Pediatría (National Institute of Pediatrics), Avenida del Imán # 1, Torre de Investigación, 6o piso, 04530 México DF, Mexico.
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Abdullaev FI. Cancer chemopreventive and tumoricidal properties of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2002; 227:20-5. [PMID: 11788779 DOI: 10.1177/153537020222700104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since cancer is the most common cause of death in the world population, the possibility that readily available natural substances from plants, vegetables, herbs, and spices may be beneficial in the prevention of cancer warrants closer examination. Saffron in filaments is the dried, dark red stigmata of Crocus sativus L. flowers and it is used as a spice, food colorant, and a drug in medicine. A growing body of research has demonstrated that saffron extract itself and its main constituents, the carotenoids, possess chemopreventive properties against cancer. This review discusses recent literature data and our results on the cancer chemopreventive activities of saffron and its main ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fikrat I Abdullaev
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City 04530, Mexico.
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Nair SC, Kurumboor SK, Hasegawa JH. Saffron chemoprevention in biology and medicine: a review. CANCER BIOTHERAPY 1995; 10:257-64. [PMID: 8590890 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.1995.10.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence indicate that carotenoids possess anticarcinogenic, anti-mutagenic and immunomodulating effects. Saffron obtained from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L., is an important spice, rich in carotenoids, consumed commonly in different parts of the world. Our laboratory first reported the anticancer activity of saffron extract (dimethyl-crocetin) against a wide spectrum of murine tumors and human leukemia cell lines. The present report reviews the role of saffron in serving as a chemopreventive agent in modifying cancer risk. Dose-dependent cytotoxic effect to carcinoma, sarcoma and leukemia cells in vitro were noted. Saffron delayed ascites tumor growth and increased the life span of the treated mice compared to untreated controls by 45-120%. In addition, it delayed the onset of papilloma growth, decreased incidence of squamous cell carcinoma and soft tissue sarcoma in treated mice. Understanding the mechanisms of action of saffron have been solitarily based on their carotenoid-like action. Our results indicated significant inhibition in the synthesis of nucleic acids but not protein synthesis. It appears now that saffron (dimethyl-crocetin) disrupts DNA-protein interactions e.g. topoisomerases II, important for cellular DNA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Nair
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Eppley Institute for Cancer Research and Allied Diseases, Omaha 68198-6260, USA
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