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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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Gu Y, Bai Y. Osteogenic effect of crocin in human periodontal ligament stem cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Oral Dis 2024; 30:1429-1438. [PMID: 36705490 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14523] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Crocin is a major class of medicinal components in saffron. This study aimed to determine whether crocin directly promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS CCK8 cell proliferation assay, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot analysis and Alizarin Red staining were performed in PDLSCs using crocin as a stimulant. DKK1 was used to selectively inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and Western blotting was performed to investigate the underlying mechanism. The PDLSCs were mixed with calcium phosphate cement and implanted into nude mice subcutaneously to study the effect of crocin on PDLSC osteogenic differentiation in vivo. RESULTS The CCK-8 assay showed that crocin did not promote the proliferation of PDLSCs. Treatment with 400 μM crocin significantly promoted PDLSC mRNA levels of ALP, COL1 and OCN; RUNX2 and BMP2 protein expression; mineralized nodule formation in vitro and in vivo; and ALP activity in tissues in vivo. In addition, crocin significantly promoted the phosphorylation of β-catenin and cyclin D1. DKK1 inhibits Wnt/β-catenin activation and partially reverses crocin-mediated promotion of PDLSC osteogenic differentiation. CONCLUSION Crocin may contribute to the regeneration of periodontal bone tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingzhi Gu
- Department of Orthodontics, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxing Bai
- Department of Orthodontics, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Hooshyari Ardakani M, Nosengo C, Felletti S, Catani M, Cavazzini A, De Luca C, Rezadoost H. Enhancing the purification of crocin-I from saffron through the combination of multicolumn countercurrent chromatography and green solvents. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024:10.1007/s00216-024-05228-6. [PMID: 38459965 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05228-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Crocin-I, a valuable natural compound found in saffron (Crocus sativus L.), is the most abundant among the various crocin structures. Developing a cost-effective and scalable purification process to produce high-purity crocin-I is of great interest for future investigations into its biological properties and its potential applications in the treatment of neurological disorders. However purifying crocin-I through single-column preparative chromatography (batch) poses a yield-purity trade-off due to structural similarities among crocins, meaning that the choice of the collection window sacrifices either yield in benefit of higher purity or vice versa. This study demonstrates how the continuous countercurrent operating mode resolves this dilemma. Herein, a twin-column MCSGP (multicolumn countercurrent solvent gradient purification) process was employed to purify crocin-I. This study involved an environmentally friendly ethanolic extraction of saffron stigma, followed by an investigation into the stability of the crocin-I within the feed under varying storage conditions to ensure a stable feed composition during the purification. Then, the batch purification process was initially designed, optimized, and subsequently followed by the scale-up to the MCSGP process. To ensure a fair comparison, both processes were evaluated under similar conditions (e.g., similar total column volume). The results showed that, at a purity grade of 99.7%, the MCSGP technique demonstrated significant results, namely + 334% increase in recovery + 307% increase in productivity, and - 92% reduction in solvent consumption. To make the purification process even greener, the only organic solvent employed was ethanol, without the addition of any additive. In conclusion, this study presents the MCSGP as a reliable, simple, and economical technique for purifying crocin-I from saffron extract, demonstrating for the first time that it can be effectively applied as a powerful approach for process intensification in the purification of natural products from complex matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hooshyari Ardakani
- Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Chiara Nosengo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simona Felletti
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Catani
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto Cavazzini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, CREA, Via Della Navicella 2/4, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara De Luca
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Hassan Rezadoost
- Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran.
- Center for International Scientific Studies & Collaboration (CISSC), Ministry of Science Research and Technology, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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Jirofti N, Hashemi M, Moradi A, Kalalinia F. Fabrication and characterization of 3D printing biocompatible crocin-loaded chitosan/collagen/hydroxyapatite-based scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 252:126279. [PMID: 37572811 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126279] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Crocin (Cro) is a bioactive biomaterial with properties that promote osteoconduction, osteoinduction, and osteogenic differentiation, making it an ideal candidate for developing mechanically enhanced scaffolds for bone tissue engineering (BTE). Present study focused on a 3D printing matrix loaded with Cro and featuring a composite structure consisting of Chitosan (CH), collagen (Col), and hydroxyapatite (HA). METHOD The scaffolds' structural properties were analyzed using FESEM, and FTIR DSC, while the degradation rate, swelling ratio, cell viability were examined to determine their in vitro performance. Additionally, the scaffolds' mechanical properties were calculated by examining their force, stress, elongation, and Young's modulus. RESULTS The CH/Col/nHA scaffolds demonstrated interconnected porous structures. The cell study results indicated that the Cro-loaded in scaffolds cause to reduce the toxicity of Cro. Biocompatibility was confirmed through degradation rate, swelling ratio parameters, and contact angle measurements for all structures. The addition of Cro showed a significant impact on the strength of the fabricated scaffolds. By loading 25 and 50 μl of Cro, the Young's modulus improved by 71 % and 74 %, respectively, compared to the free drug scaffold. CONCLUSION The obtained results indicated that the 3D printing crocin-loaded scaffolds based chitosan/collagen/hydroxyapatite structure can be introduced as a promising candidate for BTE applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiseh Jirofti
- Orthopedic Research Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery,Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Maryam Hashemi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Departments of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Ali Moradi
- Orthopedic Research Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery,Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Kalalinia
- Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Gao H, Zhao Y, Zhao L, Wang Z, Yan K, Gao B, Zhang L. The Role of Oxidative Stress in Multiple Exercise-Regulated Bone Homeostasis. Aging Dis 2023; 14:1555-1582. [PMID: 37196112 PMCID: PMC10529750 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone is a tissue that is active throughout the lifespan, and its physiological activities, such as growth, development, absorption, and formation, are always ongoing. All types of stimulation that occur in sports play an important role in regulating the physiological activities of bone. Here, we track the latest research progress locally and abroad, summarize the recent, relevant research results, and systematically summarize the effects of different types of exercise on bone mass, bone strength and bone metabolism. We found that different types of exercise have different effects on bone health due to their unique technical characteristics. Oxidative stress is an important mechanism mediating the exercise regulation of bone homeostasis. Excessive high-intensity exercise does not benefit bone health but induces a high level of oxidative stress in the body, which has a negative impact on bone tissue. Regular moderate exercise can improve the body's antioxidant defense ability, inhibit an excessive oxidative stress response, promote the positive balance of bone metabolism, delay age-related bone loss and deterioration of bone microstructures and have a prevention and treatment effect on osteoporosis caused by many factors. Based on the above findings, we provide evidence for the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of bone diseases. This study provides a systematic basis for clinicians and professionals to reasonably formulate exercise prescriptions and provides exercise guidance for patients and the general public. This study also provides a reference for follow-up research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyang Gao
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yilong Zhao
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linlin Zhao
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhikun Wang
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Yan
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Gao
- Institute of Orthopedic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lingli Zhang
- College of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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Chrastina M, Dráfi F, Pružinská K, Poništ S, Kamga KS, Khademnematolahi S, Bilka F, Novák P, Pašková Ľ, Bauerová K. Crocus sativus L. Extract (Saffron) Effectively Reduces Arthritic and Inflammatory Parameters in Monotherapy and in Combination with Methotrexate in Adjuvant Arthritis. Nutrients 2023; 15:4108. [PMID: 37836391 PMCID: PMC10574733 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194108] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease, is characterized by inflammation that affects not only the liver but also other organs and the musculoskeletal system. The standard therapy for RA is methotrexate (MTX), which has safety limitations. The extract from Crocus sativus L. (saffron-SF) is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, we decided to investigate the potential benefit of SF in monotherapy via two doses (SF1-25 mg/kg of b.w.; SF2-50 mg/kg of b.w.) and in combination with MTX (0.3 mg/kg of b.w., twice a week) using adjuvant arthritis in rats. To evaluate these therapeutic settings, we used biometric, immunological, and biochemical parameters, as well as the relative gene expression of the mRNA in the liver. Our results showed a statistically significant increase in the experimental animals' body weight and the arthritic score (AS) on day 14 for monotherapy with SF1 and SF2. The change of hind paw volume (CHPV) was significant only for SF2 monotherapy on the 14th day of the experiment. A combination of SF1 and SF2 with MTX significantly modulated all the biometric parameters during the experimental period. Additionally, AS and CHPV improved considerably compared to MTX monotherapy on day 21. Furthermore, all monotherapies and combination therapies were significant for the biochemical parameter γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the joint. GGT activity in the spleen was less pronounced; only MTX in combination with SF1 significantly modified this parameter. The higher dose of SF monotherapy (SF2) was similarly significant with respect to immunological parameters, such as plasmatic IL-17A, IL-1β, and MMP-9 on day 21. The combination of both doses of SF with MTX significantly improved these immunological parameters, except for C-reactive protein (CRP), which was influenced only by the higher dose of SF2 in combination with MTX in plasma at the end of the experiment. A different effect was found for the relative expression of CD36 mRNA, where only SF1 significantly decreased gene expression in the liver. However, the relative gene mRNA expression of IL-1β in the liver was significantly reduced by the SF monotherapies and the combination of both SF doses with MTX. Our findings showed SF's partial antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory potential in monotherapy, but the effect was stronger in combination with MTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Chrastina
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (K.P.); (S.P.); (K.S.K.); (S.K.)
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Malá Hora 10701/4A, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - František Dráfi
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (K.P.); (S.P.); (K.S.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Katarína Pružinská
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (K.P.); (S.P.); (K.S.K.); (S.K.)
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Malá Hora 10701/4A, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Silvester Poništ
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (K.P.); (S.P.); (K.S.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Kevine Silihe Kamga
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (K.P.); (S.P.); (K.S.K.); (S.K.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé P.O. Box 812, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1364, Cameroon
| | - Sasan Khademnematolahi
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (K.P.); (S.P.); (K.S.K.); (S.K.)
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - František Bilka
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojárov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia; (F.B.); (P.N.); (Ľ.P.)
| | - Peter Novák
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojárov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia; (F.B.); (P.N.); (Ľ.P.)
| | - Ľudmila Pašková
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojárov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia; (F.B.); (P.N.); (Ľ.P.)
| | - Katarína Bauerová
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (K.P.); (S.P.); (K.S.K.); (S.K.)
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Crocus sativus L. Petal Extract Inhibits Inflammation and Osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264.7 Cell Model. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061290. [PMID: 35745865 PMCID: PMC9230138 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061290] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) are traditionally processed to produce saffron, a spice widely used as a food coloring and flavoring agent, which is important in the pharmaceutical and textile dye-producing industries. The labor-intensive by-hand harvesting and the use of only a small amount of each flower cause saffron to be the most expensive spice in the world. Crocus sp. petals are by-products of saffron production and represent an interesting raw material for the preparation of extracts intended for health protection in the perspective of a circular economy. In the present study, ethanolic extract from Crocus sativus L. petals (Crocus sativus L. petal extract, CsPE) was tested on macrophages by in vitro models of inflammation and osteoclastogenesis. The extract was found to be endowed with anti-inflammatory activity, significantly reducing the nitric oxide production and IL-6 release by RAW 264.7 murine cells. Moreover, CsPE demonstrated an anti-osteoclastogenic effect, as revealed by a complete inhibition of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive osteoclast formation and a decreased expression of key osteoclast-related genes. This study, which focuses on the macrophage as the target cell of the bioactive extract from Crocus sativus L. petals, suggests that the petal by-product of saffron processing can usefully be part of a circular economy network aimed at producing an extract that potentially prevents bone disruption.
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