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Marrone G, Urciuoli S, Di Lauro M, Cornali K, Montalto G, Masci C, Vanni G, Tesauro M, Vignolini P, Noce A. Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) and Its By-Products: Healthy Effects in Internal Medicine. Nutrients 2024; 16:2319. [PMID: 39064764 PMCID: PMC11279474 DOI: 10.3390/nu16142319] [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: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Crocus sativus L., commonly known as saffron, is a precious spice coming from Asia, in particular from Iran, the country leader in its production. The spice is derived exclusively from dried stigmas and it is the most expensive one in the world. The areas of application of saffron are multiple, in fact ranging across the food, drinks, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics sectors. As is the case with other phytochemicals, not only the final product but also saffron by-products are considered a valuable source of bioactive natural compounds. In fact, its healthy effects, especially as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories (via reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines), are well-recognized in internal medicine. In particular, its healthy effects are related to counteracting degenerative maculopathy, depression and anxiety, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome, cancer and chronic kidney disease, by promoting glucose metabolism. In this review, we summarize the most important papers in which saffron has turned out to be a valuable ally in the prevention and treatment of these pathologies. Moreover, we would like to promote the use of saffron by-products as part of a bio-circular economy system, aimed at reducing wastes, at maximizing the use of resources and at promoting environmental and economic sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Marrone
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (M.D.L.); (C.M.); (M.T.)
| | - Silvia Urciuoli
- PHYTOLAB Laboratory (Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic, Food Supplement, Technology and Analysis), Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications “Giuseppe Parenti” (DiSIA), University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy; (S.U.); (P.V.)
| | - Manuela Di Lauro
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (M.D.L.); (C.M.); (M.T.)
| | - Kevin Cornali
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (M.D.L.); (C.M.); (M.T.)
| | - Giulia Montalto
- School of Specialization in Nephrology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudia Masci
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (M.D.L.); (C.M.); (M.T.)
| | - Gianluca Vanni
- Breast Unit Policlinico Tor Vergata, Department of Surgical Science, Tor Vergata University, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Manfredi Tesauro
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (M.D.L.); (C.M.); (M.T.)
| | - Pamela Vignolini
- PHYTOLAB Laboratory (Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic, Food Supplement, Technology and Analysis), Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications “Giuseppe Parenti” (DiSIA), University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy; (S.U.); (P.V.)
| | - Annalisa Noce
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (M.D.L.); (C.M.); (M.T.)
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Cerdá-Bernad D, D’costa AS, Moreno DA, Bordenave N, Frutos MJ. Functional Model Beverages of Saffron Floral By-Products: Polyphenolic Composition, Inhibition of Digestive Enzymes, and Rheological Characterization. Foods 2024; 13:1440. [PMID: 38790740 PMCID: PMC11120039 DOI: 10.3390/foods13101440] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the rapid and dynamic evolution of research into dietary polyphenols, there is still a knowledge gap regarding their bioaccessibility since it could be influenced by the chemical and nutritional compositions of the food matrix. This study aimed to describe the impact of food thickeners (xanthan gum, guar gum, β-glucan, pectin) on the bioactivity of flavonoids from saffron floral by-products in model beverages before and after thermal processing. The different beverage formulas were characterized in terms of polyphenolic composition using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn and rheological properties. The impact of food thickeners and thermal processing on the inhibition of digestive enzymes was also determined. The model beverages mainly presented glycosylated flavonols (of kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin), with a reduced content in some heat-treated samples. The inhibitory effect on α-amylase was only detected in heat-treated beverages, showing the formulation without any thickener to have the greatest inhibitory effect. Finally, the presence of saffron floral by-products in the beverages showed a tendency to decrease the flow consistency index (K) and an increase in the flow behavior index (n), most probably driven by the aggregation of phenolics with thickeners. Therefore, this research provides new insights into the development of flavonoid-rich beverages in order to ensure that they exert the expected beneficial effects after their ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Cerdá-Bernad
- Agro-Food Technology Department, CIAGRO-UMH, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental, Miguel Hernández University, 03312 Orihuela, Spain;
| | - Adrian S. D’costa
- School of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (A.S.D.); (N.B.)
| | - Diego A. Moreno
- Phytochemistry and Healthy Food Lab, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS, CSIC, Campus Universitario de Espinardo-25, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Nicolas Bordenave
- School of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (A.S.D.); (N.B.)
- School of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
- INRAE, Avignon Université, UMR SQPOV, 84000 Avignon, France
| | - María José Frutos
- Agro-Food Technology Department, CIAGRO-UMH, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental, Miguel Hernández University, 03312 Orihuela, Spain;
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Ruggieri F, Maggi MA, Rossi M, Consonni R. Comprehensive Extraction and Chemical Characterization of Bioactive Compounds in Tepals of Crocus sativus L. Molecules 2023; 28:5976. [PMID: 37630227 PMCID: PMC10458886 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28165976] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Crocus sativus L. is largely cultivated because it is the source of saffron, a well-appreciated and valued spice, not only for its culinary use but also because of its significant biological activities. Stigmas are the main product obtained from flowers, but in addition, tepals, largely considered a waste product, represent a big source of flavonoids and anthocyanins. This study aimed to delve into the phytochemical composition of saffron tepals and investigate whether the composition was influenced by the extraction technique while investigating the main analytical techniques most suitable for the characterization of tepal extracts. The research focuses on flavonoids, a class of secondary metabolites, and their health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Flavonoids occur as aglycones and glycosides and are classified into various classes, such as flavones, flavonols, and flavanones. The most abundant flavonoids in tepals are kaempferol glycosides, followed by quercetin and isorhamnetin glycosides. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the potential uses of tepals as a source of bioactive compounds and their applications in various fields, promoting a circular and sustainable economy in saffron cultivation and processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Ruggieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche e Chimiche, Università degli Studi dell’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (F.R.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Maria Anna Maggi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche e Chimiche, Università degli Studi dell’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (F.R.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Michela Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche e Chimiche, Università degli Studi dell’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (F.R.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Roberto Consonni
- National Research Council, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Technologies “G. Natta” (SCITEC), Via Corti 12, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Belyagoubi-Benhammou N, Belyagoubi L, Loukidi B, Mir MA, Assadpour E, Boudghene-Stambouli M, Kharazmi MS, Jafari SM. Bioactivity and applications of saffron floral bio-residues (tepals): a natural by-product for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37051933 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2199434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Saffron "Crocus sativus" is a plant of the Iridaceae family. Its therapeutic virtues have been known since antiquity; it is used in traditional medicine and culinary preparations. It is also known for its use in cosmetics because of its beneficial pharmacological activities for human skin. In particular, saffron tepals are the main by-product of saffron processing; they contain several bioactive compounds such as mineral agents, anthocyanins, monoterpenoids, carotenoids, flavonoids, and flavonols (kaempferol). This review aims to describe the different properties of saffron flower tepals, including their botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition, biological activities, and cosmetology and perfumery uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabila Belyagoubi-Benhammou
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe Sciences, University Abou- Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Larbi Belyagoubi
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe Sciences, University Abou- Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Bouchra Loukidi
- Physiopathology and Biochemically of Nutrition (PPABIONUT) Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe Sciences, University Abou-Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Mudasir A Mir
- Division of Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Elham Assadpour
- Food Industry Research Co, Gorgan, Iran
- Food and Bio-Nanotech International Research Center (Fabiano), Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mohammed Boudghene-Stambouli
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe Sciences, University Abou- Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | | | - Seid Mahdi Jafari
- Department of Food Materials and Process Design Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
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Agri-Food Wastes as Natural Source of Bioactive Antioxidants. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020351. [PMID: 36829910 PMCID: PMC9951869 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the health of the ecosystem and quality of life are jeopardized by the growing quantities of waste that are released into the environment [...].
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Lianza M, Marincich L, Antognoni F. The Greening of Anthocyanins: Eco-Friendly Techniques for Their Recovery from Agri-Food By-Products. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:2169. [PMID: 36358541 PMCID: PMC9717736 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, several steps forward have been made toward a more sustainable approach for the extraction of bioactive compounds from plant materials based on the application of green extraction principles. It is currently recognized that waste and by-products deriving from agriculture and food industries still contain a wide array of high value-added substances, which can be re-used to obtain new products with various applications in the food, supplement, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Anthocyanins are a class of these valuable metabolites; they confer the red, violet, and blue color to fruits and vegetables, and scientific evidence has accumulated over the last few decades to support their beneficial effects on human health, in great part deriving from their powerful antioxidant capacity. This review provides a general overview of the most recent green procedures that have been applied for the recovery of anthocyanins from plant-derived wastes and by-products. The most widely used green solvents and the main sustainable techniques utilized for recovering this class of flavonoids from various matrices are discussed, together with the variables that mainly impact the extraction yield.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabiana Antognoni
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Rimini Campus, University of Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
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Vitale S, Colanero S, Placidi M, Di Emidio G, Tatone C, Amicarelli F, D’Alessandro AM. Phytochemistry and Biological Activity of Medicinal Plants in Wound Healing: An Overview of Current Research. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27113566. [PMID: 35684503 PMCID: PMC9182061 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Wound healing is a complicated process, and the effective management of wounds is a major challenge. Natural herbal remedies have now become fundamental for the management of skin disorders and the treatment of skin infections due to the side effects of modern medicine and lower price for herbal products. The aim of the present study is to summarize the most recent in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on major herbal preparations, their phytochemical constituents, and new formulations for wound management. Research reveals that several herbal medicaments have marked activity in the management of wounds and that this activity is ascribed to flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. These phytochemicals can act at different stages of the process by means of various mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, collagen synthesis stimulating, cell proliferation, and angiogenic effects. The application of natural compounds using nanotechnology systems may provide significant improvement in the efficacy of wound treatments. Increasing the clinical use of these therapies would require safety assessment in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Vitale
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.V.); (M.P.); (G.D.E.); (C.T.); (F.A.)
| | - Sara Colanero
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Martina Placidi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.V.); (M.P.); (G.D.E.); (C.T.); (F.A.)
| | - Giovanna Di Emidio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.V.); (M.P.); (G.D.E.); (C.T.); (F.A.)
| | - Carla Tatone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.V.); (M.P.); (G.D.E.); (C.T.); (F.A.)
| | - Fernanda Amicarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.V.); (M.P.); (G.D.E.); (C.T.); (F.A.)
| | - Anna Maria D’Alessandro
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.V.); (M.P.); (G.D.E.); (C.T.); (F.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Gigliobianco MR, Cortese M, Nannini S, Di Nicolantonio L, Peregrina DV, Lupidi G, Vitali LA, Bocchietto E, Di Martino P, Censi R. Chemical, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Properties of the Peel and Male Flower By-Products of Four Varieties of Punica granatum L. Cultivated in the Marche Region for Their Use in Cosmetic Products. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11040768. [PMID: 35453453 PMCID: PMC9030693 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We are now seeing an increase in the production of agri-food waste, which is an essential resource for the recovery of bioactive compounds that may be employed as innovative natural ingredients in cosmetics. To date, the approach to cosmetics preservation has seen a significant shift in the search for biological components that give healthier alternatives for customers and help businesses operate in an environmentally friendly manner. To achieve this goal, we studied pomegranate extracts using the peel and, for the first time, extracts from the male flowers of a wide pomegranate variety cultivated in the Marche region, specifically, the Wonderful, Mollar de Elche, Parfianka, and less-studied G1 varieties. We studied the phenol compounds profile, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity, and cell viability of the obtained pomegranate extracts. The identification and quantification of phenol compounds belonging to different classes, such as hydrolysable tannins, hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, dihydroflavonol, gallocatechin, and anthocyanins, were performed using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Punicalagin isomers and punicalin resulted in the most abundant polyphenols found in the peel and male flower extracts. Mollar de Elche 2020 peel extract revealed a high concentration of punicalagin A and B (7206.4 mg/kg and 5812.9), while the content of gallic acid revealed high results in the G1 and Parfianka varieties. All extracts were spectrophotometrically analysed to determine their total phenol content (TPC) using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and their antioxidant capacity (AC). In terms of the total phenol obtained by the Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric method, Mollar de Elche 2020 extracts reported the highest TPC content of 12.341 µmol GAE/g. Results revealed that the Mollar de Elche and Wonderful 2020 peel extracts demonstrated the highest TPC and AC. Furthermore, AC results indicated that the peel extracts displayed higher AC than the male flower extract due to the high punicalagin content detected by UPLC analysis. The antimicrobial activity testing revealed that the Wonderful and G1 2020 peel extracts resulted active against Escherichia coli, while all extracts exhibited promising anticandidal activity. Additionally, the cytocompatibility was evaluated in keratinocytes HaCaT cells by testing concentrations of pomegranate extracts ranging from 0.15 to 5.00 mg/mL. Extracts were non-toxic for the cells in the tested concentration range. The acquired results may help exploit pomegranate agri-food waste products provided by the Marche region’s short supply chain for their use as an antimicrobial and antioxidant booster in the formulation of cosmetic products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuela Cortese
- CHiP Research Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.C.); (L.D.N.); (G.L.); (L.A.V.); (R.C.)
| | - Samanta Nannini
- ABICH Srl, Biological and Chemical Toxicology Research Laboratory, 28924 Verbania, Italy; (S.N.); (E.B.)
| | - Lucrezia Di Nicolantonio
- CHiP Research Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.C.); (L.D.N.); (G.L.); (L.A.V.); (R.C.)
- Recusol Srl, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | | | - Giulio Lupidi
- CHiP Research Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.C.); (L.D.N.); (G.L.); (L.A.V.); (R.C.)
| | - Luca Agostino Vitali
- CHiP Research Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.C.); (L.D.N.); (G.L.); (L.A.V.); (R.C.)
| | - Elena Bocchietto
- ABICH Srl, Biological and Chemical Toxicology Research Laboratory, 28924 Verbania, Italy; (S.N.); (E.B.)
| | - Piera Di Martino
- Department of Pharmacy, Università “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti e Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 1, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Roberta Censi
- CHiP Research Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.C.); (L.D.N.); (G.L.); (L.A.V.); (R.C.)
- Recusol Srl, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
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