Crocin Administration Research Articles

Protective effects of saffron, safranal and crocin administration on vitamins (A, D, E, K) and protein carbonyl levels against CCI4- induced oxidative damage in rats

Objective: The possible effects of saffron and its active components on oxidative stress are known. Protein carbonyls (PCO), formed due to protein exposure to oxidizing agents, are a newly researched topic. In this study, it was aimed to determine, antioxidant fatsoluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and PCO values after saffron, safranal and crocin administration with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four Wistar albino male rats were randomly selected, and 9 groups of n=6 were formed. Vitamin levels in rat serum were determined by HPLC and PCO levels were determined by spectrophotometric method. Results: A significant difference (p

Crocin Administration Represses Depressive-Like Behaviors in Rats by Targeting the Hippocampal miRNA-99A/FKBP51/PSD-95 Level

Crocin Administration Represses Depressive-Like Behaviors in Rats by Targeting the Hippocampal miRNA-99A/FKBP51/PSD-95 Level

Effects of crocin on the enhancement of in vitro neurogenesis: Involvement of Notch and CREB/BDNF signaling pathways.

Adult neurogenesis, the process of generating new neurons, continues throughout life. Unfortunately, this process is insufficient in pathological conditions and needs to be promoted. Crocin, the active component of saffron, affects neurogenesis in vivo and in vitro. We aimed to investigate the enhancing effects of crocin on the neurogenesis of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the presence of retinoic acid, as well as the molecular pathways involved. Differentiation capacities and stemness potential of harvested ADSCs were evaluated by differentiating into osteocytes and adipocytes, and expression of mesenchymal CD markers by flow cytometry. The optimum dose of crocin was assessed with an MTT assay. Crocin, retinoic acid, CREB/BDNF, and Notch inhibitors and their combination were added to the culture medium. Jag1, Hes1, Notch, and BDNF gene expression were analyzed by RT-PCR on days 7, 14, and 21, while CREB, DCX, SOX2, and NeuN expression were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Expression of mesenchymal CD markers as well as adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation confirmed the origin and properties of ADSCs. The optimal dose of crocin was 1 mM. Crocin significantly (P<0.05) increased, while inhibitors (DATP&Naphthol) significantly (P<0.05) decreased Jag1, Hes1, Notch, and BDNF expression. Immunofluorescent assessments showed that expression of DCX, BDNF, NeuN, and Sox2 proteins increased significantly (P<0.05) after crocin administration and decreased significantly (P<0.05) after inhibitor administration. Crocin can be used as an enhancer for neural differentiation of MSCs in vitro in the presence of retinoic acid. The mechanism is proposed through Notch and CREB/BDNF signaling pathways.

Effect of crocin and treadmill exercise on oxidative stress and heart damage in diabetic rats.

Diabetes increases the production of free radicals and inflammatory agents in the heart tissue and alters the expression of genes associated with the induction of apoptosis. Considering the importance of common cardiovascular disorders in diabetes, this study investigated the effect of eight weeks of aerobic exercise and crocin use, as well as tissue damage and oxidative stress caused by diabetes in the hearts of adult rats. Streptozotocin 50 mg/kg was injected as a single dose intraperitoneally to cause the diabetes. After 72 hours, a glucometer monitored blood glucose levels, and blood glucose above 250 mg/dl was considered diabetes. Continuous treadmill exercise was performed for eight weeks by placing the animal on the treadmill. Next, the animals were anesthetized, and samples were taken from the hearts and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Then, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the cardiac tissue. Finally, the hearts of half of the animals were immediately immersed in a formalin solution for histological changes. According to our findings, diabetes increased lipid peroxidation, characterized by increased MDA levels in the control diabetes group and decreased SOD and GPx levels (P <0.05). It also changes the balance of expression of genes associated with apoptosis control, increased Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) expression, and decreased Bcl-2 expression (P <0.05). Also, we observed the induction of apoptosis in cardiac tissue. Using eight weeks of continuous exercise and administration of crocin significantly reduced blood sugar levels and lipid peroxidation and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and Bcl-2 gene expression compared to the diabetes control group. In addition, continuous exercise and crocin improved the oxidative stress parameters in the control group. This study showed that diabetes could cause oxidative stress and heart dysfunction. Moreover, simultaneously and separately, aerobic exercise with a treadmill and crocin administration can reduce these disorders and prevent apoptosis in the heart tissue.

Crocin improves the renal autophagy in rat experimental membranous nephropathy via regulating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a glomerular disease. Crocin is isolated from saffron and gardenia. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-tumor, free-radical scavenging and neuroprotective activities have been well established. We investigated the biological functions of crocin and its related mechanisms in MN. We established an experimental passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) rat model induced by anti-Fx1A antiserum. The rats were divided into sham, sham + crocin, PHN, PHN + crocin, and PHN + enalapril groups. Blood samples and kidneys of rats were collected for estimation of biochemical parameters in serum and oxidative stress indicators in kidney tissues. Histopathological changes of renal tissues were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Masson staining. The podocyte number was estimated by immunohistochemistry staining of Wilms tumor type 1 (WT1). The deposition of rat anti-rabbit IgG antibodies, complement C3 and C5b-9 was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Western blotting was performed to measure the levels of Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and apoptosis-related proteins. The total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urine volume and urine albumin of PMN rats were significantly reduced by crocin. Additionally, crocin attenuated the renal histopathological changes. Moreover, the oxidative stress damage and podocyte loss and immune injury were relieved by crocin in PHN rats. Mechanistically, crocin administration activated the Sirt1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. The results provide a scientific basis that crocin could alleviate MN by inhibiting immune injury and podocyte damage through activating the Sirt1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.

Ameliorative effects of crocin against electromagnetic field-induced oxidative stress and liver and kidney injuries in mice.

The current study's goal was to examine how crocin affects organ damage such as damage to the kidney and liver in mice treated by 2100 MHz Electro Magnetic Field. The liver and kidneys of mice exposed to EMFs were used in this study to examine how crocin affected them. 24 male NMARI mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: EMF group (2100 MHZ); Crocin (Cr) group (50 mg/kg); EMF+Crocin group (2100 MHZ+50 mg/kg), and control group. The antioxidant enzymes and some serum biochemical parameters were assessed in blood samples collected after the experiment. After the animals were put to sleep, liver and kidney samples were taken for histopathological and liver samples were taken for ultrastructural analyses. The serum levels of urea and creatinine, and serum activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase were higher in the EMF group than the control group, and this difference was significant. When compared to the control group, the EMF group's antioxidants, (catalase and superoxide dismutase) activity were decreased. These metrics significantly improved in the EMF + Cr group when compared to the EMF group. Different pathological damages were present in the liver and kidney of the EMF group, and the liver's ultrastructure had changed. Crocin administration decrease these changes. Crocin, an antioxidant agent, may provide defense against tissue damage brought on by EMF by reducing oxidative stress.

Protective Effects of Crocin Against Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats: Histological, Immunohistochemical, and Biochemical Study.

Among the many known adverse effects of methotrexate (MTX), hepatotoxicity stands out as a major drawback that limits its therapeutic applicability. There is growing evidence that crocin has antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study's aim is to evaluate the potential protective effect of crocin against MTX-induced liver damage in rats using biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were split into four groups at random (six rats/group) as follows: normal control (saline, intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections), crocin-treated (100 mg/kg dailyfor 14 days, i.p.), MTX-treated (20 mg/kgsingle i.p. injectionon day 15), and crocin/MTX-treated groups (crocin 100 mg/kg/dayfor 14 days, i.p.+ MTX 20 mg/kgsingle i.p. injectionon day 15). On day 16 of the experiment, blood and tissue specimens were used to assess the liver functions, oxidative stress markers, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), caspase-3, BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) expression. The results of the current research revealed the protective actions of crocin against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity. Our results showed that crocin possesses antioxidants (decrease malondialdehyde (MDA), increase glutathione (GSH) levels, and enhance catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymatic activity), anti-fibrotic (decrease TGF-β1), and anti-apoptotic (decrease BAXand caspase-3 expression while increase BCL-2) actions in liver. Moreover, crocin administration along with MTX restores the normal histological structure of hepatic tissues. Thedata presented in the current study using an in vivo animal model supportthe notion that crocin should be further studied in humans to assess its potential hepatoprotective effects againstMTX-induced liver damage.

Effect of Crocin and Treadmill Exercise on Spermatogenesis and Testis Structure in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats: An Experimental Study

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of crocin and treadmill exercise on oxidative stress, sperm parameters, and testis structure in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 64 diabetic rats induced by a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of STZ (50 mg/ kg) were assigned to the following groups (n=8/each): healthy control group, diabetic control group, diabetic group treated daily with crocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg, and one healthy group receiving daily crocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg for 56 days. Some groups such as the controls and diabetics exercised with treadmill, as well as the healthy and diabetic groups performed daily exercise with treadmill and crocin. After crocin treatment, all rats were anesthetized, their blood samples were taken, and the serum level of insulin, glucose, and oxidative stress markers were measured. Finally, the testicles and epididymis were removed and sperm parameters were assessed. Results: Treatment of diabetic rats with crocin along with treadmill exercise significantly replaced the testicular tissue damage, sperm parameters, glucose, and insulin plasma levels (P=0.001). In diabetic rats, moreover, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased and the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes activity were reduced in the testicular tissue (P=0.001). Crocin administration (50 mg/kg BW) and exercise significantly improved these parameters (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Our results confirm the antioxidant role of crocin and the positive role of treadmill exercise in improving the sperm parameters and testicular oxidative damage caused by diabetes.

Antidepressant Effect of Crocin in Mice with Chronic Mild Stress.

This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant property of crocin (Crocetin digentiobiose ester) using a chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced depression model in experimental mice. The tail suspension test (TST) and the sucrose preference test were used to evaluate the antidepressant effect on albino mice of either sex after three weeks of CMS. The period of immobility in the TST and percentage preference for sucrose solution were recorded. By monitoring brain malondialdehyde (MDA) level, catalase (CAT) activity, and reduced glutathione (GSH) level, the antioxidant potential was assessed. Three dosages of crocin (4.84, 9.69, and 19.38 mg/kg) were evaluated. When compared to controls, animals that received crocin administration during three periods of CMS had considerably shorter immobility times during the TST. Crocin treatment also raised the percentage preference for sucrose solution in a dose-dependent manner, bringing it to parity with the conventional antidepressant, imipramine. Animals that received a high dose of crocin had a much greater spontaneous locomotor activity. Furthermore, a high dose of crocin remarkably lowered plasma corticosterone and nitrite levels brought on by CMS. Additionally, high doses of crocin given during CMS greatly enhanced reduced glutathione levels while considerably reducing the brain’s MDA and catalase activities. In conclusion, high doses of crocin may have an antidepressant effect in an animal model through several mechanisms. However, further studies should be carried out to explore the role of neurotransmitters for their antidepressant property.

Crocin suppresses inflammation-induced apoptosis in rmTBI mouse model via modulation of Nrf2 transcriptional activity

BackgroundRepetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) has been considered a serious health issue. Crocin, a bioactive carotenoid in Crocus sativus (saffron) is well known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the neuroprotective role of crocin in a repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) mouse model and thus fits the pharmacological scope of pharmanutrition. MethodsBalb c mice were divided into four groups, sham, crocin sham, TBI and crocin TBI. Injured groups received seven multiple closed brain injuries. Treated groups were injected with crocin (30 mg/kg) 30 min before each hit. Brain cortices were extracted 24 h post the last injury for molecular analysis. Brain cytokine levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were measured using ELISA. Also, using RT-PCR, the expression levels of the following genes, Bcl-2, caspase3, Bax, P53, NF-κB, Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 were assessed. ResultsThere was a significant increase in the level of the inflammatory cytokine Il-6. Crocin administration induced a decrease in IL-6 accompanied with elevation in the anti-apoptotic cytokine IL-10. Crocin induced a decrease in the gene expression of the apoptotic factors caspase3, Bax and P53 in injured mice and enhanced the mRNA levels of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. Also, crocin enhanced the gene expression levels of transcription factor Nrf2 and the antioxidant enzymes HO-1 and NQO-1 whereas reduced the expression of NF-κB. ConclusionCrocin exerted its neuroprotective effect following rmTBI. Crocin proves to play a prospect role in conferring protection against concussions.

Evaluation of Crocin Effect on Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Following Coronary Angiography or Angioplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is the third cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury. The CIN prophylactic strategies adopted to date, although not highly efficient, are mostly based on antioxidant activity and hydration therapy. This study was designed and conducted to evaluate crocin’s efficacy in the prevention of CIN in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing coronary angiography/angioplasty. In this randomized clinical trial, a total of 110 eligible CKD stage 3 patients requiring contrast agent administration for coronary angiography/angioplasty were enrolled and randomly assigned to either crocin (n = 57) or control (n = 53) group. The patients in both groups received standard hydration therapy; nevertheless, in the crocin group, the patients were also orally administered three consecutive oral doses of 30 mg crocin tablets 1 day before up to 1 day after contrast media (CM) exposure. The primary endpoint was CIN incidence defined as an increase in serum creatinine (SrCr) level by ≥ 0.3 mg/dL or any change in urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) from the baseline within 48 hours of CM exposure. During 4 months, 130 patients were recruited. The mean age of the patients was 65.62 ± 9.05 years, and the majority of them were male (64.54%). The SrCr in the crocin group did not significantly increase within 48 hours of angiography/angioplasty. The changes in the urinary NGAL level were not significant in both groups. The CIN incidence was significantly lower in the crocin group than in the control group (1.75% and 13.2%; P = 0.028). Crocin administration plays an important nephron-protective role in the prevention of CIN.

Crocin attenuates osteoclastogenesis and enhances bone health by skewing the immunoporotic “Treg-Th17” cell axis in post-menopausal osteoporotic mice model

Background: Crocin is a well-known carotenoid with established anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-tumor, and antioxidant properties. Previous studies have also identified crocin as a potential drug candidate for osteoporosis treatment; however, the mechanisms underlying its direct influence on the host osteo-immune system is unexplored.Hypothesis: In the present study we presume that crocin may enhance bone health via modulating the host osteo-immune system in post-menopausal osteoporotic mice model.Study design and methods: The present study delineates the osteoprotective potential of crocin both under in vitro as well as under in vivo (ovariectomized-Ovx mice model) conditions. For in vitro studies, osteoclast differentiation and functional activity was performed on mice bone marrow cells in osteoclastogenic media supplemented with M-CSF (30 ng/ml) and RANKL (100 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of crocin at different concentrations (10, 50 and 100 µM). For in vivo study, we randomly allocated 8–10 weeks old female Balb/c mice into three groups (Sham, Ovx, and Ovx+crocin). Ovx+crocin group animals were orally administered with crocin (50 mg/kg/day) for 45 days. At the end of experiment, mice were sacrificed and analysis of various osteo-immune parameters was performed for investigating the anti-osteoporotic activity of crocin via various cutting-edge techniques i.e., Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Micro-computed tomography (µ-CT), Flow cytometry, and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).Results: From the in vitro studies, it was observed that crocin significantly reduced RANKL induced osteoclastogenesis along with inhibiting the functional activity of osteoclasts in a dose dependent manner in mouse bone marrow cells. Moreover, our in vivo data (µ-CT and Flow cytometry) suggested that crocin administration enhances bone health via significantly enhancing the percentage of anti-osteoclastogenic regulatory T cells (Tregs) along with significantly reducing osteoclastogenic Th17 cells in comparison to control group. Immunomodulatory potential of crocin was further confirmed from serum cytokine data where it was observed that there is a significant enhancement in the level of anti-osteoclastogenic interleukin (IL)-10 cytokine along with simultaneous reduction in the levels of osteoclastogenic cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17.Conclusion: Altogether, the present study for the first time establishes the immunological & cellular mechanisms for crocin mediated enhanced bone health in Ovx induced post-menopausal osteoporotic mice model.

Protective role of crocin against sepsis-induced injury in the liver, kidney and lungs via inhibition of p38 MAPK/NF-κB and Bax/Bcl-2 signalling pathways

Context Crocin has been reported to have multiple bioactivities. However, the effect of crocin administration on caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis remains unknown. Objective We investigated the effects of crocin on CLP-induced sepsis in mice and the underlying mechanism of action. Materials and methods Five experimental groups (n = 10) of BALB/c mice were used: control, CLP (normal saline) and CLP + crocin (50, 100 and 250 mg/kg, 30 min prior to CLP). Mice were sacrificed 24 h after CLP. Liver, kidney and lung histopathology, indicator levels, apoptotic status, pro-inflammatory cytokines and relative protein levels were evaluated. Results Compared to the CLP group, crocin treatment significantly increased the survival rate (70%, 80%, 90% vs. 30%). Crocin groups exhibited protection against liver, kidney and lung damage with mild-to-moderate morphological changes and lower indicator levels: liver (2.80 ± 0.45, 2.60 ± 0.55, 1.60 ± 0.55 vs. 5.60 ± 0.55), kidney (3.00 ± 0.71, 2.60 ± 0.55, 1.40 ± 0.55 vs. 6.20 ± 0.84) and lungs (8.00 ± 1.59, 6.80 ± 1.64, 2.80 ± 0.84 vs. 14.80 ± 1.79). The proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 levels in the crocin groups) were distinctly lower and the apoptotic index showed a significant decrease. Crocin administration significantly suppressed p38 MAPK phosphorylation and inhibited NF-κB/IκBα and Bcl-2/Bax activation. Discussion and conclusions Pre-treatment with crocin confers protective effects against CLP-induced liver, kidney and lung injury, implying it to be a potential therapeutic agent.

Treatment with crocin suppresses diabetic nephropathy progression via modulating TGF-β1 and oxidative stress in an experimental model of pinealectomized diabetic rats

One of the most common complications of diabetes is diabetic nephropathy (DN). Uncontrolled hyperglycemia leads to histopathologic alterations in the kidney that prevent normal renal function. This study aimed to explore the effects of crocin treatment via virtue of its numerous beneficial properties in streptozotocin-induced pinealectomized diabetic rats. The pinealectomy procedure was conducted on the first day of the study. On the 30th day following pinealectomy, streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally in Wistar rats for induction of diabetes. Diabetes was confirmed on the 3rd day following STZ administration by determining the glucose levels. Daily crocin treatment intraperitoneally for 15 days (50 mg/kg) ameliorated impaired renal oxidant/antioxidant balance, reduced TGF-β1 immuno-staining around tubules, and promoted improvement of renal architecture. Moreover, crocin administration improved altered renal function parameters, including serum Cr and BUN, and also increased creatinine clearance. In conclusion, the protective effects of crocin on diabetic nephropathy might be associated with its powerful antioxidant properties, its ability to improve tissue antioxidant status, and its ability to prevent inflammatory pathways.

A pilot study of the effects of crocin on high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol uptake capacity in patients with metabolic syndrome: A randomized clinical trial

A randomized clinical trial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol uptake capacity (CUC) is reduced in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). We have assessed the effect of crocin supplementation on HDL CUC in patients with MetS. Forty-four subjects with MetS were randomly allocated to one of two groups: one group received placebo and the other group received crocin at a dose of 30 mg (two tablets of 15 mg per day) for 8 weeks. Serum biochemical parameters were measured using an AutoAnalyzer BT3000 (BioTechnica). The modified CUC method is a cell free, simple, and high-throughput assay that used to evaluate HDL CUC of serum samples. The decision tree analysis was undertaken using JMP Pro (SAS) version 13. The mean age of the crocin and placebo groups were 38.97 ± 13.33 and 43.46 ± 12.77 years, respectively. There was a significant increase in serum HDL CUC in the crocin group compared to that of the placebo group in patients with MetS (p-value< 0.05). The decision tree analysis showed that serum HDL functionality was more important variable than HDL-C level in predicting patients with hypertension at baseline (p-value < 0.05). Crocin administration (30 mg for a period of 8 weeks) was found to improve serum HDL CUC in patients with MetS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT2013080514279N1.

188P Amelioration of anxiety, depression, and chemotherapy related toxicity after crocin administration during chemotherapy of breast cancer: A double blind, randomized clinical trial

The effects of saffron on mood disorders have already been established. More recently, its anti-neoplastic effects have provoked a great attention. This study aims to assess the effects of crocin administration during doxorubicin-based chemotherapy of breast cancer on anxiety, depression, and chemotherapy toxicity profile.

Protective effects of crocin on testicular torsion/detorsion in rats

Oxidative stress, caused by extreme accumulation of un-scavenged reactive oxygen species, plays an integral role in the Ischemia-Reperfusion (I/R) injury to the testicles following testicular torsion. The current research aimed to examine the protective effects of crocin as a natural antioxidant on testicular I/R injury in rats. Animals were divided randomly into five groups (seven each): (1) sham group, (2) torsion/detorsion (T/D) group, (3) intact group with 100 mg/kg crocin, (4) and (5) T/D groups followed by treatment with two different doses of crocin (50 and 100 mg/kg (IP)). I/R injury was induced by 720° clockwise torsion of the left testicles for 2 h. After 24 h of reperfusion, blood samples and epididymal sperms were collected to measure biochemical (GPx, SOD, and MDA), hormonal (testosterone), and sperm parameters (total sperm recovery, motility, viability, and morphology). Moreover, affected testicles were subjected to histopathology examination. I/R injury caused a significant reduction in sperm characteristics (except for morphology) (P < 0.05), which could not be significantly improved by crocin administration at either dose (P > 0.05). Johnsen's testicular score, mean seminiferous tubular diameter, and germinal epithelial cell thickness were significantly decreased in the T/D group compared to the intact and sham groups. However, crocin could significantly improve the histopathological parameters in both treatment groups compared to the T/D group (P < 0.05). T/D reduced SOD and GPx activity and testosterone level significantly (except for GPx) compared to the sham group (P < 0.05). However, crocin administration could significantly reverse them. Also, crocin reduced the amount of MDA significantly in the high-dose treatment group in comparison to T/D group (P < 0.05). The results of the current study revealed that crocin could be a promising agent to protect against I/R injury following surgical correction of the testicular torsion.

Amelioration of anxiety, depression, and chemotherapy related toxicity after crocin administration during chemotherapy of breast cancer: A double blind, randomized clinical trial.

The effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on mood disorders have already been established. More recently, its anti-neoplastic effects have provoked a great attention. This study aims to assess the effects of crocin administration during doxorubicin-based chemotherapy of breast cancer on anxiety, depression, and chemotherapy toxicity profile. Seventy-two patients with non-metastatic Her2/neu positive or triple negative breast cancer were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either 30 mg/day of crocin or placebo during chemotherapy [2:2]. Beck's Depression and Anxiety Inventories were used at baseline and end of the trial. In addition, the ECOG Common Toxicity Criteria were applied to assess chemotherapy side-effects. After the intervention, the degree of anxiety and depression decreased significantly in the crocin group (p=.001 for both) and increased significantly in the placebo-group (p=.006 and p=.036, respectively). There were significantly higher grade II-IV leukopenia (47.2% vs. 19.4%, p=.012) in the crocin group, and grade II-IV hypersensitivity-reaction (30.6% vs. 5.6%, p=.006) in addition to neurological disorders (66.7% vs. 41.7%, p=.03) in the placebo-group. The results indicate that using crocin during chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer has ameliorated anxiety and depression. Moreover, leucopenia increased whereas hypersensitivity reaction and neurological disorders decreased in the crocin group. In addition, a trend toward survival improvement was observed, which is going to be investigated on longer follow up.

Ameliorative effects of crocin on the inflammation and oxidative stress-induced kidney damages by experimental periodontitis in rat.

Objective(s):The present study aimed to investigate the effects of periodontitis on kidneys and the protective role of crocin in periodontitis-induced kidney damage. Materials and Methods:Ethics committee approval was obtained and 30 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 rats: Control (C), Periodontitis (P), and Periodontitis + Crocin (P + Cr). After the treatments, rat kidney tissues were incised under anesthesia and blood samples were collected. Biochemical and histopathological analyses were conducted on the samples. Results:Malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) increased in P group rat kidney tissues; urea, creatinine, Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) levels increased in the serum; glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were reduced in rat kidney tissues, and renal histopathology deteriorated. In the P + Cr group, we observed improvements in biochemical and histopathological parameters when compared with the P group. Conclusion:Periodontitis (P) led to deterioration in oxidative stress parameters and histopathology by increasing the oxidants in kidney tissue. P also led to inflammation in the blood of the rats. Periodontitis + Crocin (P + Cr) administration alleviated the effects of P due to powerful antioxidant anti-inflammatory properties. Cr could be employed as a protective agent in P-induced inflammation and oxidative damage.

Crocin Administration from Childhood to Adulthood Increases Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Synaptogenesis in Male Mice

Background: Adult hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptogenesis play a critical role in learning and memory. Crocin as a carotenoid has many neuroprotective effects but its effect on neurogenesis and synaptogenesis is unknown. In this study, the effects of crocin administration from post-lactation period to adulthood on the mice hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptogenesis were investigated.Methods: 12 mice offspring were divided into 2 groups of control and crocin. Animals in the crocin group received 30 mg/kg of crocin from postnatal day 30 to 75 through drinking water. At the same time, the control group received drinking water without crocin. At the end of the treatment, animals were sacrificed and their brains were removed. The brains were sectioned and stained by immunohistochemical technique to evaluate the effect of crocin on hippocampal doublecortin (DCX) positive cells and synaptophysin expression.Results: The results of the immunohistochemistry showed that the mean number of DCX+ cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the crocin group was significantly higher than that in the control group. In addition, the synaptophysin expression was higher in the cornu ammonis (CA) of the hippocampus in the crocin group.Conclusion: According to the results, consumption of crocin from childhood to adulthood may increase hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptogenesis.