Saffron Extract Research Articles

Role of aqueous extract of Crocus sativus to improvement of sexual dysfunctions induced by imipramine in male mice

The present study was carried out to focus light on the possible improvement and enhancement of functional performance of male mice sexual activities by using the aqueous extract of Crocus sativus. Several pharmaceutical drugs affect sexual activities and upset the sexual desire sequence that can lead to impotence or loss libido, example of these drugs are tricyclic antidepressant such as imipramine. To achieve this goal, twenty adult albino male mice were used, which were randomly divided into equal four experimental groups. The first group was given 10 mg/kg B.W. imipramine, the second group was given 100 mg/kg B.W. aqueous extract of Crocus sativus, and the third group was given 100 mg/ kg B.W. Crocus sativus aqueous extract and 10 mg/ kg B.W. imipramine, while the fourth group served as control, which was given D.W. In all groups the doses were given orally by stomach tube at 0.1 ml/10 g. B.W. for 30 days. The recorded parameters were; latency of copulation (second), frequency of copulation (per-hour), and duration of copulation (second). At day thirty blood samples were collected to determine the hormonal levels of luteinizing and testosterone hormones and the testis were obtained for histopathological processing .The results of sexual activity measured parameters showed significant decrease (P<0.05) in latency of copulation and significant increase in both frequency of copulation, and duration of copulation in the groups given aqueous extract of Crocus sativus and that given aqueous extract of Crocus sativus and imipramine as compared with imipramine and control groups. While results of hormonal levels showed significant increase (P<0.05) in both groups of Crocus sativus aqueous extract and imipramine as compared with imipramine only and control groups. On bases of these results, it can be concluded that the sexual activities of male mice given imipramine tend to be improved and returned when administered with aqueous extract of Crocus sativus.

A comparative quality study of saffron constituents through HPLC and HPTLC methods followed by isolation of crocins and picrocrocin

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a precious commodity with a high economic value for exporting countries such Iran. One of the major challenges of saffron cultivation is the lack of a reliable method of saffron secondary metabolites determination. This study is aimed to introduce a reliable and accurate method for determining the quality of saffron. In the proposed method, a semi-preparative HPLC was optimized for isolation and purification of crocins and picrocrocin from Saffron extract. To ensure the accuracy of purified compounds, their structure was confirmed by HPLC-DAD-MS. Thereafter two common analytical methods were developed and validated, HPLC-DAD and HPTLC-DAD. The results of these two methods were compared with the aim of finding more accurate analytical method. Next, the obtained results were compared to results of ISO 3632 method. Since crocins and crocetin both have absorbance at maximum wavelength along with other of Saffron constitutes including safranal and picrocrocin, there is an overestimation in HPTLC and ISO 3632 in comparison with HPLC-DAD. The simultaneous comparison of these three analysis methods and the isolation of picrocrocin and crocins, for the first time are done in this study. Eventually HPLC, in both preparative and analytical scale, was recommended to determine Saffron quality.

Crocus sativus Extract Tightens the Blood-Brain Barrier, Reduces Amyloid β Load and Related Toxicity in 5XFAD Mice.

Crocus sativus, commonly known as saffron or Kesar, is used in Ayurveda and other folk medicines for various purposes as an aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, and expectorant. Previous evidence suggested that Crocus sativus is linked to improving cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The aim of this study was to in vitro and in vivo investigate the mechanism(s) by which Crocus sativus exerts its positive effect against AD. The effect of Crocus sativus extract on Aβ load and related toxicity was evaluated. In vitro results showed that Crocus sativus extract increases the tightness of a cell-based blood-brain barrier (BBB) model and enhances transport of Aβ. Further in vivo studies confirmed the effect of Crocus sativus extract (50 mg/kg/day, added to mice diet) on the BBB tightness and function that was associated with reduced Aβ load and related pathological changes in 5XFAD mice used as an AD model. Reduced Aβ load could be explained, at least in part, by Crocus sativus extract effect to enhance Aβ clearance pathways including BBB clearance, enzymatic degradation and ApoE clearance pathway. Furthermore, Crocus sativus extract upregulated synaptic proteins and reduced neuroinflammation associated with Aβ pathology in the brains of 5XFAD mice. Crocin, a major active constituent of Crocus sativus and known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, was also tested separately in vivo in 5XFAD mice. Crocin (10 mg/kg/day) was able to reduce Aβ load but to a lesser extent when compared to Crocus sativus extract. Collectively, findings from this study support the positive effect of Crocus sativus against AD by reducing Aβ pathological manifestations.

Intake of saffron reduces γ-radiation-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice

Saffron (SAF), the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus, is commonly used for flavoring and coloring food. Studies on bioactivity of SAF have demonstrated its in vivo antioxidant activity. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of SAF intake on γ-radiation (RAD) induced (a) chromosomal damage, (b) oxidative stress in liver and brain, and (c) histopathological effects in the intestinal cells and male germ cells in mice. Freeze-dried aqueous extract of SAF was used for the experiments. Our preliminary cell-free DNA nicking assay using pBR322 DNA revealed protective effects of freeze-dried SAF extract against hydroxyl radical induced DNA damage. For the in vivo investigations, freeze-dried SAF extract in distilled water was administered by gavage (40 mg/kg b.w.) to male Swiss albino mice for six consecutive days. On the sixth day, the animals were exposed to RAD (1 or 2 Gy) and sacrificed 24 h later to collect bone marrow cells for assessing chromosomal damage by measuring micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs). Liver and brain samples from animals exposed to 2 Gy RAD were used for evaluating lipid peroxidation and activity of antioxidant enzymes. The testis and intestine were used for histopathological analysis. Our results demonstrated significant protective effects of SAF against RAD-induced genotoxic damage. SAF pretreatment reduced the level of lipid peroxidation with concomitant increase in glutathione content and activity of glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. The histopathological analysis showed minimal impact of SAF on RAD-induced damage in the intestinal cells and male germ cells.

Elemental and Lipophilic Analysis of Kashmir Saffron by ICP‐MS and GC‐MS and its in‐vivo Anti‐inflammatory Potential

Saffron has been widely used worldwide and its health benefits have been recognized since ancient times. Recently, there has been renaissance in research to establish its beneficial properties and biological action mechanisms. Thus the aim of our study was to analyze the lipophilic and elemental content of Kashmir saffron and also study its effect in in‐vivo systemic inflammation. Lipophilic and elemental analysis was done by GC‐MS and ICP‐MS respectively and in‐vivo systemic inflammation was produced by administration of D‐GalN/LPS to Wistar rats. Lipophilic analysis was done by sequence of various steps viz extraction, methoxymation and derivatization by GC‐MS. This is a quick technique to identify and quantify lipophilic metabolites like fatty acids, fatty alcohols, sterols, sugars, higher alkanes, alkenes and flavonoids. Sugars like D‐Ribose, Xylitol, Ribopyranose and D‐fructose were present in higher amount as compared to fatty acids or higher alkanes. The elemental composition of saffron was analyzed by ICP‐MS and it is interesting to find out that Na, Ca, K, Mg, Sb and Al concentrations are high but within limits. Heavy metals like As, Ag, Ba, Cd, Cr, Mn, Mo, Se, U, V, Ni and Co are present in very low concentration. The administration of D‐GalN/LPS to rats produced an acute systemic injury manifested by a significant increase TNF‐α, compared to controls (p<0.05). However, pretreatment with saffron extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg doses ameliorated this injury as evident by a reduction TNF‐α in a dose‐dependent manner. In the current study we establish the complete lipophilic and elemental analysis of Kashmir saffron. The method used is very rapid, simple and reliable. Furthermore, our in‐vivo results suggest that saffron may be a promising option as either an alternative or an adjunctive therapy in disorders involving systemic inflammation.

Correlation of colour, antioxidant capacity and phytochemical diversity of imported saffron by principal components analysis

PurposeThe aim of the present study is to gain correlation between saffron colours, their antioxidant capacity and the constituents of the secondary metabolites of three different saffron samples commonly available in the Malaysian market.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, saffron samples imported from Iran, Spain and Kashmir were extracted using methanol and the total antioxidant capacity were analysed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging assay. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and electrospray ionization coupled with mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) were then used to identify secondary metabolites present in the saffron crude extracts. The colour variation of the saffron extract was expressed by the CIELAB colorimeter in terms of lightness (L*), greenness (a*), yellowness (b*), chroma (C) and hue angle (H°). Principle component analysis (PCA) was carried out to analyse the similarities and correlation between variables.FindingsThis study reveals that antioxidant has a positive correlation with flavanols, especially quercetin and kaempferol. In addition, colour appearance is not necessarily an indicator for the antioxidant level.Research limitations/implicationsThe major classes of polyphenolics identified in saffron methanolic crude extract are flavonoids and phenolic acids. Further improvements in the extraction and identification methods may find other compounds that could attribute to the visual factors and antioxidant capacity as a complement for this preliminary study.Practical implicationsThis analysis provides comparison basis and valuable information for saffron consumers in Malaysia depending on the consumers’ purpose of whether to have a certain desired colour or health benefits.Originality/valueA comparative study about saffron product available in Malaysian market is original. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt of evaluation on a saffron product that has been carried out in Malaysia.

Protective effect of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) extract on spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Objective(s):Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of spinal cord is leading to the paraplegia observed. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of the saffron extract on spinal cord I/R injury.Materials and Methods:Thirty five male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups: intact, sham surgery, normal saline (NS), low dose saffron aqua extract, high dose saffron aqua extract.Results:The mean motor deficit index (MDI) scores were significantly lower in the saffron extract groups than in the NS group at 48 hr after spinal cord ischemia (P<0.001). Saffron extract groups significantly decreased plasma level of malondialdehyde than in the NS Group (P<0.05). The number of motor normal neurons was significantly greater in the high saffron extract group than in the NS and low saffron group (P<0.05).Conclusion:These data suggest that a saffron extract may protect spinal cord neurons from I/R injury.

Repeated administration of Sailuotong, a fixed combination of Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, and Crocus sativus extracts for vascular dementia, alters CYP450 activities in rats

BackgroundSailuotong (SLT) is a standard Chinese preparation made from extracts of Panax ginseng (ginseng), Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo), and Crocus sativus (saffron). Preliminary clinical trials and animal experiments have demonstrated that SLT could improve cognition of vascular dementia (VD). PurposeTo avoid incident drug-drug interaction which is easily encountered in patients of VD, the potential influence of SLT on main drug-metabolic cytochromes P450 enzymes (CYP450) was investigated. MethodA “cocktail probes” approach was employed to evaluate the activities of CYP450. A rapid and selective analysis method was developed to examine 5 CYP probe drugs and their specific metabolites in plasma by using online SPE followed by a single LC-MS/MS run. After pretreatment for 2 weeks with SLT, ginseng, gingko, saffron or water (control), a cocktail solution containing caffeine, losartan, omeprazole, dextromethorphan and midazolam was given to rats orally. The plasma was obtained at different time intervals and then measured for the concentration of probes and their metabolites using developed SPE-LC-MS/MS method. Activity of five isozymes was estimated by comparing plasma pharmacokinetics of substrates and their metabolites (caffeine/paraxanthine for CYP1A2, losartan/E-3174 for CYP2C11, omeprazole/5-hydroxyl omeprazole for CYP2C6, dextromethorphan/dextrophan for CYP2D2 and midazolam/1-hydroxyl midazolam for CYP3A1/2) between control and drug treatment groups. ResultCompared with control group, repeated administration of SLT induced CYP1A2 by enhancing AUC paraxanthine / AUC caffeine to144%. The influence is attributed to its herbal component of ginseng to a large extent. Meanwhile, metabolic ability towards losartan was significantly elevated in SLT and gingko group by 31% and 25% respectively, indicating weak induction of CYP2C11 in rats. The analysis on probes of omeprazole and dextromethorphan showed a lack of influence on CYP 2C6 and CYP2D2 in all treated groups. In terms of CYP3A1/2, SLT decreased AUC ratio of 1-hydroxyl midazolam to midazolam by 39% and extended the half-life of midazolam apparently. Besides, significantly decreased systematic exposure of midazolam suggested the inhibition on metabolism of CYP3A1/2 is likely secondary to the interaction on absorption at intestinal level. The inhibition of SLT on CYP3A was likely attributed to ginseng and gingko cooperatively. ConclusionFurther observation on herb-drug interaction should be considered during clinical application of SLT.

Evaluation of Reciprocal Pharmaceutical Effects and Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles and Methanolic Extract of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) on Some Bacterial Strains

Background: Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are the most prominent nanoparticles which are recognized for their high antimicrobial efficacy. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reciprocal pharmaceutical effects and antibacterial activity of Ag-NPs and methanolic extract of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on some bacterial strains. Materials and Methods: For evaluation of antibacterial activity of Ag-NPs and methanolic extract of C. sativus L. (saffron) on some bacteria, agar well diffusion method was used. Minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined for saffron extract, Ag-NPs, and their combination on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and S. pyogenes and S. epidermidis. Results: The combination of medium concentrations of Ag-NPs (500 μg/mL) and saffron extract (50 mg/mL) was in the optimum mode to eliminate S. epidermidis and S. pyogenes. The results showed that saffron extract, Ag-NPs, and their combined form had antibacterial effects on these bacteria. Conclusion: It is suggested to evaluate the synergistic effects of active components of the extract and antimicrobial preservatives used in food, health, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Efficacy of crocin and safranal as protective agents against genotoxic stress induced by gamma radiation, urethane and procarbazine in mice.

Crocin (CRO) and safranal (SAF) are bioactive constituents of saffron (dried stigma of Crocus sativus flower), an expensive spice with medicinal properties. Aqueous extract of saffron is known for its antigenotoxic effect against environmental genotoxins/carcinogens. However, there is need to identify saffron constituents responsible for this antigenotoxic effect. The aim of our investigation was to ascertain the role of CRO and SAF as inhibitors of in vivo genotoxic stress. For this purpose, Swiss albino mice were pretreated with CRO (50-mg/kg body weight (bw))/SAF (0.025- and 0.25-ml/kg bw) by gavage for 2 days. Thereafter, the pretreated mice were exposed to the genotoxic agents: (1) gamma radiation (GR; 2 Gy), (2) urethane (URE; 800 mg/kg) and (3) procarbazine (PCB; 60 mg/kg). In addition, CRO (50 mg/kg) was co-administered with the nitrosation reaction mixture of methylurea (MU; 300-mg/kg bw) + sodium nitrite (15 mg/kg) which can form N-nitroso-N-MU in the stomach. Genotoxic damage was measured by performing the bone marrow micronucleus test. Results obtained demonstrated significant reductions in the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the bone marrow of mice pretreated with CRO/SAF before exposure to the above DNA damaging agents, GR, URE and PCB. Co-administration of CRO with the nitrosation reaction mixture led to significant decrease in genotoxicity when compared to nitrosation reaction mixture alone. Histopathological studies revealed that these saffron constituents reduced testicular cell damage induced by the test genotoxins. The cell-free DNA-nicking assay using pBR322 DNA showed significant protective effects of CRO against hydroxyl radical-induced strand breaks.

The Histological and Biochemical Effects of Saffron on Schistosoma mansoni Infected Mice

The present study was designed to evaluate the antischistosomal activity of the herbal medicine; saffron on mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni species. Mice were divided into three groups; each group contains seven mice. The first group was served as normal control and mice of the other two groups was individually infected with 60±5 Schistosoma mansoni cercaria. One of them was the infected group and the other group mice were orally treated with 0.2 ml of saffron extract (100mg/kg) six weeks post infection three times weekly for four weeks. After the last dose; all mice were sacrificed. Mice liver infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercaria displayed an extremely elevation (P ≤ 0.001) in liver weight, ova count, ALT and AST levels. Otherwise, it induced an extremely reduction (P ≤ 0.001) in both albumin and total protein levels. Saffron extract modulated all the previous mentioned parameters to be near to normal values. Histologically, mice liver infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercaria showed portal fibrosis, granulomatous nodules, and focal cell infiltration. Saffron extract ameliorated the histological structure of liver by reducing the different histopathological effects induced with Schistosoma mansoni cercaria. Finally, saffron has a powerful antischistosomal activity in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercaria.

Neuroprotective properties of dietary saffron: more than just a chemical scavenger?

Neuroprotective properties of dietary saffron: more than just a chemical scavenger?

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) wastages and its antibacterial activity against six bacteria

ObjectiveTo synthesis silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using extract of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) wastages and to test their antibacterial activity against six bacteria. MethodsIn this paper, the synthesis of AgNPs using aqueous extract of saffron wastage as a green method without any chemical stabilizer and reducer is demonstrated. The synthesized AgNPs were determined by UV–vis spectrum, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy analysis. ResultsUV–vis spectrum showed a peak at 450 nm due to excitation of surface plasmon vibrations. Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy showed that nanoparticles were capped with plant secondary metabolites. X-ray diffraction analysis also demonstrated that the size range of the synthesized nanoparticles was 12–20 nm. Transmission electron microscope image illustrated AgNPs with spherical shape and an average size of 15 nm. The result of antibacterial activities showed that the biosynthesized AgNPs had an inhibiting activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Shigella flexneri and Bacillus subtilis. ConclusionsThe biosynthesized AgNPs showed significant antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Shigella flexneri and Bacillus subtilis, so, it can be used in biomedical applications.

Preparation of a multiple emulsion based on pectin-whey protein complex for encapsulation of saffron extract nanodroplets.

The present study illustrates a simple and practical way to produce an adequate delivery system of bioactive compounds of saffron by protein-polysaccharide complex. Frist, crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin were loaded in nanodroplets (<100nm) by using water in oil (W/O) microemulsions contain 5, and 10% aqueous saffron extract as a dispersed phase. These microemulsions were then covered with whey protein concentrate (WPC)-maltodextrin or WPC-pectin-maltodextrin through water in oil in water (W/O/W) multiple emulsions. The stability and release of loaded crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin in multiple emulsions were investigated during 22days storage. The produced multiple emulsion by WPC-pectin-maltodextrin along with 5% inner aqueous phase showed a high stability and low release of encapsulated compounds over time. This emulsion also provided a high protection of crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin in the gastric condition.

Efficacy of saffron extract and fenugreek seeds supplementation on liver of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

The present study aimed to investigate the possible hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective effects of saffron extract (100mg/kg b.wt) and fenugreek supplementation (1.4 g/day/kg b.wt) in STZ- induced diabetic rats at biochemical, histological, histochemical and ultrastructural levels. The results indicated that a single dose of STZ (50 mg /kg b wt, i.p) caused a significant increase in serum and liver total lipids, total cholesterol and triglyceride as well as serum low density and a very low density lipoprotein, accompanied by an increase in serum glucose level and oxidative stress marker, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide level as well as serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities. The results also reported a significant decrease in the high density lipoprotein, serum and liver total protein, serum albumin and globulin contents and A/G ratio, as well as a significant decrease in serum insulin level and the liver enzyme activities and the hepatic glutathione content. Histologically, STZ treated group showed degenerative changes in the pancreas and alteration in the structural integrity of the hepatocytes and their intracellular organelles. Histochemically, liver sections of STZ treated animals displayed marked decrease in the glycogen and total protein contents. On the other hand, the intake of saffron or fenugreek minimize the disturbance observed in the most tested parameters resulted from STZ administration and improve the liver structure and functions. Finally, it can be concluded that the intake of natural product such as saffron or fenugreek may be effective in reducing the diabetic liver injury induced by streptozotocin and the fenugreek supplementation showed more amelioration than saffron extract.

Detection of saffron adulteration with gardenia extracts through the determination of geniposide by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

A new and sophisticated saffron adulteration method with gardenia was recently discovered in the European saffron market. In this work, an analytical methodology using liquid chromatography-(quadrupole-time of flight)-mass spectrometry has been developed for the detection of the adulteration of saffron samples with gardenia through the determination of geniposide as an adulteration marker. A fused-core C18 column was employed using an isocratic elution with water:acetonitrile (85:15v/v) containing 0.1% formic acid. After optimization of the mass spectrometry conditions, the analytical characteristics related to the determination of geniposide in negative electrospray ionization mode were evaluated. Then, it was possible to detect up to 10ng/mL geniposide after a dilution step of 50-fold of the saffron extract (LOD of 41.7μg of geniposide per gram of sample analysed (i.e up to 0.004%)). The developed LC–MS methodology was applied to the analysis of different authentic and suspicious saffron samples.

Trans-crocetin improves amyloid-β degradation in monocytes from Alzheimer's Disease patients

Herbal medicines have been recently employed in research and clinical studies for the potential treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other types of dementia. The present study investigates the effect of trans-crocetin, an active constituent of Crocus sativus L., to restore in vitro the reduced ability of AD patients' monocytes to degrade amyloid-β(1–42) (Aβ42). CD14+ monocytes from 22 sporadic AD patients with moderate cognitive impairment were isolated; then, the role of trans-crocetin, purified from saffron extracts, was evaluated in terms of Aβ42 degradation rate through flow cytometry, as well as expression of cathepsin B by Western blotting. We observed that low micromolar doses of trans-crocetin enhanced Aβ42 degradation in AD monocytes through the upregulation of the lysosomal protease cathepsin B. CA074Me, a potent and selective cathepsin B inhibitor, counteracted such trans-crocetin-induced effect. These data suggest that the carotenoid trans-crocetin improves in vitro the clearance of Aβ42 through the involvement of cathepsin B, and this could be of value in developing a new anti-amyloid strategy in AD.

Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Barberry and Saffron Extracts

: Recently, synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is the subject of a lot of studies due to various applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry. The development of non-toxic and safe methods such as green chemistry to produce AuNPs is obviously recommended. In the current study, 2 antioxidant rich herbs of barberry and saffron stigma were applied as reducing agents for the 1-pot synthesis of size-controlled AuNPs. These AuNPs were characterized through ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Optimal temperature and pH for the biosynthesis of AuNPs conjugated with herbs were 50°C and 7.5, respectively. XRD and TEM results authorized AuNPs production in 5 - 15 nm for barberry and 5 - 10 nm for saffron and confirmed the stability, sphericity, and uniformity for both the nanoparticles.

Protective effects of saffron extract and crocin supplementation on fatty liver tissue of high-fat diet-induced obese rats

BackgroundSaffron is the dried stigma of Crocus sativus L. flower which commonly used as a natural remedy to enhance health and even fights disease in the Middle-East and Southeast Asian countries.MethodsThis study was aimed to investigate protective effect of saffron extract and crocin in fatty liver tissue of high-fat diet induced obese rats. A total of 36 healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into six groups. Two groups served as controls, a normal diet (ND) and a high-fat diet (HFD). The other four groups were each supplemented with saffron extract and crocin at concentrations of 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight/day for 8 weeks. All groups except ND were fed with HFD until end of the study. At baseline, blood sample was collected for determination of levels of hepatic marker enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatise and albumin. Liver sample was collected, weighed and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for further histopathological examination.ResultsSaffron extract and crocin at concentrations of 40 and 80 mg/kg had dose-dependently alleviated levels of liver enzymes and histopathological changes in diet-induced obese rat model compared to control (HFD group).ConclusionThis study suggested that saffron extract and crocin supplements have hepatoprotective effect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and HFD-induced liver damage.

Widespread brain transcriptome alterations underlie the neuroprotective actions of dietary saffron.

Dietary saffron has shown promise as a neuroprotective intervention in clinical trials of retinal degeneration and dementia and in animal models of multiple CNS disorders, including Parkinson's disease. This therapeutic potential makes it important to define the relationship between dose and protection and the mechanisms involved. To explore these two issues, mice were pre-conditioned by providing an aqueous extract of saffron (0.01% w/v) as their drinking water for 2, 5 or 10days before administration of the parkinsonian neurotoxin MPTP (50mg/kg). Five days of saffron pre-conditioning provided the greatest benefit against MPTP-induced neuropathology, significantly mitigating both loss of functional dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta (p<0.01) and abnormal neuronal activity in the caudate-putamen complex (p<0.0001). RNA microarray analysis of the brain transcriptome of mice pre-conditioned with saffron for 5days revealed differential expression of 424 genes. Bioinformatics analysis identified enrichment of molecular pathways (e.g. adherens junction, TNFR1 and Fas signaling) and expression changes in candidate genes (Cyr61, Gpx8, Ndufs4, and Nos1ap) with known neuroprotective actions. The apparent biphasic nature of the dose-response relationship between saffron and measures of neuroprotection, together with the stress-inducible nature of many of the up-regulated genes and pathways, lend credence to the idea that saffron, like various other phytochemicals, is a hormetic stimulus, with functions beyond its strong antioxidant capacity. These findings provide impetus for a more comprehensive evaluation of saffron as a neuroprotective intervention.