Saffron Extract Research Articles

Neuroprotection in a glaucoma model by Saffron extract oral supplementation

AbstractPurposeTo study whether saffron extract supplementation can decrease microglial activation signs and reduce retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) loss in a glaucoma model.MethodsAlbino Swiss mice groups; naïve (NG n = 6), saffron naïve (SNG n = 8), laser 3 days (LG3d n = 8), laser 7 days (LG7d n = 6), saffron laser 3 days (SLG3d n = 8) and saffron laser 7 days (SLG7d n = 6). In laser groups, unilateral ocular hypertension (OHT) was induced by OI laser photocoagulation. OHT and contralateral eyes were analysed. Retinal whole‐mounts were processed: (1) Anti Iba‐1 to quantify: Iba‐1 + cells number (Ibacn) in outer segments (OS), outer plexiform layer (OPL) and inner plexiform layer (IPL); Area of retina occupied by Iba‐1 + cells (Iba‐1 RA) in the nerve fiber layer‐ganglion cell layer (NFL‐GCL); Cell body area of Iba‐1+ cells (CbIbac) in OPL, IPL and NFL‐GCL; and Arbor area of Iba‐1+ cells (AAIbac) in OPL and IPL. (2) Anti‐P2RY12 for resident microglia. 3) Anti‐Brn3a to quantify Brn3a+ RGCs number.ResultsNo differences were found between naïve groups. LG3d OHT eyes showed significant: increase of Ibacn, Iba‐1 RA and CbIbac and decrease of AAIbac compared to NG. In SLG3d, OHT and contralateral eyes showed a significant reduction of microglial activation signs compared to LG3d. In NG all Iba‐1 + cells were P2RY12+. Compared to NG, in LG3d OHT eyes, the P2RY12 expression was down‐regulated. In SLG3d OHT eyes, saffron extract led to a smaller decrease. In contralateral eyes of LG3d and SLG3d, P2RY12 expression was similar to NG. In LG7d OHT eyes, a significant reduction in the number of Brn3a+ RGCs compared to NG was observed. Saffron extract counteracted this reduction and a significant different were found in SLG7d OHT eyes respect to LG7d OHT eyes. No differences were found between LG7d and SLG7d contralateral eyes.ConclusionsSaffron extract decreases the morphological signs of microglial activation, down‐regulation of P2RY12 and counteract the RCGs loss. Thus, they reduce neuroinflammation associated with IOP increase and protect RGCs.

Effect of aerobic exercise combined with saffron extract supplementation on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and C-reactive protein in rats following an aerobic exercise until exhaustion

Objective: Aerobic exercise and Saffron has beneficial effects on inflammatory response. The present study aims to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise combined with saffron extract supplementation on serum levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in rats following an aerobic exercise until exhaustion Methods: This is an experimental study. Forty eight Wistar male rats were assigned into four groups: control (C), supplementation) SE), training (AT), and training+supplementation (AT+SE). Aerobic exercise was performed for 8 weeks (five sessions a week). supplementation was done by administrating 100 mg/kg/day saffron extract by oral gavage. At the end of experiment, half of the rats was killed immediately before exhaustion and the remaining immediately after performing an acute aerobic exercise until exhaustion by running on the treadmill. Serum CRP and TNF-α levels were measured by ELISA method. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, considering the significance level of P< 0.05. Results: Following an exhausting exercise, serum levels of CRP and TNF-α in the AT+SE group significantly lower than in groups C (PCRP = 0.001; PTNF-α=0.001), SE (PCRP=0.001; PTNF-α=0.001) and AT (PCRP= 0.021; PTNF-α =0.046). These markers in the AT group significantly lower than in groups C (PCRP=0.004; PTNF-α=0.039) and SE (PCRP= 0.014; PTNF-α=0.043). There was no significant difference between the other groups. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise alone and in combination with the use of saffron extract may reduce the inflammatory responses following an exhausting exercise.

The Effect of Saffron (<i>Crocus sativus L. Iridaceae</i>) Orally Administration on Blood Level of Sex Hormones in Rats

Modern medicine is currently marked by an increased interest in herbal pharmaceutical drugs traditionally applied in folk medicine in a significant number of diseases. In this regard, saffron (<i>Crocus sativus L. Iridaceae</i>) is of particular importance. This paper presents the results of study of the effects of Azerbaijan-grown saffron on blood level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in female rats, as well as on blood level of testosterone in male rats. In the blood serums of animals, using hormonal test systems for enzyme immunoassay, FSH and testosterone levels were determined. The findings revealed a decrease in blood levels of FSH in 12-month-old female rats as compared to the control group (comprising animals of the same age which did not receive the saffron extract), as they approximated the registered levels of 6-month-old female rats. Saffron increased the blood level of testosterone as compared to untreated controls, which did not receive saffron. Saffron’s unique medicinal properties largely owe to the diversity of biologically active substances it contains The effects of saffron treatment observed in the course of this study could be explained by the direct impact of saffron and its components on the sex glands and the central nervous system. Findings of diverse pharmacological effects of the saffron extract open new horizons for the development of scientifically corroborated recommendations for application in practical medicine.

Saffron extract (Safr'Inside™) improves anxiety related behaviour in a mouse model of low-grade inflammation through the modulation of the microbiota and gut derived metabolites.

Treatment of anxiety and depression predominantly centres around pharmacological interventions, which have faced criticism for their associated side effects, lack of efficacy and low tolerability. Saffron, which is reportedly well tolerated in humans, has been recognised for its antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. Indeed, we previously reported upon the efficacy of saffron extract supplementation in healthy adults with subclinical anxiety. However, the molecular aetiology remains unclear. In a rodent model of low-grade chronic inflammation, we explored the impact of a saffron extract (Safr'Inside™) supplemented at a physiological dose, which equated to 22 ± 1.2 mg per day human equivalent dose for a person of 60 kg. Behavioural tests (Open Field task, Y maze, Novel object recognition), caecal 16S rRNA microbial sequencing, caecal 1H NMR metabolomic analysis and 2DE brain proteomic analyses were completed to probe gut-brain axis interactions. Time occupying the centre of the Open Field maze (OF) was increased by 62% in saffron supplemented animals. This improvement in anxiety-related behaviour coincided with gut microbial shifts, notably Akkermansia, Muribaculaceae, Christensenellacae and Alloprevotella which significantly increased in response to saffron supplementation. Akkermansia and Muribaculaceae abundance negatively correlated with the neurotoxic metabolite dimethylamine which was reduced in saffron supplemented animals. Brain proteomic analysis highlighted several significantly altered proteins including ketimine reductase mu-crystallin which also correlated with dimethylamine concentration. Both dimethylamine and ketimine reductase mu-crystallin were associated with OF performance. This may be indicative of a novel interaction across the gut-brain axis which contributes to anxiety-related disorders.

Saffron Extract Self-Assembled Nanoparticles to Prolong the Precorneal Residence of Crocin

Saffron Extract Self-Assembled Nanoparticles to Prolong the Precorneal Residence of Crocin

The anti-hyperuricemic effect of flavonoid extract of saffron by-product and its pharmacokinetics in rats after oral administration.

Only the dried stigma of the saffron, a flower deemed as the most valuable spice globally, is utilized for industrial production. Hence, there exists a growing interest in utilizing saffron floral bio-residues. The anti-hyperuricemic activity of a flavonoid extract from saffron floral bio-residues was assessed in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia mice. In addition, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method was established and validated to determine the pharmacokinetics of five main flavonoids and three phase-II metabolites in rat plasma after oral administration of the flavonoid extract for the first time. Compared with pharmacokinetic parameters of kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside, the most abundant flavonoid in the extract, and its aglycone kaempferol, we observed that coexisting compounds significantly reduced the absorption, accelerated the excretion of kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside, while significantly increasing the absorption and prolonging the residence time of kaempferol in the flavonoid extract. These results suggest the promising potential of the flavonoid extract from saffron floral bio-residues as an anti-hyperuricemic agent. Kaempferol was absorbed in plasma at high concentrations owing to the biotransformation of kaempferol glycosides in vivo.

The Effect of the Liposomal Encapsulated Saffron Extract on the Physicochemical Properties of a Functional Ricotta Cheese.

In this study, the encapsulation of saffron extract (SE) was examined at four various concentrations of soy lecithin (0.5%–4% w/v) and constant concentration of SE (0.25% w/v). Particle size and zeta potential of liposomes were in the range of 155.9–208.1 nm and −34.6–43.4 mV, respectively. Encapsulation efficiency was in the range of 50.73%–67.02%, with the stability of nanoliposomes in all treatments being >90%. Encapsulated SE (2% lecithin) was added to ricotta cheese at different concentrations (0%, 0.125%, 1%, and 2% w/v), and physicochemical and textural properties of the cheese were examined. Lecithin concentration significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected the particle size, zeta potential, stability, and encapsulation efficiency of the manufactured liposomes. In terms of chemical composition and color of the functional cheese, the highest difference was observed between the control cheese and the cheese enriched with 2% liposomal encapsulated SE. Hardness and chewiness increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in the cheeses containing encapsulated SE compared to the control cheese. However, there was no significant difference in the case of adhesiveness, cohesiveness, and gumminess among different cheeses. Overall, based on the findings of this research, liposomal encapsulation was an efficient method for the delivery of SE in ricotta cheese as a novel functional food.

Evaluation of Freeze Drying and Electrospinning Techniques for Saffron Encapsulation and Storage Stability of Encapsulated Bioactives

Saffron extract was encapsulated into a gelatin matrix by means of electrospinning and freeze drying techniques and the degradation kinetics of bioactive compounds were evaluated during their storage at 4, 24, and 35 °C as compared to non-encapsulated control. The encapsulation efficiency, thermal properties, storage stability, morphology, and diameter distribution of the encapsulated saffron extract were evaluated as output parameters. In general, both encapsulation techniques demonstrated superior retention of bioactive compounds compared to samples without encapsulation during the entire storage period. Electrospinning and freeze drying techniques were able to retain at least 96.2 and 93.7% of crocin, respectively, after 42 days of storage at 35 °C with the 15% saffron extract. The half-life (t1/2) time parameter for the control sample (with 15% saffron extract without encapsulation) was 22 days at 4 °C temperature, while that encapsulated by electrospinning was 138 days and that obtained for freeze drying was 77 days, The half-lives were longer at lower temperatures. The encapsulation efficiency of crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal associated with the electro-spun gelatin fibers were 76.3, 86.0, and 74.2%, respectively, and in comparison, the freeze drying encapsulation efficiencies were relatively lower, at 69.0, 74.7, and 65.8%, respectively. Electro-spun gelatin fibers also had higher melting and denaturation temperatures of 78.3 °C and 108.1 °C, respectively, as compared to 65.4 °C and 93.2 °C, respectively, for freeze-dried samples. Thus, from all respects, it was concluded that electrospinning was a better and more effective technique than freeze drying in terms of preserving saffron bioactive compounds.

Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles Induce Innate Immune Responses and Activate Antioxidant Machinery in Wheat Against Rhizoctonia solani.

The phytopathogenic basidiomycetous fungus, Rhizoctonia solani, has a wide range of host plants including members of the family Poaceae, causing damping-off and root rot diseases. In this study, we biosynthesized spherical-shaped silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs; sized between 9.92 and 19.8 nm) using saffron extract and introduced them as a potential alternative therapeutic solution to protect wheat seedlings against R. solani. SiO2 NPs showed strong dose-dependent fungistatic activity on R. solani, and significantly reduced mycelial radial growth (up to 100% growth reduction), mycelium fresh and dry weight, and pre-, post-emergence damping-off, and root rot severities. Moreover, the impact of SiO2 NPs on the growth of wheat seedlings and their potential mechanism (s) for disease suppression was deciphered. SiO2 NPs application also improved the germination, vegetative growth, and vigor indexes of infected wheat seedlings which indicates no phytotoxicity on treated wheat seedlings. Moreover, SiO2 NPs enhanced the content of the photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids), induced the accumulation of defense-related compounds (particularly salicylic acid), and alleviated the oxidative stress via stimulation of both enzymatic (POD, SOD, APX, CAT, and PPO) and non-enzymatic (phenolics and flavonoids) antioxidant defense machinery. Collectively, our findings demonstrated the potential therapeutic role of SiO2 NPs against R. solani infection via the simultaneous activation of a multilayered defense system to suppress the pathogen, neutralize the destructive effect of ROS, lipid peroxidation, and methylglyoxal, and maintain their homeostasis within R. solani-infected plants.

Prevention of Stress-Induced Depressive-like Behavior by Saffron Extract Is Associated with Modulation of Kynurenine Pathway and Monoamine Neurotransmission.

Depressive disorders are a major public health concern. Despite currently available treatment options, their prevalence steadily increases, and a high rate of therapeutic failure is often reported, together with important antidepressant-related side effects. This highlights the need to improve existing therapeutic strategies, including by using nutritional interventions. In that context, saffron recently received particular attention for its beneficial effects on mood, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This study investigated in mice the impact of a saffron extract (Safr’Inside™; 6.25 mg/kg, per os) on acute restraint stress (ARS)-induced depressive-like behavior and related neurobiological alterations, by focusing on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, inflammation-related metabolic pathways, and monoaminergic systems, all known to be altered by stress and involved in depressive disorder pathophysiology. When given before stress onset, Safr’Inside administration attenuated ARS-induced depressive-like behavior in the forced swim test. Importantly, it concomitantly reversed several stress-induced monoamine dysregulations and modulated the expression of key enzymes of the kynurenine pathway, likely reducing kynurenine-related neurotoxicity. These results show that saffron pretreatment prevents the development of stress-induced depressive symptoms and improves our understanding about the underlying mechanisms, which is a central issue to validate the therapeutic relevance of nutritional interventions with saffron in depressed patients.

Effect of corm age on the antioxidant, bactericidal and fungicidal activities of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) stigmas

Saffron, the dried stigmas of the flowers of Crocus sativus L., is famous for its color, aroma and medicinal properties with beneficial characteristics that are utilized for treating numerous illnesses because of its analgesic and sedative properties. In this research, the antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extracts of the saffron samples with different ages were examined against bacterial (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus) and fungal (Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans) species through the agar well diffusion method. The minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each extract were measured. The results revealed the higher pigment, flavor and antioxidant components of the 3-year saffron than the 6-year one. The antioxidant activity was correlated only with safranal between the saffron bioactive components through the polynomial equation (R2 = 0.856, P < 0.001). The results indicated that the methanolic saffron extracts were active against the tested microorganisms with larger bactericidal activities than the fungicidal ones (P ≤ 0.05). The relationship between the inhibition zone and MIC with safranal and antioxidant activity was also significant (R2 in the range of 0.49–0.93 and 0.48–89 respectively). The results suggested that saffron extract at lower ages could be utilized as a proper source of natural antimicrobial agents in the food and pharmaceutical industries for preventing the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Is Saffron Able to Prevent the Dysregulation of Retinal Cytokines Induced by Ocular Hypertension in Mice?

Cytokine- and chemokine-mediated signalling is involved in the neuroinflammatory process that leads to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage in glaucoma. Substances with anti-inflammatory properties could decrease these cytokines and chemokines and thus prevent RGC death. The authors of this study analysed the anti-inflammatory effect of a hydrophilic saffron extract standardized to 3% crocin content, focusing on the regulation of cytokine and chemokine production, in a mouse model of unilateral laser-induced ocular hypertension (OHT). We demonstrated that following saffron treatment, most of the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10), Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), and fractalkine were unaffected in response to laser-induced OHT in both the OHT eye and its contralateral eye. Only IL-6 levels were significantly increased in the OHT eye one day after laser induction compared with the control group. These results differed from those observed in animals subjected to unilateral OHT and not treated with saffron, where changes in cytokine levels occurred in both eyes. Therefore, saffron extract regulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines, VEGF, and fractalkine induced by increasing intraocular pressure (IOP), protecting the retina from inflammation. These results indicate that saffron could be beneficial in glaucoma by helping to reduce the inflammatory process.

Anti-tumor activity of nanoliposomes containing crude extract of saffron in mice bearing C26 colon carcinoma

Objective(s): Saffron, the dehydrated stigma of the Crocus sativus L. flower, has been reputed as an effective anticancer and chemopreventive agent in cancer therapy. This study aimed to design PEGylated nanoliposomes containing crude extract of saffron for the treatment of cancer.Materials and Methods: Various PEGylated nanoliposomes containing 25 mg/ml aqueous extract of saffron were prepared using the thin lipid film method. The characterization of liposomes was indicated by their size, in vitro cytotoxicity, and in vivo therapeutic efficacy against C26 tumor-bearing mice. Results: By increasing cholesterol levels, the IC50 values of the formulations increased. Liposome characterization illustrated the properties of formulation of choice, as follows: Z-average size: 73.7 ± 1.3 nm; PDI: 0.103 ± 0.035; zeta potential: -20.8 mV ± 3.7; % encapsulation: 91 ± 0.059, % release after 168 hours in 30% FBS: 16.26 ± 0.01.Conclusion: Treating tumor-bearing mice with the selected saffron liposomes indicated that, for the first time, the i.v. injection of nano-liposomal saffron at a dose of 300 mg/kg significantly increased the anti-tumor property compared to the negative control group, while no significant difference was observed compared with aqueous extract of saffron. Hence, to achieve an optimal formulation for human use, the formulation merits further study.

Therapeutic potential of saffron, and its chemical components in the treatment of cancers and cardiovascular disorders – a review

Crocus sativus L., a medicinally important species of the Iridaceae family which produces the herb saffron, plays an effective role in combating various pathogenic disorders including cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Apart from its conventional colorant and aroma-inducing attributes, various phytochemical compounds associated with saffron are now being intensively studied. More than 300 phytochemical compounds, derived from saffron stigmas alone, belong to various classes of secondary metabolites such as carotenoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins; and they have immense therapeutic applications. Furthermore, pharmacogenomic studies of saffron extracts have revealed promising biocompatible and anticancer potentials against various drug-resistant cell lines which reduce cellular division and proliferation of malignant cells. Keeping in view with the numerous pharmacological properties associated with saffron, the present review explicitly discusses the role of its elemental contents in the prevention and treatment of various cancers and cardiovascular ailments.

Saffron extract attenuates neuroinflammation in rmTBI mouse model by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation via SIRT1.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a major cause of morbidity and disability worldwide and a healthcare burden. TBI is an important risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases hallmarked by exacerbated neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation in the cerebral cortex plays a critical role in secondary injury progression following TBI. The NOD-like receptors (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a key player in initiating the inflammatory response in various central nervous system disorders entailing TBI. This current study aims to investigate the role of NLRP3 in repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) and identify the potential neuroprotective effect of saffron extract in regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome. 24 hours following the final injury, rmTBI causes an upregulation in mRNA levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-1Beta (IL-1β), interleukin 18 (IL-18), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1). Protein levels of NLRP3, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), and neuronal nuclei (Neu N) also increased after rmTBI. Administration of saffron alleviated the degree of TBI, as evidenced by reducing the neuronal damage, astrocyte, and microglial activation. Pretreatment with saffron inhibited the activation of NLRP3, caspase-1, and ASC concurrent to reduced production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Additionally, saffron extract enhanced SIRT1 expression, NRF2, and HMOX1 upregulation. These results suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the subsequent inflammatory response in the mice cortex are involved in the process of rmTBI. Saffron blocked the inflammatory response and relieved TBI by activating detoxifying genes and inhibiting NLRP3 activation. The effect of saffron on the NLRP3 inflammasome may be SIRT1 and NF-κB dependent in the rmTBI model. Thus, brain injury biomarkers will help in identifying a potential therapeutic target in treating TBI-induced neurodegenerative diseases.

Study the antibacterial properties of different parts of saffron extract and their application in cream

Study the antibacterial properties of different parts of saffron extract and their application in cream

1H-NMR Metabolic Profiling and Antioxidant Activity of Saffron (Crocus sativus) Cultivated in Lebanon

Despite the beneficial health properties shown by Lebanese saffron, its qualitative and quantitative composition has never been investigated before. In the present study, NMR spectroscopy, together with antioxidant activity assays, were applied to evaluate the chemical composition of saffron samples of different geographical origins (Lebanon, Italy, Iran, and India) and to categorize the Lebanese saffron for the first time. The distinction between Lebanese saffron and that produced in other countries was attributed to its higher linolenic and linoleic fatty acids, glucose and picrocrocin contents. Moreover, spices produced in three different regions of the Lebanese territory have been clearly differentiated. Saffron cultivated in the Qaa region displayed a high glucose, fatty acids and polyphenols content, whereas Hermel saffron exhibited the largest rate of picrocrocin and glycosylated carotenoids. Finally, samples from Baalbeck showed lower rates for the majority of metabolites. Moreover, Lebanese saffron showed a high antioxidant activity in ABTS and DPPH assays. A low dose of saffron extract (10 µg/mL) inhibited the growth of human lung adenocarcinoma cells, probably due to the high polyphenolic content. This study highlights the quality and peculiarity of Lebanese saffron cultivated in Northern Beqaa district and allows for a good discrimination between spices produced in relatively close territory.

An investigation into an evening intake of a saffron extract (affron®) on sleep quality, cortisol, and melatonin concentrations in adults with poor sleep: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-dose study

Objective/backgroundTo validate and extend on previous positive findings of the sleep-enhancing effects of saffron supplementation in adults with unsatisfactory sleep. Patients/methodsIn this 28-day, 3-arm, parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial, 120 adults with unsatisfactory sleep received either a placebo, 14 mg, or 28 mg of a standardised saffron extract (affron®), 1 h before bed. Outcome measures included the Pittsburgh Sleep Diary (with sleep quality ratings as the primary outcome measure), Insomnia Symptom Questionnaire (ISQ), Profile of Mood States, Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire, and evening salivary melatonin and cortisol concentrations. ResultsCompared to the placebo, saffron supplementation was associated with greater improvements in sleep quality ratings (primary outcome measure), mood ratings after awakening, the ISQ total score, and ISQ-insomnia classifications. However, there were no significant differences between the saffron and placebo groups in other questionnaire and sleep diary outcome measures. Sleep improvements were similar for the two administered saffron doses. Compared to the placebo, saffron supplementation was associated with increases in evening melatonin concentrations but did not affect evening cortisol. Saffron supplementation was well-tolerated with no reported significant adverse effects. ConclusionsThese results provide further validation of the sleep-enhancing effects of 28-days of saffron supplementation in adults with unsatisfactory sleep. Further research is required to examine the efficacy and safety of saffron supplementation using objective sleep measures, over a longer duration, in people presenting with a diagnosed insomnia disorder and other psychogenic and demographic characteristics, and into its potential sleep-enhancing mechanisms of action.

Effect of Afghan Ferula assa-foetida L. and Crocus Sativus L. Aqueous Extracts Combination on Withdrawal Signs in Morphine-Dependent Rats

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Afghan Ferula assa-foetida L. and Crocus Sativus L. aqueous extracts either alone or in combination on morphine withdrawal signs. For this purpose, rats were randomly divided into 13 groups (1 Normal, 1 Morphine, 4 Ferula assa-foetida-treated groups, 4 Crocus sativus-treated groups, and 3 combination groups). Morphine dependency was rendered by subcutaneous injection of morphine hydrochloride for 4 days (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg doses twice daily for 3 days and a single dose of 60 mg/kg on 4th day). Various doses of extracts were injected into extract groups simultaneously with morphine. After two hours of last morphine administration, withdrawal signs were induced by naloxone (3 mg/kg) and noted for 30 minutes. According to the results, different doses of Ferula assa-foetida and Crocus sativus extracts and their combination (in low dose) could significantly decrease the number of morphine withdrawal signs (P<0.05). However, the combination of Ferula assa-foetida and Crocus sativus extracts in high doses showed toxic effects. In conclusion, Ferula assa-foetida and Crocus sativus extract combination in low dose can decrease the morphine withdrawal signs, but without any synergic effects.

Pullulan films loading saffron extract encapsulated in nanoliposomes; preparation and characterization

Nanoencapsulation of saffron extract (SE) components into the rapeseed lecithin nanoliposomes were performed by sonication of their aqueous dispersions as a green process. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) results exhibited that empty and SE loaded nanoliposomes (SENL) had average sizes in range of 118-138 nm, negative zeta potentials (−32.0 to −46.8 mV) and polydispersity index (PDI) less than 0.3 during storage for 28 days at 4 °C. Encapsulation efficiency of crocin was approximately 30%. The 70% of crocin released from SENLs within 5 h in PBS solution. Pullulan-based films were fabricated by incorporation of empty and SE loaded nanoliposomes into pullulan solution through casting method. The mechanical resistance and thermal stability of the films reduced by addition of nanoliposomes. FTIR and thermal characterizations indicated that SE was successfully encapsulated in the nanoliposomes and film matrix with high thermal stability. Incorporation of nanoliposomes enhanced the oxygen barrier properties of the films, while it didn't significantly affect the water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films. The obtained edible films or coatings can provide additional benefits due to unique flavor and color of saffron. In addition, the utilization of SE, can provide benefits for health-allegation from SE antioxidant capacity.