Saffron Extract Research Articles

The Effects of a Saffron Extract (affron®) on Menopausal Symptoms in Women during Perimenopause: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

ObjectivesThere is preliminary evidence suggesting saffron may effectively treat menopausal symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the tolerability and efficacy of a standardised saffron extract (affron®) on menopausal complaints in perimenopausal women.MethodsIn this 12-week, parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial, 86 perimenopausal women experiencing menopausal complaints received either a placebo or 14 mg of a saffron extract (affron®), twice daily. Outcome measures included the Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36).ResultsBased on data collected from 82 participants, saffron was associated with greater improvements in mood and psychological symptoms compared to the placebo. Results from the GCS revealed a significantly greater reduction in the GCS psychological score (P = 0.032), characterised by a 33% reduction in anxiety and a 32% reduction in depression scores from baseline to week 12. There was also a significantly greater reduction in the PANAS negative affect score (P = 0.043) compared to the placebo. However, compared to the placebo, saffron was not associated with greater improvements in vasomotor symptoms, somatic symptoms, or other quality of life measures. Saffron intake was well tolerated with no reported major adverse events.ConclusionsThe saffron extract, affron®, administered for 12 weeks at a dose of 14 mg twice daily was associated with greater improvements in psychological symptoms. Further studies in perimenopausal women presenting with varying severity of menopausal symptoms, using different doses of saffron will be useful to examine in future clinical trials.

Synthesis of CdSe and CdTe Quantum Dots: Their Effects on the Znq2 Luminescence Complex for Organic Light Emitting Diodes

CdSe and CdTe quantum dots were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method using ammonia and hydrazine in a short time period of 5 hours. In another phase, Znq2 complex nanostructures were prepared using a green environmentally friendly method, in which saffron extract was used as surfactant. The purity of the nanoparticles was investigated by X-ray diffraction and their dimensions and morphology were studied by scanning electron microscopy. In the next step, CdSe and Znq2 complexes were synthesized and their synergistic effects on each other was investigated. The photoluminescence results show the luminescence of all three nanostructures in the visible light range, and it was concluded that upon compositing these nanostructures, their luminescence properties remained intact. Their optical and structural properties were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet and visible light (UV-Visible) spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and electron imaging (SEM).Key Words: Synthesis of Quantum Dots, Znq2 Complex, Organic Light Emitting Diode

Comparing the effects of saffron, lippia, and saffron-lippia combination on anxiety among candidates for coronary angiography.

Objective:Coronary artery disease (CAD) is among the most prevalent diseases in the world, and its severity is usually assessed through coronary angiography (CA). Anxiety is the most prevalent problem before angiography. The aim of this study was to evaluate Crocus sativus (saffron) and Lippia citriodora Kunth (lippia) extracts and saffron-lippia extract combination on anxiety among the candidates for CA. Materials and Methods:This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in four month was conducted on 120 angiography candidates in Valiasr hospital, Birjand, Iran. The random allocation was doing through block randomization to saffron, lippia, saffron-lippia, and placebo groups; four hours before angiography, participants in these groups respectively received a single dose of saffron extract capsule (40 mg), lippia extract capsule (40 mg), saffron-lippia extract capsule (20 mg saffron and 20 mg lippia), and lactulose capsule (40 mg). Participants’ anxiety was assessed before, thirty minutes after, and three hours after the intervention via Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results:The mean scores of state, trait, and total anxiety in the saffron group reduced significantly (p<0.05), while the mean scores in the other groups did not change significantly, except for the mean score of trait anxiety in the saffron-lippia group which decreased significantly (p=0.05). Therefore, after the intervention, the mean scores of state, trait, and total anxiety in the saffron group were significantly lower than the other groups (all, p<0.05). Conclusion:This study suggests that the oral use of a single-dose of 40 mg saffron extract is effective in alleviating anxiety among the candidates for CA.

Saffron offers hepatoprotection via up-regulation of hepatic farnesoid-X-activated receptors in a rat model of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.

Objectives:The most important toxicity of acetaminophen is hepatotoxicity. Farnesoid X-activated receptors (FXR) are one of the nuclear receptor superfamily members which have a pivotal role in the bile acid regulation. The objective of the present study was to examine the role of FXR in mediating the hepatoprotective effects of saffron. Methods:Male Wister rats were randomly allocated into five groups including a control, vehicle, acetaminophen and two saffron extract groups of 150 and 300 mg/kg/day. The liver function and hepatic FXR expression were evaluated using biochemical assay and real time RT-PCR, respectively. Data analysis was performed using the one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's multiple range test. Results:Levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of the acetaminophen group were significantly higher than the control group whereas those of the extract-treated groups were significantly lower than those of the acetaminophen group. The real time RT-PCR findings showed a non-significant down-regulation of FXR mRNA expression, however, a dose-dependent FXR up-regulation was seen in the groups treated with 150 and 300 mg/kg of the extract for 2.67 (p=0.002) and 10.22 (p=0.0001) fold, respectively. Conclusion:The main finding of the present study was that the hepatic FXR up-regulation had an important role in saffron hepatoprotective activity.

The Beneficial Effects of Saffron Extract on Potential Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Saffron is commonly used in traditional medicines and precious perfumes. It contains pharmacologically active compounds with notably potent antioxidant activity. Saffron has a variety of active components, including crocin, crocetin, and safranal. Oxidative stress plays an important role in many cardiovascular diseases, and its uncontrolled chain reaction is related to myocardial injury. Numerous studies have confirmed that saffron exact exhibits protective effects on the myocardium and might be beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. In view of the role of oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease, people have shown considerable interest in the potential role of saffron extract as a treatment for a range of cardiovascular diseases. This review analyzed the use of saffron in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases through antioxidant stress from four aspects: antiatherosclerosis, antimyocardial ischemia, anti-ischemia reperfusion injury, and improvement in drug-induced cardiotoxicity, particularly anthracycline-induced. Although data is limited in humans with only two clinically relevant studies, the results of preclinical studies regarding the antioxidant stress effects of saffron are promising and warrant further research in clinical trials. This review summarized the protective effect of saffron in cardiovascular diseases and drug-induced cardiotoxicity. It will facilitate pharmacological research and development and promote utilization of saffron.

The use of Hydrazine-based Derivatization technique to characterize glycosyl esters of crocetin from Saffron

Saffron is one of the oldest natural dyestuffs and is obtained from the dried stigmata of Crocus sativus L. The yellowness of saffron results from the presence of crocins (glycosyl esters of crocetin). In this report we present the identification and characterization of multiple forms of crocins from whole saline saffron extracts using direct MALDI MS and MS/MS of glycosyl esters of crocetin and of their corresponding Hydrazine tagged products.

Protective antioxidant effects of saffron extract on retinas of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Objective: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Crocus sativus L. styles (saffron) extract on oxidative stress indices of retina in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (n=20) were randomized into the following 4 groups (n=6-7/ group): Control group (C): normal, Control + Saffron group (CS): non-diabetic rats treated with 60 mg/ kg of saffron extract, Diabetic group (D) and Diabetic + Saffron group (DS): diabetic rats treated with 60 mg/ kg saffron extract. We determined the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) as markers of antioxidant response, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of lipid peroxidation. Results: Induction of diabetes caused a significant decline in the activities of CAT (76.43%), SOD (53.43%) and GPx (77.58%). MDA levels were significantly lower in the DS group (0.878 ± 0.375 nmol MDA/ mg protein) as compared to D group (1.950 ± 0.299 nmol MDA/ mg protein, p<0.01) and in the CS group (0.503 ± 0.221) in comparison to C group (1.699 ± 0.454, p<0.01). Moreover, SOD and GPx activities were significantly higher (more than 1.5 and 3.5-fold respectively) after treatment with saffron (p<0.01). Regarding the retinas of non-diabetic animals, the administration of the extract caused an > 1.8-fold increase in the activity of CAT (p<0.05) and a 3-fold decrease in MDA levels (p<0.01). Conclusions: This study showed that saffron extract has a protective antioxidant action in retinas of diabetic rats. Abbreviations: C = Control group, CS = non-diabetic rats diabetic rats treated with 60 mg/ kg saffron extract, D = diabetic group, DS = diabetic rats treated with 60 mg/ kg saffron extract, SOD = superoxide dismutase, GPx = glutathione peroxidase, CAT = catalase, MDA = malondialdehyde, DM = diabetes mellitus, DR = diabetic retinopathy, ROS = reactive oxygen species, STZ = streptozotocin, GSH = reduced glutathione

Study of Synergistic and Protective Effects of Three Different Polar Saffron Extracts and Photon Radiation on Human Colorectal Cancer Cells (HT-29) and Normal Human Fibroblasts

Background: There are some hypotheses about radiation-sensitizing and radiation-protective effects of antioxidants. Saffron, dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L., is a precious medicinal plant that contains an impressive variety of plant compounds such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal that act as antioxidants. The present study examined the cytotoxic effects of saffron extracts with different polarity and their synergism or protective effects with radiation on a colorectal cancer cell line (HT-29) and normal human fibroblasts. Objectives: The aim was to find a natural agent to improve radiotherapy efficacy. Methods: HT-29 colorectal cancer cells and normal human fibroblasts were cultured in RPMI1640 medium, incubated with different concentrations of different saffron extracts (50-250 µg/ml), and then were exposed to a dose of 8 Gy of X-rays. The cytotoxicity effect was determined by the MTT assay. Results: Saffron extracts decreased cell viability in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells and normal human fibroblasts as a concentration-dependent manner. Combination radiotherapy with polar saffron extract in most doses showed synergistic effects on HT-29 cell death while it did not show any distinctive synergistic effect in normal cells. Semi-polar and non-Polar extracts just in low doses had synergistic effects on tumor cells. These two extracts did not show any protective effects on normal cells. Conclusions: Among the various saffron extracts, polar saffron extract and low doses of non-polar saffron extract in combination with radiation increase radiation sensitivity and cell death in tumor cells, while they do not increase radiation sensitivity in normal cells and even protect normal cells to some extent.

Investigation on penetration of saffron components through lipid bilayer bound to spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 using steered molecular dynamics simulation

A coronavirus identified as COVID-19 is the reason for an infection outbreak which is started in December 2019. NO completely effective drugs and treatments are not recognized for this virus. Recently, saffron and its compounds were used to treat different viral diseases. Saffron extract and its major ingredients have shown antiviral effects. In this study, the steered molecular dynamics simulation was used for investigating the effect of four main components of saffron that include: crocin, crocetin, safranal, and picrocrocin as candidate for drug molecules, on COVID-19. The binding energies between drug molecules and spike protein and the main protease of the virus were evaluated. The obtained results based on Lennard-Jones and electrostatic potentials demonstrated that crocetin has a high affinity towards spike protein and also the main protease of the virus. Also, the quantum mechanics calculations elucidated that the crocetin could overcome energy barrier of lipid bilayer with strong dipole moment and polarizability. The pharmacokinetic and ADMET properties proved that crocetin could be a suitable drug candidate. So, crocetin could be a promising drug for treatment of COVID-19.

Cytotoxic Effect of Saffron Stigma Aqueous Extract on Human Prostate Cancer and Mouse Fibroblast Cell Lines.

Several lines of experimental evidence have shown that saffron has anticarcinogenic effects. This study aimed at evaluating the possible anticancer effect of saffron stigma aqueous extract on human prostate cancer (PC3) and mouse fibroblast cells (L929) as non-cancerous control cells. Saffron stigma aqueous extract at concentrations of 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1600 and 3200 μg/mL were prepared. PC3 and L929 cells were incubated with different concentrations of saffron extracts in different time intervals (24, 48, 72, 96 and 144 hours). MTT assay was used for each cell line to investigate the cytotoxic effect of saffron. Morphological alterations were also observed under light inverted microscope. In fibroblast cell line after 24 hours, Saffron extract did not affect significantly the normal cells and they were intact in morphologic view. After 96 hours in the cells with highest concentration (1600 μg/mL), cell death and cellular form changes as well as severe granulation was observed. In prostate cell line after 24 hours, the only changes were observed in cells with the concentration of 1600 μg/mL. The cells were granulated and the form of the cells were spherule. After 72 hours, in group with the concentration of 1600 μg/mL, severe granulation was observed and the cell count decreased and some cells were dead. Saffron aqueous extract has an in vitro inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human prostate cell and mouse L929 cells which is dose-dependent.

Evaluation of modulatory effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) aqueous extract on oxidative stress in ischemic stroke patients: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objectives Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has been widely used in traditional medicine as a treatment of nervous disorders. Saffron as an antioxidant can be considered effective for treatment of oxidative stress in ischemia stroke. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of aqueous extract of saffron in reducing oxidative stress in ischemic strokes patients. Methods Forty patients with acute ischemic stroke were randomly divided into two groups including control group and saffron group. During 4 days of experiment, control group received routine stroke care and saffron group received routine care plus capsule of saffron 400 mg/day (200 mg twice per day). Then, two groups were compared using the National Institute of Health Stoke Scale (NIHSS) and serum oxidative stress biomarkers, at the time of hospital admission and 4 days later as well. Results On the fourth day after ischemic stroke onset, antioxidant enzymes activities and glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were higher in the saffron group compared to the control group, while malondialdehyde (MDA) level was lower. In addition, the severity of stroke, based on the NIHSS scores, was significantly reduced after 4 days in the saffron group. The severity of stroke was negatively correlated with the levels of GSH and TAC and positively correlated with MDA level. Conclusions Saffron has modulatory effects on ischemic-induced oxidative stress due to its free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties. Thus, saffron extract can be considered as a potential candidate therapy of the ischemic brain.

Effect of Afghan Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Aqueous Extract on Withdrawal Signs in Morphine-Dependent Rats

Introduction: Opioid dependency, as a global problem is accompanied with serious personal, economic, social and hygienic disorders. Synthetic drugs beside their efficacies, have numerous adverse effects. As the medicinal plants have low costs and adverse effects, and they are also affective on different stages of dependency treatment, they attracted the attention of the researchers in the field of medicine. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of Afghan saffron on the withdrawal signs in morphine-dependent rats. Methods: Rats divided into 5 groups (1 Normal Saline, 1 Morphine, and 3 Extract groups). The rats that received morphine and extract became morphine-dependent by subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of morphine hydrochloride for 7 days (2.5, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg doses twice daily on 1st to 6th days respectively, and a single dose of 50 mg/kg on 7th day). The extract groups received 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg doses of the saffron aqueous extract by intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration simultaneously with morphine. Two hours after the administration of the last dose of morphine, Naloxone (3 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected and withdrawal signs were noted for 30 minutes. Results: The results showed that the administration of the saffron aqueous extract (100, 150 and 200 mg/kg) significantly decreased most of the withdrawal signs in morphine-dependent rats (P<0.05). Conclusion: Afghan saffron aqueous extract can alleviate the withdrawal signs in morphine-dependent rats.

Potential Nutraceutical Benefits of In Vivo Grown Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) As Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Anticoagulant, and Antidepressant in Mice.

Crocus sativus, a medicinally important herbaceous plant, has been traditionally used to cure coughs, colds, insomnia, cramps, asthma, and pain. Moreover, the therapeutic applications of saffron include its immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. The current experimental analysis was performed to explore the potential nutraceutical efficacy of corm, leaf, petal, and stigma of saffron ethanolic extracts as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antidepressant using hot plate, carrageenan-induced paw edema, capillary tube and forced swim test, respectively in mice. The results indicated that among all the extracts, stigma ethanolic extract (SEE) represented maximum latency activity (72.85%) and edema inhibition (77.33%) followed by petal ethanolic extract (PEE) with latency activity and edema inhibition of 64.06 and 70.50%, respectively. Corm ethanolic extract (CEE) and leaf ethanolic extract (LEE) displayed mild analgesic activity of 22.40% and 29.07%, respectively. Additionally, LEE (53.29%) and CEE (47.47%) exhibited mild to moderate response against inflammation. The coagulation time of SEE (101.66 s) was almost equivalent to the standard drug, aspirin (101.66 s), suggesting a strong anticoagulant effect followed by PEE (86.5 s). LEE (66.83 s) represented moderate inhibitory effect on coagulation activity while CEE (42.83 s) showed neutral effect. Additionally, PEE and SEE also expressed itself as potential antidepressants with immobility time ≤76.66 s, while CEE (96.50 s) and LEE (106.83 s) indicated moderate to mild antidepressant efficacy. Based on the in vivo activities, saffron extract, particularly SEE and PEE, can be used as a potential nutraceutical and therapeutic agent due to its significant pharmacological activities.

TMPE Derived from Saffron Natural Monoterpene as Cytotoxic and Multidrug Resistance Reversing Agent in Colon Cancer Cells.

Terpenes constitute one of the largest groups of natural products. They exhibit a wide range of biological activities including antioxidant, anticancer, and drug resistance modulating properties. Saffron extract and its terpene constituents have been demonstrated to be cytotoxic against various types of cancer cells, including breast, liver, lung, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer. In the present work, we have studied anticancer properties of TMPE, a newly synthesized monoterpene derivative of β-cyclocitral—the main volatile produced by the stigmas of unripe crocuses. TMPE presented selective cytotoxic activity to doxorubicin-resistant colon cancer cells and was identified to be an effective MDR modulator in doxorubicin-resistant cancer cells. Synergy between this derivative and doxorubicin was observed. Most probably, TMPE inhibited transport activity of ABCB1 protein without affecting its expression level. Analysis of TMPE physicochemical parameters suggested it was not likely to be transported by ABCB1. Molecular modeling showed TMPE being more reactive molecule than the parental compound—β-cyclocitral. Analysis of electrostatic potential maps of both compounds prompted us to hypothesize that reduced reactivity as well as susceptibility to electrophilic attack were related to the lower general toxicity of β-cyclocitral. All of the above pointed to TMPE as an interesting candidate molecule for MDR reversal in cancer cells.

Nanoliposomal encapsulation of saffron bioactive compounds; characterization and optimization

Nanoliposomes are among the most important lipid-based nanocarriers for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic bioactives. In this study, saffron-loaded nanoliposomes were produced by evaluating the influence of lecithin (0.5, 1.0, 1.5% w/w), saffron extract (0.15, 0.33, 0.50% w/w), and sunflower oil (25, 30, 35% w/w) on encapsulation efficiency, creaming stability, size and color indices of nanoliposomes. For each response, a second-order polynomial model with a high R2 value (0.950–0.989) was obtained using multiple linear regression analysis. The creaming stability revealed that when oil and saffron contents are enhanced, lecithin level was not enough for the formation of a stable network (reduction of surface tension) and thus stability was lowered. Dynamic light scattering results demonstrated nanoliposomal size of around 100 nm and polydispersity index (PDI) of 98.12 ± 0.11. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images illustrated spherical particles with a homogenous distribution and smooth surfaces. Also, lecithin level (P < 0.01), and saffron concentration (P < 0.05) significantly influenced the color indices, while sunflower oil content had no significant effect. Overall, the optimization results revealed that 0.15% saffron, 35% sunflower oil, and 1% lecithin was the optimum sample in terms of encapsulation efficiency, size and color indices.

The Effect of Endurance Training and Saffron Extract on Plasma Levels of Interleukin 17 and 18 in Alzheimer’s Rats by Trimethyltin Chloride

Objective: The Pathological symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and the degeneration of nerve cells cause inflammation in these patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of endurance training and saffron extract on the plasma levels of interleukin 17 and 18 in Alzheimer’s rats by trimethyltin chloride. Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 180 ± 20 grams. After Alzheimer’s induction (by the intraperitoneal injection of 80 mg/kg trimethyltin chloride), the rats were randomly assigned into four groups: control, training, saffron extract, saffron extract + training. The saffron extract was injected intraperitoneally at the dose of 25 mg/kg, daily, for eight weeks. Also, the endurance training program consisted of incremental running on the treadmill at a speed of 15 to 20 m/min. The program was performed in 15 to 30 minutes sessions, three sessions per week, for eight weeks. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA at the P &lt; 0.05. Results: The results showed that exercise (P=0.10), saffron consumption (P=0.07), and the interaction of exercise and saffron consumption (P=0.06) did not significantly affect interleukin 17, in rats. Also, exercise (P=0.68), saffron consumption (P=0.84), and the interaction of exercise and saffron consumption (P=0.57) had no significant effect on interleukin 18, in rats. Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that exercise training and saffron extract do not affect the interleukin 17 and interleukin 18 in Alzheimer’s rats.

Role of aqueous extract of saffron in ameliorating effect of sofosbuvir on the cerebellar cortex in rat.

Sofosbuvir is a promising antiviral drug against chronic hepatitis C virus. Although it is characterized by its high efficacy, its adverse effects on nervous tissue are still unclear. Saffron is known for its neuroprotective property. This is a biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical study of the effect of sofosbuvir on the cerebellar cortex of rat and the possible ameliorating role of saffron's aqueous extract. Twenty-four adult male Wistar albino rats were equally divided into four groups; control, saffron extract-treated, sofosbuvir-treated (41.1 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks) and group concomitantly treated with saffron extract and sofosbuvir. Sofosbuvir-treated group recorded a significant increase in cerebellar malondialdehyde level coupling with a significant decrease in tissue glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Light microscopy revealed reduced number of Purkinje cells. The granular layer depicted many granular cells and Bergmann astrocytes with nuclear and cytoplasmic alterations. Electron microscopy revealed disorganized molecular layer with disarranged myelinated axons and disrupted mitochondria. Few shrunken Purkinje cells showed electron-dense cytoplasm and rarefied nuclei, indistinct nuclear envelope and dilated perinuclear space, areas of vacuolated cytoplasm, fragmented rough endoplasmic reticulum and few dark mitochondria. Some axons with tiny mitochondria were detected. A significant upregulation in immunohistochemical expression of GFAP-positive astrocytes was recorded. Concomitant administration of saffron extract significantly improved all studied parameters. Saffron extract is beneficial in ameliorating sofosbuvir-induced cerebellar morphological changes mainly through its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.

Saffron Crudes and Compounds Restrict MACC1-Dependent Cell Proliferation and Migration of Colorectal Cancer Cells.

The high mortality rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is directly associated with metastatic dissemination. However, therapeutic options specifically for metastasis are still limited. We previously identified Metastasis-Associated in Colon Cancer 1 (MACC1) as a major causal metastasis-inducing gene. Numerous studies confirmed its value as a biomarker for metastasis risk. We investigated the inhibitory impact of saffron on MACC1-induced cancer cell growth and motility. Saffron crudes restricted the proliferation and migration of MACC1-expressing CRC cells in a concentration- and MACC1-dependent manner. Saffron delays cell cycle progression at G2/M-phase and does not induce apoptosis. Rescue experiments showed that these effects are reversible. Analysis of active saffron compounds elucidated that crocin was the main compound that reproduced total saffron crudes effects. We showed the interaction of MACC1 with the cancer stem cell (CSC) marker DCLK1, which contributes to metastasis formation in different tumor entities. Saffron extracts reduced DCLK1 with crocin being responsible for this reduction. Saffron’s anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects in MACC1-expressing cells are mediated by crocin through DCLK1 down-regulation. This research is the first identification of saffron-based compounds restricting cancer cell proliferation and motility progression via the novel target MACC1.

Stability of saffron extracts at different pH levels

Stability of saffron extracts at different pH levels

Antianhedonic and Antidepressant Effects of Affron®, a Standardized Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.) Extract

Anxiety and depression have high prevalence in the general population, affecting millions of people worldwide, but there is still a need for effective and safe treatments. Nutritional supplements have recently received a lot of attention, particularly saffron. Thus, several pre-clinical studies support a beneficial role for bioactive compounds, such as saffron, in anxiety and depression. Here we used an animal model of depression based on social isolation to assess the effects of affron®, a standardized saffron extract containing ≥3.5% of total bioactive compounds safranal and crocin isomers. Affron® was administered both through the oral and the intraperitoneal routes, and several tasks related to anxiety and depression, such as the elevated plus maze, the forced swimming test or the sucrose preference test, were assessed. These tasks model key features of depressive states and anxious states relating to fear, behavioral despair or anhedonia, the lack of motivation and/or pleasure from everyday activities, respectively. Animals receiving oral affron® displayed behaviors congruent with improvements in their anxious/depressive state, showing the enhanced consumption of a sweet solution, as well as an increase in certain escape responses in the forced swimming test. Our data support a beneficial role for oral saffron in anxious/depressive states.