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Yan X, Zhao S, Feng X, Li X, Zhou Q, Chen Q. Effects of Crocus sativus on glycemic control and cardiometabolic parameters among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2024; 21:28. [PMID: 38796446 PMCID: PMC11127410 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-024-00806-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of clinical syndromes that is closely associated with an elevated risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In a series of animal experiments and clinical trials, crocus sativus and its component crocin have demonstrated promising hypoglycemic effects. However, there is currently insufficient evidence regarding their impact on cardiometabolic parameters. Our study aimed to assess the impact of Crocus sativus and crocin on glycemic control in individuals with metabolic syndrome and associated disorders, as well as their potential effects on improving cardiometabolic parameters. We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to ascertain the pertinent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) until December 30, 2023. Q-test and I2 statistics were utilized to evaluate heterogeneity among the included studies. Data were merged using a random-effects model and presented as (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The current comprehensive review and meta-analysis, encompassing 13 RCTs involving a total of 840 patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and associated disorders, demonstrates that Crocus sativus was superior to placebo on Hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) (WMD: -0.31;95% CI [-0.44,-0.19]. P = 0.002) and systolic blood pressure(SBP) (WMD:-7.49;95% CI [-11.67,-3.30]. P = 0.99) respectively. Moreover, Crocus sativus improved fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD:-7.25;95% CI [-11.82, -2.57]. P = 0.002) when used crocin and on other chronic diseases. Crocus sativus reduced the total cholesterol (TC) among the metabolic syndromepatients (WMD:-13.64;95%CI [-26.26, -1.03]. P = 0.03). We demonstrated that Crocus sativus exerts beneficial effects on glycemic control and cardiometabolic parameters in individuals with metabolic syndrome and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Yan
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Shuyuan Zhao
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Xue Feng
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Xinrui Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Qiu Chen
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China.
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Drewnowski A. A novel Nutrient Rich Food (NRFa11.3) score uses flavonoids and carotenoids to identify antioxidant-rich spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruit. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1386328. [PMID: 38699550 PMCID: PMC11063353 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1386328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Nutrient profiling (NP) models designed to evaluate the healthfulness of plant-based foods ought to incorporate bioactive phytochemicals. Herbs and spices are one food group of current interest. Methods Two new versions of the well-established Nutrient Rich Food (NRF) index were applied to spices, herbs, vegetables, fruit, and other plant-based foods. Analyses used the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) SR-28 nutrient composition database merged with the USDA Expanded Flavonoid database 3.3. The NRF4.3 model was based on protein, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. The NRFa11.3 model was based on micronutrients with reported antioxidant activity (vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, copper, and zinc), carotenoids (alpha and beta carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein/zeaxantin) and flavonoids. Saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium were nutrients to limit. The NRF algorithm was based on sums of percent daily values (%DVs) capped at 100%. Results The NRF4.3 model awarded high scores to herbs and spices, cocoa powder, and nuts, but did not discriminate well among vegetables and fruit. The NRFa11.3 model performed better. Green leafy, red orange and cruciferous vegetables had the highest carotenoid content. Highest in flavonoids were cocoa powder, herbs and spices, and berries. Highest combined NRFa11.3 values were observed for herbs and spices, green leafy vegetables, cocoa, nuts, and red-orange and cruciferous vegetables. Discussion Fresh and dry herbs and spices, often ignored by NP models, were particularly nutrient-rich and may provide non-negligible amounts of key phytonutrients to the human diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Drewnowski
- Center for Public Health Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Mohammadi S, Naseri M, Faridi N, Zareie P, Zare L, Mirnajafi-Zadeh J, Bathaie SZ. Saffron carotenoids reversed the UCMS-induced depression and anxiety in rats: Behavioral and biochemical parameters, and hippocampal BDNF/ERK/CREB and NR2B signaling markers. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 119:154989. [PMID: 37506574 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a debilitating condition that affects the mind and the individual's body. The improving effects of saffron on depression and anxiety have long been discussed, with limited information about the molecular mechanism of action. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE Investigating the effect of saffron carotenoids, Crocin and Crocetin, on depression and anxiety in rats by emphasizing some signaling pathways involved. STUDY DESIGN Depression and anxiety were induced in rats via unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). Then different rat groups were treated with Crocin, Crocetin, Fluoxetine, and vehicle. Behavioral tests were done before and after treatment. METHODS The serum Serotonin and Corticosterone and the expression of some hippocampal signaling proteins were studied. Furthermore, bioinformatics tools were used to predict the interactions of Crocin/ Crocetin with the Serotonin transporter and NMDA receptor subunit NR2B. Then, the patch-clamp was used to study the interaction of Crocetin with the NMDA receptor. RESULTS Various behavioral tests confirmed the induction of depression and the improvement of depression by these natural carotenoids. In addition, Crocin/ Crocetin significantly increased the decreased serum Serotonin and reduced the increased serum Corticosterone in the depressed groups. They also increased or caused a trend of increase in the CREB, ERK, BAD, BDNF, p11, and 5-HT1B expression in the hippocampus of the depressed groups. In addition, there were an increase or a trend in p-CREB/CREB, p-ERK1/2 /ERK1/2, and p-BAD/BAD ratios in the Crocin/ Crocetin treated depressed groups. However, the NR2B and FOXO3a expression showed a trend of decrease in depressed groups after treatment. The bioinformatics data indicated that Crocin/ Crocetin could bind to the Serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) and NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor. Both carotenoids bind to the same site as Fluoxetine in the SLC6A4. However, they bound to different sites on the NR2B. So, Crocetin binds to NR2B at the same site as Ifenprodil. But Crocin bound to another site. The whole cell patch-clamp recording on the normal rat hippocampus revealed a significant decrease in the NMDA peak amplitude after Crocetin treatment, indicating its inhibitory effect on this receptor. CONCLUSION The antidepressant activities of Crocin/ Crocetin are possibly due to their effects on Serotonin and Corticosterone serum concentrations, NR2B expression, and the downstream signaling pathways. Furthermore, these natural carotenoids, like Fluoxetine, induced an increasing tendency in p11 and 5HT1B in depressed rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Mohammadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Naseri
- Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nassim Faridi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Zareie
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Zare
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Mirnajafi-Zadeh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Zahra Bathaie
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; Institute for Natural Products and Medicinal Plants, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; UCLA-DOE Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
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Tajaddini A, Roshanravan N, Mobasseri M, Haleem Al-Qaim Z, Hadi A, Aeinehchi A, Sefid-Mooye Azar P, Ostadrahimi A. The effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on glycemia, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res 2023; 37:388-398. [PMID: 36580575 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of saffron supplementation on glycemic status, lipid profile, atherogenic indices, and oxidative status in patients with type-2 diabetes (T2DM). In a randomized, double-blind controlled trial, 70 patients were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 35, each) and received 100 mg/day of saffron or placebo for eight weeks. Dietary intake, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences (WC and HC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin, and Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, atherogenic indices, oxidative status, and liver enzymes were determined before and after the intervention. At the end of the eighth week, saffron intervention could significantly reduce FBS (7.57%), lipid profile (except high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]), atherogenic indices, and liver enzymes (p < .05). Moreover, saffron could improve oxidative status (nitric oxide [NO] and malondialdehyde [MDA] reduced by 26.29% and 16.35%, respectively). Catalase (CAT) concentration remained unchanged. Saffron supplementation may alleviate T2DM by improving glycemic status, lipid profile, liver enzymes, and oxidative status. Further investigation is necessary to assess possible side effects and confirm the positive effect of saffron as a complementary therapy in clinical recommendations for T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aynaz Tajaddini
- Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Neda Roshanravan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Mobasseri
- Endocrinology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Amir Hadi
- Halal Research Center of IRI, Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aydin Aeinehchi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Ostadrahimi
- Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Zamani M, Zarei M, Nikbaf-Shandiz M, Gholami F, Hosseini AM, Nadery M, Shiraseb F, Asbaghi O. The effects of saffron supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1055517. [PMID: 36570145 PMCID: PMC9774508 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1055517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world and is estimated to involve more people in the next years. It is said that alternative remedies such as herbs can be used to manage the complications of this disease. For this reason, we aimed to conduct this meta-analysis to systematically assess and summarize the effects of saffron supplementation as an important herb on cardiovascular risk factors in adults. Methods A systematic search was done in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to find eligible articles up to September 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of saffron on lipid profiles, glycemic control, blood pressure, anthropometric measures, and inflammatory markers were included. In the meta-analysis, 32 studies were taken into account (n = 1674). Results Consumption of saffron significantly decreased triglyceride (TG) (WMD = -8.81 mg/dl, 95%CI: -14.33, -3.28; P = 0.002), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD = -6.87 mg/dl, 95%CI: -11.19, -2.56; P = 0.002), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (WMD = -6.71 mg/dl, 95%CI: -10.51, -2.91; P = 0.001), (P = 0.660), fasting blood glucose (FBG) level (WMD = -7.59 mg/dl, 95%CI: -11.88, -3.30; P = 0.001), HbA1c (WMD = -0.18%, 95%CI: -0.21, -0.07; P < 0.001), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD = -0.49, 95%CI: -0.89, -0.09; P = 0.016), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD = -3.42 mmHg, 95%CI: -5.80, -1.04; P = 0.005), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (WMD = -2.54 pg/ml, 95%CI: -4.43, -0.65; P = 0.008), waist circumference (WC) (WMD = -1.50 cm; 95%CI: -2.83, -0.18; P = 0.026), malondialdehyde (MDA) (WMD = -1.50 uM/L, 95%CI: -2.42, -0.57; P = 0.001), and alanine transferase (ALT) (WMD = -2.16 U/L, 95%CI: -4.10, -0.23; P = 0.028). Also, we observed that saffron had an increasing effect on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (WMD = 0.07 mM/L, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.13; P = 0.032). There was linear regression between FBG and the duration of saffron intake. Additionally, the non-linear dose-response analysis has shown a significant association of saffron intervention with HDL (P = 0.049), HOMA-IR (P = 0.002), weight (P = 0.036), ALP (P = 0.016), FBG (P = 0.011), HbA1c (P = 0.002), and TNF-α (P = 0.042). A non-linear association between the length of the intervention and the level of HDL and DBP was also found. Discussion That seems saffron could effectively improve TG, TC, LDL, FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, SBP, CRP, TNF-α, WC, MDA, TAC, and ALT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zamani
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahtab Zarei
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Gholami
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdi Hosseini
- Faculty of Medical Sciences and Technologies, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Nadery
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Farideh Shiraseb
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran,*Correspondence: Farideh Shiraseb,
| | - Omid Asbaghi
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Omid Asbaghi,
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Kianmehr M, Mahdizadeh F, Khazdair MR. The effects of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) and its ingredients on dietary intakes in cardiovascular disease in Iranian population: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:890532. [PMID: 35990354 PMCID: PMC9386225 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.890532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most common causes of mortality around the world. The aim of this study is to summarize and conclude the clinical evidence regarding the use of Crocus sativus (C. sativus) and its ingredients on cardiovascular risk factors. A systematic search was conducted with PubMed, Web of Science (ISI), and Scopus in the English language from 2015 until September 2021. A fixed-effect or random-effects model were applied to pool standard mean difference (SMD) and its 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Randomized controlled studies that assessed the clinical effects of C. sativus and its ingredients on dietary intake (Energy, Carbohydrate, Protein, and total Fat) in human subjects were included. Seven studies comprising 421 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Pooling of results showed significant effect of saffron on total fat (−0.14; 95% CI: −0.49 to 0.20; I2 = 57.3%) and significant effect of crocin on Energy (0.94; 95% CI: −0.77 to 2.65; I2 = 95.9%), Carbohydrate (0.44; 95% CI: −0.74 to 1.62; I2 = 92.6%), and Protein (−0.04; 95% CI: −0.26 to 0.34; I2 = 0.0%). Present meta-analysis suggests that treatment with crocins is more effective than saffron in energy, carbohydrate, and protein, while saffron is more effective than crocins in fat. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fateme Mahdizadeh
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Khazdair
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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Omidkhoda SF, Hosseinzadeh H. Saffron and its active ingredients against human disorders: A literature review on existing clinical evidence. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 25:913-933. [PMID: 36159329 PMCID: PMC9464341 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2022.63378.13985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Saffron, the stigmas of Crocus sativus L., has been mentioned extensively in the traditional reference texts as a herbal medicine. Many clinical trials have been conducted on this valuable herbal substance and its main constituents following numerous cellular and animal assessments. In the present review, we have collected almost all of these clinical studies to clarify how much knowledge has clinically been achieved in this field so far and which scientific gaps are needed to be filled by more studies. A comprehensive literature review was conducted through a two-round search. First, we performed a general search for identifying the human disorders against which saffron was studied. Then, we searched specifically for the combination of saffron keywords and each disease name. Scientific databases including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of science were used for this search. Studies were collected through electronic databases from their inception up to August 2021. The largest number of these clinical studies represent the investigations into saffron efficacy in different neurological and mental disorders, particularly depression. This substance has clinically revealed significant protective effects against various types of depression, age-related macular degeneration, and allergic asthma. In some cases, such as sexual dysfunction, cognitive and metabolic disorder, the effects of saffron are still clinically open to dispute, or there are limited data on its positive influences. Overall, saffron and its constituents have promising effects on human disorders; however, it needs more clinical evidence or meta-analyses to be confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Farzaneh Omidkhoda
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran,Corresponding author: Hossein Hosseinzadeh. Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Tel: +98-51-38819042; Fax: +98-51-38823251;
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Si W, Xiong L, Zhou H, Wu H, Liu Z, Liu G, Liu Y, Shen A, Liang X. Comprehensive characterization of ingredients in Crocus sativus L. from different origins based on the combination of targeted and nontargeted strategies. Food Chem 2022; 397:133777. [PMID: 35914457 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.133777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As a valuable medicinal and edible plant, Crocus sativus L. has had wide applications since ancient times. Herein, a comprehensive approach for characterization of constituents in saffron was established based on the combination of targeted and non-targeted strategies. A targeted UPLC-ESI/MSn strategy was applied for in-depth identification of crocins, and a non-targeted UPLC-ESI/MS2 approach characterized other components. This integration strategy was used to analyze ingredients in 21 batches of saffrons from 6 origins. Forty-seven crocins belonging to 8 types were identified including 32 new crocins. Among them, 6 new compounds with specific structures were reported for the first time, i.e. trans-6(G, 2G), trans-4(GT, g), trans-3(GT), cis-3(GT), methyl ester-trans-2(G) and methyl ester-cis-2(G). Besides, 91 non-crocin components were identified including 43 new compounds. Based on systematic investigation of crocins and non-crocins, we found that crocins were the critical components to distinguish saffrons from different origins, especially between domestic and foreign samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Si
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lele Xiong
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacodynamic Material Basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Han Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacodynamic Material Basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Huimin Wu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacodynamic Material Basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guoqiang Liu
- Thermofisher Scientific Corporation, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Yanfang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacodynamic Material Basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Aijin Shen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacodynamic Material Basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China.
| | - Xinmiao Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacodynamic Material Basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China.
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Tahmasbi F, Araj-Khodaei M, Mahmoodpoor A, Sanaie S. Effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on anthropometric and cardiometabolic indices in overweight and obese patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytother Res 2022; 36:3394-3414. [PMID: 35866520 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The worldwide prevalence of obesity is approximately tripled between 1975 and 2016 according to World Health Organization; therefore, obesity is now considered a global pandemic that needs academic and clinical focus. In search of antiobesity agents, Crocus sativus, known widely as saffron, has been praised for its beneficial effects. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to investigate the weight lowering effect of saffron. Following PRISMA guidelines, several medical databases were comprehensively searched for RCTs with a population consisting of obese individuals. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool estimates across studies, and standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to synthesize quantitative results. Twenty-five RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed a nonsignificant decrease for weight (-0.32 kg; CI: -3.15, 2.51; p = 0.82), BMI (-0.06 kg/m2 ;CI:-1.04,0.93; p = .91), waist circumference (-1.23 cm; CI: -4.14, 1.68; p = .41), and hip circumference (-0.38 cm; CI: -5.99, 5.23; p = .89) and a significant decrease of waist-to-hip ratio (SMD = -0.41; CI: -0.73, -0.09; p = .01; I2 = 0%). The mean difference in fasting blood sugar showed a significant reduction in patients with metabolic syndrome (SMD = -0.30; 95% CI: -0.63, 0.03; p = .07; I2 = 0.37%) but a nonsignificant change in the HbA1C level (WMD = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.41; p = .79). Despite bearing several limitations, mainly as a result of heterogeneity among included studies, the available evidence indicates saffron supplementation shows promising effects on some cardiometabolic factors among overweight to obese patients; however, further investigations and high-quality evidence are required for more generalizable and comprehensive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Tahmasbi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Araj-Khodaei
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Persian Medicine, Faculty of Persian medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ata Mahmoodpoor
- Anesthesiology and critical care department, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sarvin Sanaie
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Rahimi G, Shams S, Aslani MR. Effects of crocin supplementation on inflammatory markers, lipid profiles, insulin and cardioprotective indices in women with PCOS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res 2022; 36:2605-2615. [PMID: 35470916 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial reproductive condition common in women of reproductive age. Hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, obesity, and chronic low-grade inflammation are associated with PCOS. In a clinical trial study, women with PCOS were divided into two groups (n = 25 each): the intervention group receiving crocin (15 mg, twice daily) and the control group receiving a placebo. The duration of intervention in both groups was 12 weeks. Pre- and postintervention, demographic information, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, and inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 [IL-6] and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]) were measured. Intervention with crocin significantly increased the mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol postintervention compared to the placebo group, while exerting a suppressive effect on the increase in mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. Intervention with crocin also exerted inhibitory effects on changes in FBG and insulin, so that crocin improved insulin and cardioprotective indices. Finally, despite the increased inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) in the placebo group, crocin treatment had protective effects on their increased changes. Thus, crocin supplementation could be considered in the therapeutic targets of women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giti Rahimi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Saeideh Shams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Aslani
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.,Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Ahmadikhatir S, Ostadrahimi A, Safaiyan A, Ahmadikhatir S, Farrin N. Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) supplements improve quality of life and appetite in atherosclerosis patients: A randomized clinical trial. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF ISFAHAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 27:30. [PMID: 35548173 PMCID: PMC9081510 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_1253_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of the cardiovascular disease. Saffron is a traditional food that affects many diseases and disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the effects of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on quality of life (QOL) and appetite in patients with atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 63 participants with atherosclerosis were recruited from Emam Sajjad Hospital, Valiasr Hospital, and Zafaranieyh Clinic in Tehran, Iran. The participants were divided randomly into two groups. Participants received 100 mg/d saffron or placebo capsule for 6 weeks. QOL and appetite levels were measured by the McNew QOL questionnaire, and visual analog scale questionnaire, respectively. Furthermore, anthropometric indices of participants were measured before and after the intervention. Results Statistical analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference between atherosclerosis patients who received placebo and those who consumed saffron in terms of the physical domain (P = 0.008) and social domain (P = 0.012) of QOL. In the saffron group increased score in Total score Macnew (P < 0.001), physical domain (P = 0.025), and social domain (P < 0.001) was significant after the intervention. Moreover, the consumption of saffron did not significantly affect emotional domains of QOL, and appetite levels. Conclusion Saffron may be considered as a novel agent in patients with atherosclerosis to improve the QOL. A great deal of further research will be needed to critically validate the efficacy of saffron and its mechanisms in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shonaz Ahmadikhatir
- Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Ostadrahimi
- Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abdolrasoul Safaiyan
- Department of Vital Statistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shoyar Ahmadikhatir
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nazila Farrin
- Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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12
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Pharmacological Potential and Chemical Composition of Crocus sativus Leaf Extracts. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010010. [PMID: 35011243 PMCID: PMC8746171 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocus sativus L. (saffron) has been traditionally used as a food coloring or flavoring agent, but recent research has shown its potent pharmacological activity to tackle several health-related conditions. Crocus sp. leaves, and petals are the by-products of saffron production and are not usually used in the medicine or food industries. The present study was designed to determine the chemical composition of the water and ethanolic extracts of C. sativus leaves and test their cytotoxic activity against melanoma (IGR39) and triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines by MTT assay. We also determined their anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral activities. HPLC fingerprint analysis showed the presence of 16 compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acids, xanthones, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids, which could contribute to the extracts’ biological activities. For the first time, compounds such as tectoridin, iristectorigenin B, nigricin, and irigenin were identified in Crocus leaf extracts. The results showed that mangiferin (up to 2 mg/g dry weight) and isoorientin (8.5 mg/g dry weight) were the major active ingredients in the leaf extracts. The ethanolic extract reduced the viability of IGR39 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells with EC50 = 410 ± 100 and 330 ± 40 µg/mL, respectively. It was more active than the aqueous extract. Kaempferol and quercetin were identified as the most active compounds. Our results showed that Crocus leaves contain secondary metabolites with potent cytotoxic and antioxidant activities.
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Hasani M, Malekahmadi M, Rezamand G, Estêvão MD, Pizarro AB, Heydari H, Hoong WC, Arafah OA, Barakeh ARR, Rahman A, Alrashidi MSK, Abu-Zaid A. Effect of saffron supplementation on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2021; 15:102311. [PMID: 34678576 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.102311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Possible protective effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L) have been reported in several randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Current systematic review was performed to summarize the efficacy of saffron intake on liver enzymes. METHODS An electronic database search was conducted on PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane for RCTs comparing effect of saffron and placebo on liver enzymes from inception to July 2021. There was no restriction in language of included studies and we calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for each variable. Random-effect model was used to calculate effect size. RESULTS Eight studies (n = 463 participants) were included in the systematic review. The saffron intake was associated with a statistically significant decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (SMD: -0.18; 95% CI: -0.34, -0.02; I2 = 0%) in comparison to placebo intake. Our results also indicated that saffron consumption did not have a significant effect on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (SMD: -0.14; 95% CI: -0.36, 0.09; I2 = 47.0%) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (SMD: 0.14; 95% CI: -0.18, 0.46; I2 = 42.9%) compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS Saffron intake showed beneficial impacts on circulating AST levels. However, larger well-designed RCTs are still needed to clarify the effect of saffron intake on these and other liver enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motahareh Hasani
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Malekahmadi
- Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Rezamand
- Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Dulce Estêvão
- Universidade do Algarve, Escola Superior de Saúde, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal.
| | | | - Hafez Heydari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
| | - Wong Chun Hoong
- Department of Pharmacy, Sultanah Aminah Hospital, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
| | | | | | - Areej Rahman
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Ahmed Abu-Zaid
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.
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Roshanravan N, Ghaffari S. The therapeutic potential of Crocus sativus Linn.: A comprehensive narrative review of clinical trials. Phytother Res 2021; 36:98-111. [PMID: 34532906 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Crocus sativus Linn. (Saffron) is valued worldwide for its potential use in the management of various degenerative disorders, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, cancer, metabolic syndrome (MetS), neurodegenerative diseases, immune disorders, and sexual dysfunction. Previous reports, based on clinical trials, suggest that crocetin, crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal are the main bioactive components of saffron with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. In this comprehensive narrative review, we studied the recent clinical trials, investigating the medicinal applications of saffron and/or its components. The present results can provide important insights into the potential of saffron in preventing and treating different disorders, with a special focus on the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of saffron in treating some degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Roshanravan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Samad Ghaffari
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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15
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Rahaman A, Kumari A, Farooq MA, Zeng XA, Hassan S, Khalifa I, Aadil RM, Jahangir Chughtai MF, Khaliq A, Ahmad N, Wajid MA. Novel Extraction Techniques: An Effective Way to Retrieve the Bioactive Compounds from Saffron (Crocus Sativus). FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/87559129.2021.1967377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Rahaman
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Overseas Expertise Introduction Centre for Discipline Innovation of Food Nutrition and Human Health (111 Centre), Guangzhou, China
| | - Ankita Kumari
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Adil Farooq
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Khwaja Fareed University Engineering and Information Technology, Rahimyar, Pakistan
| | - Xin-An Zeng
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Overseas Expertise Introduction Centre for Discipline Innovation of Food Nutrition and Human Health (111 Centre), Guangzhou, China
| | - Sadia Hassan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Government College Women University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ibrahim Khalifa
- Food Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Egypt
| | - Rana Muhammad Aadil
- National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Farhan Jahangir Chughtai
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Khwaja Fareed University Engineering and Information Technology, Rahimyar, Pakistan
| | - Adnan Khaliq
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Khwaja Fareed University Engineering and Information Technology, Rahimyar, Pakistan
| | - Nabeel Ahmad
- School of Biotechnology, Iftm University, Moradabad, India
| | - Mohd Anas Wajid
- Department of Computer Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
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16
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Kadoglou NPE, Christodoulou E, Kostomitsopoulos N, Valsami G. The cardiovascular-protective properties of saffron and its potential pharmaceutical applications: A critical appraisal of the literature. Phytother Res 2021; 35:6735-6753. [PMID: 34448254 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Saffron, the dried stigma of Crocus sativus L., is used in traditional medicine for its healing properties and the treatment of various pathological conditions. The present literature review aimed to summarize and evaluate the preclinical and clinical data regarding the protective effects and mechanisms of saffron and its main components (crocin, crocetin, safranal) on cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. Many in vitro and animal studies have been conducted implicating antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic, and antiinflammatory impact of saffron and its constituents. Notably, there is evidence of direct atherosclerosis regression and stabilization in valid atherosclerosis-prone animal models. However, current clinical trials have shown mostly weak effects of saffron and its constituents on cardiovascular risk factors: (a) Modest lowering of fasting blood glucose, without significant reduction of HbA1c in type 2 diabetic patients, (b) moderate/controversial hypolipidemic effects, (c) negligible hypotensive effect, and (d) inconsistent modification of metabolic syndrome parameters. There are important drawbacks in clinical trial design, including the absence of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic tests, the wide variance of doses and cohorts' characteristics, the small number of patients, the short duration. Therefore, large, properly designed, high-quality clinical trials, focusing on specific conditions are required to evaluate the biological/pharmacological activities and firmly establish the clinical efficacy of saffron and its possible therapeutic uses in cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eirini Christodoulou
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics-Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kostomitsopoulos
- Center of Clinical Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Valsami
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics-Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Tajaddini A, Roshanravan N, Mobasseri M, Aeinehchi A, Sefid-Mooye Azar P, Hadi A, Ostadrahimi A. Saffron improves life and sleep quality, glycaemic status, lipid profile and liver function in diabetic patients: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14334. [PMID: 33960081 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disorder that is related to hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia and liver dysfunction and has detrimental effects on a patient's mental health. Hence, the current study investigated the effects of saffron supplementation on dietary intake, anthropometric measures, mood, sleep quality and metabolic biomarkers in overweight/obese patients with T2D. METHODS In a double-blind, randomised controlled trial, 70 overweight/obese patients with T2D were randomly allocated to two groups and received 100 mg/day saffron or placebo for 8 weeks. Participants completed the Beck depression inventory-II (BDI-II), Hurlbert index of sexual desire (HISD), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Diabetes-specific Quality-of-Life Brief Clinical Inventory questionnaires (DQOL-BCI). Dietary intake, anthropometric measures, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), insulin, lipid profile and liver enzymes were determined at baseline and the end of the study. RESULTS At the end of the eighth week, saffron supplementation significantly decreased FPG, triglyceride (TG), insulin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < .001). Moreover, significant improvements in BDI-II scores and total quality of life were observed in the intervention group (P < .001). The saffron group showed more significant improvements in PSQI scores than the placebo group, such that at the post-intervention analysis, only the saffron group achieved a "good" sleep band. At this relatively high dose, saffron supplementation improved glycaemic status, lipid profile and liver enzyme measures in patients with T2D while also improving sleep and overall quality of life. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that saffron notably reduced hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia and improved liver function in patients with T2D in an 8-week randomised clinical trial. Saffron also significantly improved depression, sleep quality and overall quality of life in diabetic patients. However, further investigation is necessary to confirm whether saffron is an effective complementary therapy for T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aynaz Tajaddini
- Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Neda Roshanravan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Mobasseri
- Endocrinology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aydin Aeinehchi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Amir Hadi
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Ostadrahimi
- Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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18
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Salek R, Dehghani M, Mohajeri SA, Talaei A, Fanipakdel A, Javadinia SA. Amelioration of anxiety, depression, and chemotherapy related toxicity after crocin administration during chemotherapy of breast cancer: A double blind, randomized clinical trial. Phytother Res 2021; 35:5143-5153. [PMID: 34164855 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on mood disorders have already been established. More recently, its anti-neoplastic effects have provoked a great attention. This study aims to assess the effects of crocin administration during doxorubicin-based chemotherapy of breast cancer on anxiety, depression, and chemotherapy toxicity profile. Seventy-two patients with non-metastatic Her2/neu positive or triple negative breast cancer were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either 30 mg/day of crocin or placebo during chemotherapy [2:2]. Beck's Depression and Anxiety Inventories were used at baseline and end of the trial. In addition, the ECOG Common Toxicity Criteria were applied to assess chemotherapy side-effects. After the intervention, the degree of anxiety and depression decreased significantly in the crocin group (p = .001 for both) and increased significantly in the placebo-group (p = .006 and p = .036, respectively). There were significantly higher grade II-IV leukopenia (47.2% vs. 19.4%, p = .012) in the crocin group, and grade II-IV hypersensitivity-reaction (30.6% vs. 5.6%, p = .006) in addition to neurological disorders (66.7% vs. 41.7%, p = .03) in the placebo-group. The results indicate that using crocin during chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer has ameliorated anxiety and depression. Moreover, leucopenia increased whereas hypersensitivity reaction and neurological disorders decreased in the crocin group. In addition, a trend toward survival improvement was observed, which is going to be investigated on longer follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roham Salek
- Cancer Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Dehghani
- Consultant Physician, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Seyed Ahmad Mohajeri
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Talaei
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Azar Fanipakdel
- Cancer Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Alireza Javadinia
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
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Mousavi SM, Mokhtari P, Asbaghi O, Rigi S, Persad E, Jayedi A, Rezvani H, Mahamat-Saleh Y, Sadeghi O. Does saffron supplementation have favorable effects on liver function indicators? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:6315-6327. [PMID: 33724127 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1900059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical approaches have been suggested to improve liver health. There is a large discrepancy in the effects of saffron supplementation on liver function in adults. To fill this knowledge gap, this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assess the effects of saffron supplementation on liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). A systematic search current to August 2020 was performed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords to detect eligible articles. A random-effects model was used to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence (95% CI). Nine eligible trials were included in the final analysis. The pooled analysis revealed that serum ALT concentrations were significantly reduced using saffron compared to placebo (WMD: -2.39 U/L; 95% CI: -4.57 to -0.22; P = 0.03, I2= 87.9%, P < 0.001). However, saffron supplementation did not affect levels of serum AST (WMD: 1.12 U/L; 95% CI: -1.42 to 3.65; P = 0.39) or ALP (WMD: 4.32 U/L; 95% CI: -6.91 to 15.54; P = 0.78). In the dose-response analysis, we did not find a significant dose-response relationship between dosage and duration of saffron supplementation on serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP. We found that saffron supplementation can reduce ALT serum concentrations without significant effects on other liver function indicators, including AST and ALP. Nevertheless, future large RCTs on diverse populations are needed to understand better the effects of saffron and its constituents on these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Mousavi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pari Mokhtari
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Omid Asbaghi
- Nutritional Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Somaye Rigi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Emma Persad
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Ahmad Jayedi
- Food Safety Research Center (salt), Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Hamid Rezvani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yahya Mahamat-Saleh
- CESP, Fac. de médecine - Univ. Paris-Sud, Fac. de médecine - UVSQ, INSERM, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Omid Sadeghi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Gerash Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
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20
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Krishnaswamy VKD, Alugoju P, Periyasamy L. Effect of short-term oral supplementation of crocin on age-related oxidative stress, cholinergic, and mitochondrial dysfunction in rat cerebral cortex. Life Sci 2020; 263:118545. [PMID: 33038382 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Aging is associated with oxidative stress and altered cholinergic and mitochondrial function. Crocin is a carotenoid antioxidant that quenches free radicals and protects cells and tissues from oxidation in biological systems. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of oral supplementation of Crocin on age-associated oxidative stress, cholinergic, and mitochondrial function in rat cerebral cortex. MAIN METHODS The middle-aged (15 months old) rats were segregated into three groups (n = 6): Control (ad-libitum fed +0.9% saline as vehicle), Cro 50 (ad-libitum fed + crocin 50 mg/kg/day), Cro 150 (ad-libitum fed + crocin 150 mg/kg/day). The experiment was scheduled for 45 days. The serum and brain parameters were estimated after euthanasia. KEY FINDINGS Crocin supplementation of Cro 50 and Cro 150 displayed a relative decline in body weight gain during the experimental period and significantly reduced age-associated serum triglyceride level over control. In rat cerebral cortex, age-associated macromolecular damage, decline in endogenous antioxidants and an increase in intracellular calcium concentration were significantly reversed due to oral supplementation of Crocin. Cro 150 significantly improved acetylcholine content as a consequence of acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Further, remarkable mitochondrial function was observed in Cro 150 over the control group as determined by citrate synthase and cytochrome C oxidase enzyme activities. SIGNIFICANCE Oral supplementation of Crocin significantly reversed age-associated oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory markers. Meanwhile, Cro 150 remarkably improved cholinergic and mitochondrial function over the control group and facilitated further delay in the aging process due to enhanced cognitive effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- V K D Krishnaswamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, India
| | - Phaniendra Alugoju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, India
| | - Latha Periyasamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, India.
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Naserizadeh SK, Taherifard MH, Shekari M, Mesrkanlou HA, Asbaghi O, Nazarian B, Khosroshahi MZ, Heydarpour F. The effect of crocin supplementation on lipid concentrations and fasting blood glucose: A systematic review and meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med 2020; 52:102500. [PMID: 32951748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of crocin supplementation on fasting blood glucose (FBG) and lipid profile levels in clinical trial studies. DESIGN A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases for clinical trials published from the beginning up to November 2019. Of the 547 papers identified from all searched databases, eight eligible studies with nine effect sizes have all needed criteria for inclusion in this meta-analysis. RESULTS Results of the pooled random-effect size analysis showed just a significant decreasing effect of crocin supplementation on FBG (WMD: -6.52 mg/l, 95 % CI, -11.96, -1.08; p = 0.019) and TC (WMD: -4.64 mg/l, 95 % CI, -8.19, -1.09; p = 0.010). Crocin supplements did not have any significant effect on serum TG (p = 0.144) levels, LDL-C (p = 0.161), and HDL-C (p = 0.872) levels. Results showed that crocin supplementation could beneficially have effect on TG level only when trial duration less than 12 weeks and LDL-C levels in trials that used high dose intervention and trials that conducted on subjects with metabolic disorders. However, crocin supplementation did not significantly change FBG in trials that used low dose intervention. Meta-regression analysis indicated a linear relationship between the duration of intervention and significant change in FBG (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis study have shown that crocin supplementation can decrease significantly FBS and TC without any beneficial effects on TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mahdi Shekari
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences Qazvin, Iran.
| | | | - Omid Asbaghi
- Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
| | - Behzad Nazarian
- Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
| | | | - Fatemeh Heydarpour
- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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Sohaei S, Hadi A, Karimi E, Arab A. Saffron supplementation effects on glycemic indices: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD PROPERTIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2020.1807567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sohaei
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amir Hadi
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Karimi
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Research Development Center, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arman Arab
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Beneficial Effects of Crocin against Depression via Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:3903125. [PMID: 32685478 PMCID: PMC7334775 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3903125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Depression is one of the foremost psychological illness, and the exact mechanism is unclear. Recent studies have reported that the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) signaling pathway is involved in the progression of depression. In the present study, we extracted crocin from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, to evaluate its antidepressant effect and clarify the underlying mechanism. Here, we established a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse model to assess whether crocin can improve depression-like behavior in an open field test (OFT), tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST), and sucrose preference test (SPT). A corticosterone (CORT) model of PC12 was set up to explore the antidepressant mechanism of crocin. We pretreated PC12 cells with crocin for 1 hour and then stimulated the cells with CORT for 24 hours. Cell survival was detected by Hoechst staining and MTT assay. The expression of PACAP, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB), and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) were analyzed by western blotting. PACAP RNAi was used to interfere with PC12 cells to downregulate the content of PACAP. The results showed that crocin (30 mg/kg) significantly reversed the decrease of body weight and elevation of serum CORT, mitigated CUMS induced depression-like behaviors of mice, and crocin (12.5 μmol/L) protected PC12 cells against CORT (200 μmol/L)-induced injury. Furthermore, crocin greatly increased the protein expression of PACAP and phosphorylation of ERK and CREB in the CORT model. PACAP RNAi cancelled the neuroprotective effect of crocin. In conclusion, these results indicated that crocin exerted an antidepressant effect via upregulating PACAP and its downstream ERK and CREB signaling pathways.
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Giannoulaki P, Kotzakioulafi E, Chourdakis M, Hatzitolios A, Didangelos T. Impact of Crocus Sativus L. on Metabolic Profile in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus or Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12051424. [PMID: 32423173 PMCID: PMC7284534 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Experimental studies demonstrated a positive effect of administration of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) and its bioactive ingredients on metabolic profile through their antioxidant capacity. Purpose: To determine if the use of saffron in humans is beneficial to patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) or metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: This systematic review includes 14 randomized control trials that investigated the impact of saffron administration and its bioactive ingredient crocin on the metabolic profile of patients with DM, MS, prediabetes, and coronary artery disease. We documented the following clinical outcomes: fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure. Results: Eight studies examined the efficacy of saffron in patients with DM, four with the metabolic syndrome, one with prediabetes and one with coronary artery disease. A favorable effect on FBG was observed. The results regarding blood lipids and blood pressure were inconclusive in the current review. Conclusions: According to the available limited evidence, saffron may have a favorable effect on FBG. Many of the studies in the reviewed literature are of poor quality, and more research is needed in this direction to confirm and establish the above findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parthena Giannoulaki
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Evangelia Kotzakioulafi
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propeudetic Department of Internal Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Michail Chourdakis
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Apostolos Hatzitolios
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propeudetic Department of Internal Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Triantafyllos Didangelos
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propeudetic Department of Internal Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (A.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-694-486-3803
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Effect of Saffron Extract and Crocin in Serum Metabolites of Induced Obesity Rats. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1155/2020/1247946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The effect of saffron extract (Crocus sativus L.) and its primary compound crocin was studied on an induced obesity rat model. Our study is aimed at investigating and comparing the metabolite changes in obese and obese treated with saffron extract and crocin and at improving the understanding of the therapeutic effect of saffron extract and crocin. Two different doses of saffron extracts and crocin (40 and 80 mg/kg) were incorporated in a high-fat diet (HFD) and were given for eight weeks to the obese rats. The changes in metabolite profiles of the serum were determined using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). Pattern recognition by multivariate data analysis (MVDA) showed that saffron extract and crocin at 80 mg/kg was the best dosage compared to 40 mg/kg. It also showed that both treatments work in different pathways, especially concerning glucose, lipid, and creatinine metabolism. In conclusion, although the pure compound, crocin, is superior to the saffron crude extract, this finding suggested that the saffron extract can be considered as an alternative aside from crocin in treating obesity.
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Algandaby MM. Crocin prevents metabolic syndrome in rats via enhancing PPAR-gamma and AMPK. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 27:1310-1316. [PMID: 32346340 PMCID: PMC7182989 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (Mets) is a major health hazard. The syndrome is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease. The objective of the current study was to address whether or not crocin could protect against experimentally-induced MetS in rats as well as the possible underlying mechanisms. Animals were allocated into 4 groups. The first one served as control and was kept on regular food pellets and drinking water. The other three groups were subjected to experimental MetS. Induction of MetS was achieved by keeping rats on food pellets containing 3% NaCl; and drinking water enriched with 10% fructose. The first and second groups were daily gavaged with saline. The third and fourth groups were daily administered crocin 5 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. The treatment continued for 12 consecutive weeks. Crocin significantly reduced body weight gain and adiposity index as compared to MetS group. Also, crocin protected against the occurrence of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance as indicated by controlled values of HOMA-IR. Crocin protected against MetS-induced dyslipidemia as well as the rise blood pressure. These beneficial effects were accompanied by enhanced serum levels of PPARγ & AMPK and inhibited serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α. In conclusion, crocin protects against experimentally-induced MetS. This can be attributed, at least partly, to activation of PPARγ and AMPK as well as inhibiting inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mardi M Algandaby
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Princess Dr. Najla Bint Saud Al-Saud, Center for Excellence Research in Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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The effect of Saffron supplementation on waist circumference, HA1C, and glucose metabolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Med 2020; 49:102298. [PMID: 32147057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Carotenoids (including zeaxanthin and lycopene) and phytosterols reportedly confer beneficial effects on metabolic profile and function, which is of clinical importance. Thus, we sought to review the saffron effects on waist circumstance (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and HA1C concentrations reported in Randomized Control Trials (RCTs). METHOD A comprehensive systematic electronic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Web of sciences, and SCOPUS to identify RCTs up to February 2019 without any language restrictions. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) calculated with DerSimonian-Laird random. PRISMA guidelines adhered to for this meta-analysis. RESULT Nine articles with 12 arms containing 595 participants were included in this study. Our study found WC was significantly reduced (WMD: -2.18 cm, 95 % CI: -4.05, -0.32) and FPG (WMD: -6.54 mg/dl, 95 % CI: -10.22, -2.85) following saffron intervention. Subgroup analysis highlighted that FPG levels (WMD: -10.24 mg/dl, 95 % CI: -15.76, -4.72) reduced significantly when intervention duration was longer than twelve weeks. There was no significant effect on HA1C levels (WMD: -0.13 mg/dl, 95 % CI: -0.31, 0.04) following saffron intervention. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the present study indicates beneficial effects on WC and FPG, following saffron supplementation.
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Abedimanesh N, Motlagh B, Abedimanesh S, Bathaie SZ, Separham A, Ostadrahimi A. Effects of crocin and saffron aqueous extract on gene expression of SIRT1, AMPK, LOX1, NF-κB, and MCP-1 in patients with coronary artery disease: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res 2019; 34:1114-1122. [PMID: 31797473 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This trial evaluated the potential impacts of saffron aqueous extract (SAE) and its main carotenoid on some of the atherosclerosis-related gene expression and serum levels of oxidized low-density cholesterol (ox-LDL) and Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Participants of this randomized controlled trial included 84 CAD patients who categorized into three groups: Group 1 received crocin (30 mg/day), Group 2 SAE (30 mg/day), and Group 3 placebo for 8 weeks. Gene expression of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor 1 (LOX1), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and MCP-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells assessed by real-time PCR. Furthermore, serum ox-LDL and MCP-1 levels measured at the beginning and end of the intervention. Compared with the placebo group, gene expression of SIRT1 and AMPK increased significantly in the crocin group (p = .001), and the expression of LOX1 and NF-κB decreased significantly (p = .016 and .004, respectively). Serum ox-LDL levels decreased significantly in the crocin group after the intervention (p = .002) while MCP-1 levels decreased both in crocin and SAE groups (p = .001). Crocin may have beneficial effects on CAD patients by increasing the gene expression of SIRT1 and AMPK and decreasing the expression of LOX1 and NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Abedimanesh
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Behrooz Motlagh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Saeed Abedimanesh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Zahra Bathaie
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Separham
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Ostadrahimi
- Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Asbaghi O, Soltani S, Norouzi N, Milajerdi A, Choobkar S, Asemi Z. The effect of saffron supplementation on blood glucose and lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med 2019; 47:102158. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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Abedimanesh S, Bathaie SZ, Ostadrahimi A, Asghari Jafarabadi M, Taban Sadeghi M. The effect of crocetin supplementation on markers of atherogenic risk in patients with coronary artery disease: a pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Food Funct 2019; 10:7461-7475. [PMID: 31667483 DOI: 10.1039/c9fo01166h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Molecular mechanisms of atherogenesis are considered to be emerging therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis prevention. Cell and animal studies have shown that crocetin can decelerate atherogenesis. However, the anti-atherogenic properties of crocetin in humans are still ambiguous. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifty clinically diagnosed CAD patients were randomly divided into two parallel groups, crocetin and placebo, who received one capsule of crocetin (10 mg) and placebo per day, respectively, for two months. Serum circulating homocysteine (Hcy) [-1.09 (-1.64 to -0.54) μM, P = 0.001], heart-type fatty acid binding protein (h-FABP) [-2.07 (-2.72 to -1.43) ng mL-1, P = 0.001], intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [-14.92 (-21.92 to -7.92) ng mL-1, P = 0.001], vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 [-18.61 (-29.73 to -7.49) ng mL-1, P = 0.002], and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 [-4.67 (-6.50 to -2.83) pg mL-1, P = 0.001] decreased significantly after the trial in the crocetin group, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) significantly increased [+4.21 (0.68 to 7.73) mg mL-1, P = 0.021]. Also, systolic [-0.21 (-0.32 to -0.10) mmHg, P = 0.001] and diastolic [-0.20 (-0.34 to -0.07) mmHg, P = 0.004] blood pressures decreased significantly in the crocetin group. Nevertheless, clinically significant percentage changes were only observed in Hcy (-15.25 ± 3.15, μM), HDL (-10.70 ± 5.06, mg dL-1), and h-FABP (-21.10 ± 3.09, ng mL-1) in the crocetin group. Furthermore, the relative increase in the gene expressions of sirtuin1 and AMP-activated protein kinase and a decrease in the lectin-type oxidized LDL receptor 1 and nuclear factor-kappa B expression in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the crocetin group were significant at the end of the trial in comparison with the placebo. CONCLUSION As the first human study, we showed the ability of crocetin to alter the expression of atherogenic genes and endothelial cell adhesion molecules in CAD patients. It appears that crocetin could be considered as a promising anti-atherogenic candidate for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Abedimanesh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - S Zahra Bathaie
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Alireza Ostadrahimi
- Nutritional Research Center, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi
- Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Rahmani J, Manzari N, Thompson J, Clark CC, Villanueva G, Varkaneh HK, Mirmiran P. The effect of saffron on weight and lipid profile: A systematic review, meta‐analysis, and dose–response of randomized clinical trials. Phytother Res 2019; 33:2244-2255. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Rahmani
- Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Student Research CommitteeShahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Nicla Manzari
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Jacqueline Thompson
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal SciencesUniversity of Oxford Oxford UK
| | | | | | - Hamed Kord Varkaneh
- Students' Scientific Research Center (SSRC)Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) Tehran Iran
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research InstituteShahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Parvin Mirmiran
- Nutrition and Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine ScienceShahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research InstituteShahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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Khalaf HA, El-Mansy AAER. The possible alleviating effect of saffron on chlorpyrifos experimentally induced cardiotoxicity: Histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical study. Acta Histochem 2019; 121:472-483. [PMID: 30975443 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pesticides are responsible for many occupational health hazards among farmers in developing countries. Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the broad-spectrum organophosphorus (OP) insecticides used for agricultural, domestic and industrial purposes. AIM OF THE WORK The present study was designed to examine the effects of CPF on cardiac muscles and to evaluate the possible protective role of crocin using biochemical and histological methods with the intention to recognize the molecular tools of its probable cardioprotective effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six adult male albino rats were used in this study and were divided into 4 equal groups (9 rats each): negative control group, positive control group, CPF treated group and CPF & crocin treated group. The heart was removed for histological and immunohistochemical studies. RESULTS Stained sections of cardiac muscle fibers of group III with H&E revealed remarkable histological changes in the form of disorganization of the fibers with increase in the interstitial spaces between these fibers. Congested dilated blood capillaries could be observed with extravasation of the red blood cells leading to interstitial hemorrhage. Focal areas of mononuclear cellular infiltration could be seen in the interstitial tissue. A number of cardiac fibers achieved pale acidophilic vacuolated sarcoplasm while others achieved dark homogenous acidophilic sarcoplasm. Some nuclei were peripherally situated and pyknotic while others were centrally situated and encircled with halos. Apparently increased masses of collagen fibers among the cardiac muscle fibers and around the congested dilated blood vessels with the presence of focal parts of extensive collagen fiber deposition were noticed in Mallory-stained sections of group III. Strong positive immunoreactions in the endomysium and perimysium of the cardiac fibers, along with the walls of blood capillaries and in interstitial cells, could be detected in immunohistochemical staining sections of group III with vimentin antibody. Immunoreactivity to caspase 3 was higher in the sarcoplasm of the cardiac fibers of group III compared to that of control group. A highly significant decrease in the cardiac level of SOD and CAT; however, a highly significant increase in MDA level was noted between the control groups and CPF treated group. Additionally, there was a significant improvement of the chemical and histological representations of group IV, and these improvement pictures were toward the normal. CONCLUSION The study concludes that crocin can alleviate the toxic effect of chlorpyrifos caused by oxidative stress on cardiac muscle.
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Pourmasoumi M, Hadi A, Najafgholizadeh A, Kafeshani M, Sahebkar A. Clinical evidence on the effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review meta-analysis. Pharmacol Res 2019; 139:348-359. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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