Protective effects of the aqueous extract of Crocus sativus against ethylene glycol induced nephrolithiasis in rats

Rapid detection of Tulipalin A with SESI-Orbitrap MS: an exploration across spring flowers

BACKGROUND

Allergic contact dermatitis and chronic actinic dermatitis are frequently observed among florists and gardeners due to exposure to potentially allergenic plants and plant products. Tulipalin A, an alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone, is a common allergen synthesized by Tulipa genera, but its natural occurrence across Plantae remains unexplored.

RESULTS

Here, we demonstrated the secondary electrospray ionization coupled Orbitrap mass spectrometry (SESI-Orbitrap MS) methodology for quantifying tulipalin A release from plants upon injury. By outlining temperature treatment, homogenization strategies and plant organ distribution, we show that processing flower samples stored at room temperature using a garlic press yielded the highest tulipalin A release upon injury. Via real-time monitoring, tulipalin A release was demonstrated to occur immediately upon homogenization. Next, the biosynthesis of tulipalin A across spring flowers was landscaped. Highlighting Rosa, Gerbera, Neapolitanum, Ranunculus, Othocalis, Muscari, Galanthus, Tulipa and Alstroemeria to release detectable amounts of tulipalin A upon injury. Tulipalin A was predominantly released from the Tulipa and Alstroemeria species, both belonging to the Liliales order, as stated in previous clinical and research studies.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, a rapid method using the SESI-Orbitrap MS is reported to detect and track tulipalin A synthesis across plant organs and outline its cross-species distribution. Our methodology can be easily adapted for mapping other volatile plant defense metabolites and identify potentially allergenic plants. By addressing these aspects, we can ensure a safer work environment for florists and gardeners.

Evaluating the effect of crocin on contrast-induced nephropathy in rats

Objective

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) raises the risk of renal injury, but crocin, a saffron component, may improve kidney function. This study investigated crocin's protective effects against CIN in rats.

Materials and Methods

Male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: Sham, Control, Contrast medium (diatrizoate), Diatrizoate combined with crocin at 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg/day, Diatrizoate combined with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) at 125 mg/kg/day, and Crocin alone at 40 mg/kg/day. Water deprivation began on day 5 for 48 hr, except for the sham and crocin alone groups. Indomethacin and N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester were administered after 40 hr of dehydration. Rats were sacrificed on the eighth day, and blood and kidney samples were collected.

Results

Diatrizoate increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, elevated malondialdehyde levels, and reduced glutathione in renal tissue. Crocin reversed these effects. Diatrizoate caused severe tubular necrosis, proteinaceous casts, medullary congestion, and interstitial edema in kidney tissue. Crocin (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly reduced tubular necrosis, and doses of 10 and 40 mg/kg reduced interstitial edema. NAC significantly improved histopathological damage, biochemical factors, and oxidative stress. The crocin alone group showed no significant changes.

Conclusion

Diatrizoate induces nephrotoxicity by enhancing oxidative stress in rats, and crocin has a protective effect against it. Crocin mitigates both tissue and biochemical damage inflicted by diatrizoate.

The effect of Myrtus communis L. extract on nephrolithiasis model in rats

OBJECTIVE

Nephrolithiasis is a common urological disease that can lead to renal failure. Oxidative stress has been shown to be a contributing factor for nephrolithiasis and many agents have been studied to prevent and treat oxidative stress-related nephrolithiasis and renal damage. Myrtus communis (MC) extract has been shown to be an important antioxidant in different animal models. In this study, MC extract was administered preventively or therapeutically to rats with kidney stones, and its effectiveness was investigated.

METHODS

Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (n=8); control (C), ethylene glycol (EG), EG+preventive MC, and EG+curative MC groups. The nephrolithiasis model was created by adding 0.75% EG to drinking water for 8 weeks. Ultimately, 24-hour urine was collected to measure calcium, citrate, and creatinine levels. After decapitation, kidney tissues were harvested for histological analyses, measurement of osteopontin and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase (NAG), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and caspase-3 activities.

RESULTS

In 24-hour urine samples, calcium, citrate and creatinine levels were decreased in the EG group, while oxalate levels were increased and in treatment groups these parameters returned to control levels. MPO, 8-OHdG, caspase-3 and NAG activity were significantly increased in tissue and these changes were reversed in both MC groups. Histological findings also supported the biochemical parameters.

CONCLUSION

MC can reduce oxidative stress and histopathological changes in kidney tissues in rat nephrolithiasis model when used as either a preventive or therapeutic agent. If supported with further clinical trials, MC might have clinical implications in preventing oxidative renal cell injury and ultimately kidney stone formation.

Therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicines for treatment of urolithiasis: A review

Urolithiasis is a common and complex disease of the urinary system, which can cause urinary tract blockage, urinary tract infection, and even damage to urinary system-related tissues. Although urolithiasis can be cured, its high recurrence rate and the development of chronic kidney disease in some patients have drawn the attention of nephrologists. Although the application of extracorporeal lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy and other minimally invasive techniques have made the treatment of urolithiasis more efficient, pharmacotherapy plays an indispensable role in reducing their morbidity and recurrence rates. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for treatment and prevention of urolithiasis in developing countries for centuries, known for its unquestionable efficacy and safety. This article reviews the progress of clinical trials and pharmacological studies on the treatment of urolithiasis with Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs). The mechanism of CHMs in the treatment of urolithiasis mainly involve preventing further growth and aggregation of urolithiasis, reducing the PH of urine, promoting calculus dissolution. Furthermore, some CHMs can increase urine output, relax smooth muscles, and promote the removal of calculus. These findings provide new treatment strategies and options for urolithiasis and secondary kidney damage.

The Pharmacological Activities of Crocus sativus L.: A Review Based on the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities of its Phytoconstituents

Crocus species are mainly distributed in North Africa, Southern and Central Europe, and Western Asia, used in gardens and parks as ornamental plants, while Crocus sativus L. (saffron) is the only species that is cultivated for edible purpose. The use of saffron is very ancient; besides the use as a spice, saffron has long been known also for its medical and coloring qualities. Due to its distinctive flavor and color, it is used as a spice, which imparts food preservative activity owing to its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. This updated review discusses the biological properties of Crocus sativus L. and its phytoconstituents, their pharmacological activities, signaling pathways, and molecular targets, therefore highlighting it as a potential herbal medicine. Clinical studies regarding its pharmacologic potential in clinical therapeutics and toxicity studies were also reviewed. For this updated review, a search was performed in the PubMed, Science, and Google Scholar databases using keywords related to Crocus sativus L. and the biological properties of its phytoconstituents. From this search, only the relevant works were selected. The phytochemistry of the most important bioactive compounds in Crocus sativus L. such as crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal and also dozens of other compounds was studied and identified by various physicochemical methods. Isolated compounds and various extracts have proven their pharmacological efficacy at the molecular level and signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, toxicity studies and clinical trials were analyzed. The research results highlighted the various pharmacological potentials such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antidepressant, hypolipidemic, and antihyperglycemic properties and protector of retinal lesions. Due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, saffron has proven effective as a natural food preservative. Starting from the traditional uses for the treatment of several diseases, the bioactive compounds of Crocus sativus L. have proven their effectiveness in modern pharmacological research. However, pharmacological studies are needed in the future to identify new mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic studies, new pharmaceutical formulations for target transport, and possible interaction with allopathic drugs.

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

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

Anticalculi Activity of Apigenin and Celery (Apium graveolens L.) Extract in Rats Induced by Ethylene Glycol-Ammonium Chloride

Objective:

Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) is one of the kidney diseases in the form of stones that contain crystal and organic matrix components. It is one of the most common diseases of the urinary tract. Calcium stone is the most important type of stone (80%) found in the case of kidney stones. Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is a plant rich in flavonoids, which can break down calcium crystals. Apigenin is considered to be one of the main flavonoids because of its presence and abundance in celery. This research aimed to compare the anticalculi effect of apigenin with that of celery extract.

Materials and Methods:

Wistar albino rats were given ethylene glycol 0.75% (vol/vol) and ammonium chloride 2% (wt/vol) orally for 7 days in all groups to induce hyperoxaluria and Rats treated by Apigenin at doses 1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 mg/kg of rat body weight and celery extract at doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of rat body weight as anticalculi. Measurements of calcium levels in the kidneys and urine of rats was obtained using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Data obtained were statistically analyzed with the IBM SPSS by ANOVA Method version 21.0 probability value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Result:

The results showed that both apigenin and celery extracts caused kidney stone to decay. From the data Apigenin and celery showed that calcium level in urine there were significant differences (p value < 0.05) in treated group from negative control group but calcium level in kidney there were not significant differences (p value > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Celery extract has better ability to break down kidney stones than apigenin.

Protective effect of dietary polyphenol caffeic acid on ethylene glycol-induced kidney stones in rats

Dietary polyphenol caffeic acid (1) has been reported for various pharmacological activities. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of caffeic acid (1) on ethylene glycol-induced renal stones in rats. For the study, male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups; normal, pathological, and standard drug controls, and preventive and curative groups. Normal control group received drinking water for 8 weeks. Pathological, standard drug, preventive, and curative groups received 0.75% ethylene glycol in drinking water for the induction of calcium oxalate stone formation, along with the regular diet. Standard drug group received Urocit-K by gavage from day 1, while preventive and curative groups received caffeic acid (1) by gavage at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg on day 1 and day 14, respectively. At the end of the experiment, urine analysis and kidney histopathology were performed. Real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the renal expression of the most important genes involved in urolithiasis, i.e., osteopontin, Tamm-Horsfall, prothrombin fragment 1, and bikunin genes. The results indicated that in both the preventive and curative groups, treatment of rats with caffeic acid (1) significantly regulated the altered biochemical parameters, along with the remarkable reduction of calcium oxalate deposits in the kidneys, as compared to the pathological group. Treatment with compound 1 also resulted in down-regulation of the osteopontin gene, and up-regulation of the prothrombin fragment 1, Tamm-Horsfall, and bikunin genes. These results suggest that caffeic acid (1) can be further investigated for the prevention, and treatment of kidney stones.

Razi's Al-Hawi and saffron (Crocus sativus): a review

Traditional knowledge can be used as a source for development of new medicines. In the present study, we compare the data on saffron in Razi's Al-Hawi book with modern scientific studies. A computerized search of published articles was performed using MEDLINE, Scopus as well as native references. The search terms used were saffron, Crocus sativus, crocetin, crocin, safranal, Razi, and Al-Hawi. A variety of properties of saffron including diuretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, appetite suppressant, hypnotic, antidepressant, and bronchodilator effects were mentioned in Al-Hawi. Modern studies also confirmed most of these characteristics. This review indicates that the pharmacological data on saffron and its constituents are similar to those found in Razi's Al-Hawi monograph and it can be concluded that ethnobotanical information and ancient sources have precious data about medicinal plants that lead to finding new compounds for treatment of several diseases.