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Soltani M, Farhadi A, Rajabi S, Homayouni-Tabrizi M, Hussein FS, Mohammadian N. Folic acid-modified nanocrystalline cellulose for enhanced delivery and anti-cancer effects of crocin. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13985. [PMID: 38886450 PMCID: PMC11183259 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64758-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Crocin is a carotenoid compound in saffron with anti-cancer properties. However, its therapeutic application is limited by its low absorption, bioavailability, and stability, which can be overcome through nanocarrier delivery systems. This study used surface-modified Nano-crystalline cellulose (NCC) to deliver crocin to cancer cells. NCC modified with CTAB were loaded with crocin and then conjugated with folic acid (NCF-CR-NPs). The synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using FTIR, XRD, DLS, and FESEM. The crystallinity index of NCC was 66.64%, higher than microcrystalline cellulose (61.4%). The crocin loading and encapsulation efficiency in NCF-CR-NPs were evaluated. Toxicity testing by MTT assay showed that NCF-CR-NPs had higher toxicity against various cancer cell lines, including colon cancer HT-29 cells (IC50 ~ 11.6 μg/ml), compared to free crocin. Fluorescent staining, flow cytometry, and molecular analysis confirmed that NCF-CR-NPs induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells by increasing p53 and caspase 8 expression. The antioxidant capacity of NCF-CR-NPs was also evaluated using ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays. NCF-CR-NPs exhibited high free radical scavenging ability, with an IC50 of ~ 46.5 μg/ml for ABTS. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of NCF-CR-NPs to deliver crocin to cancer cells effectively. The NPs exhibited enhanced anti-cancer and antioxidant activities compared to free crocin, making them a promising nanocarrier system for crocin-based cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozhgan Soltani
- Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Amin Farhadi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sarah Rajabi
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Navid Mohammadian
- Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
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Pourmousavi L, Asadi RH, Zehsaz F, Jadidi RP. Potential therapeutic effects of crocin. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03131-6. [PMID: 38758225 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03131-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Crocin, a natural bioactive compound derived from saffron (Crocus sativus) and other Crocus genera, has gained significant attention recently due to its potential therapeutic properties. The multifaceted nature of crocin's biological effects has piqued the interest of researchers and health enthusiasts, prompting further investigations into its mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications. This review article comprehensively explores the emerging evidence supporting crocin's role as a promising ally in protecting against metabolic disorders. The review covers the molecular mechanisms underlying crocin's beneficial effects and highlights its potential applications in preventing and treating diverse pathological conditions. Understanding the mechanisms through which crocin exerts its protective effects could advance scientific knowledge and offer potential avenues for developing novel therapeutic interventions. As we uncover the potential of crocin as a valuable ally in the fight against disorders, it becomes evident that nature's palette holds remarkable solutions for enhancing our health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laleh Pourmousavi
- Department of Sport Sciences, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Farzad Zehsaz
- Department of Sport Sciences, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
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Golestani A, Rahimi A, Najafzadeh M, Sayadi M, Sajjadi SM. "Combination treatments of imatinib with astaxanthin and crocin efficiently ameliorate antioxidant status, inflammation and cell death progression in imatinib-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia cells". Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:108. [PMID: 38227060 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09135-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imatinib resistance remains a major obstacle in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Crocin (CRC) and astaxanthin (ATX) are phytochemicals with anti-cancer properties. AIMS This study aimed to explore the effects of combination treatment of Imatinib with CRC and ATX on Imatinib-resistant K562 (IR-K562) cells. METHODS AND RESULTS After the establishment of IR-K562 cells, growth inhibitory activity was determined by the MTT assay. To test the regeneration potential, a colony formation assay was performed. Cell cycle analyses were examined by flow cytometry. Cell injury was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage. Real-time PCR was applied to assess the expression of IL6, TNF-α, STAT3, BAD, CASP3, TP53, and Bcl-2 genes. Caspase-3 activity was determined by a colorimetric assay. Antioxidant activity was measured using a diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. After 48 h of treatment, ATX (IC50 = 30µM) and CRC (IC50 = 190µM) significantly inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation ability, induced G1 cell cycle arrest and cell injury, upregulated the expression of apoptosis-associated genes, and downregulated the expression of anti-apoptotic and inflammatory genes. The combination of IM with ATX and/or CRC synergistically reduced cell viability (combination index [CI] < 1). CONCLUSION Our data suggest that IM shows better therapeutic efficacy at lower doses when combined with ATX and/or CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Golestani
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Atefeh Rahimi
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mahsa Najafzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mahtab Sayadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sajjadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
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Khazdair MR, Gholamnezhad Z, Rezaee R, Boskabady MH. A qualitative and quantitative comparison of Crocus sativus and Nigella sativa immunomodulatory effects. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 140:111774. [PMID: 34062409 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present article reviews and compares the immunomodulatory activities of Crocus sativus (C. sativus) and Nigella sativa (N. sativa) and their main bioactive compounds. Immunomodulatory effects of these plants, especially with respect to Th1 and Th2 cytokines, are discussed based on relevant articles, books, and conference papers published in English until the end of April 2020, that were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. C. sativus and its constituents increase immunoglobulin (Ig-)G, interleukin 2 (IL)-2, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio, but decreased IgM, IL-10 and IL-4 secretion. N. sativa extract and thymoquinone reduce the levels of IL-2, -4, -10, and -12, while enhance IFN-γ and serum IgG1 and 2a. The reviewed articles indicate that C. sativus and N. sativa and their constituents could be potentially considered promising treatments for disorders associated with immune-dysregulation such as asthma and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Khazdair
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Zahra Gholamnezhad
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ramin Rezaee
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Clinical Research Development Unit, Imam Reza Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Hashemzaei M, Rezaee R, Nabatzehi M, Tsarouhas K, Konstantinos Nikolouzakis T, Lazopoulos G, A Spandidos D, Tsatsakis A, Shahraki J. Anti-hypertensive effect of crocin and hesperidin combination in high-fat diet treated rats. Exp Ther Med 2020; 19:3840-3844. [PMID: 32346448 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Hypertension is the most important cause of such conditions. The use of medicinal herbs is of particular importance due to their lower cost and side effects. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of hesperidin (HES) and crocin (CRO) alone and in combination, on blood pressure in a rat model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hypertension, using invasive carotid artery measurements. Animals were randomly assigned to the following groups: control group (received standard chow diet), HFD control group (received HFD containing 32% kcal of fat and 0.1% cholesterol), and three groups of HFD-treated animals that were treated with a single dose of CRO (20 mg/kg), HES (20 mg/kg), or CRO + HES (20 + 20 mg/kg). Except for the control group, rats received HFD for 7 weeks. On day 50, CRO, HES and normal saline were administered intraperitoneally and carotid arteries of the rats were cannulated. Three hours after the carotid artery cannulation, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured using an intra-arterial catheter with the use of a Power Lab system. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Rats that received HFD for 49 days presented a significant increase in SBP, HR and MAP compared to the control group (P<0.001). Whereas, HFD-treated rats of the CRO + HES group showed lower levels of SBP, HR and MAP; however, DBP remained unaffected. HES administration in HFD treated rats resulted in a significant decrease in SBP compared to the HFD control group with no significant differences in MAP. The hypotensive effects of the simultaneous administration of CRO and HES in HFD-hypertensive rats suggest the need for further study of these two natural products as a potential preventive measure against hypertension development, especially in patients with high normal blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Hashemzaei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, 9861615881 Zabol, Iran
| | - Ramin Rezaee
- Clinical Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, 9177948564 Mashhad, Iran.,Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, 9177948564 Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Nabatzehi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, 9861615881 Zabol, Iran
| | | | | | - George Lazopoulos
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Center of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Jafar Shahraki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, 9861615881 Zabol, Iran
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Crocin protects against dexamethasone‑induced osteoblast apoptosis by inhibiting the ROS/Ca2+‑mediated mitochondrial pathway. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:401-408. [PMID: 31115574 PMCID: PMC6580004 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoblast apoptosis has been identified as an important event in the development of glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteoporosis and osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Crocin, a bioactive ingredient of saffron, has been demonstrated to induce antiapoptotic effects on numerous types of cell in vitro; however, the effects of crocin on the dexamethasone (Dex)-induced apoptosis of osteoblasts remain unclear. In the present study, the protective effects of crocin during Dex-induced apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, and the underlying mechanisms, were investigated. MTT and Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry assays were performed to evaluate the viability and apoptosis of cells, respectively. The mitochondrial transmembrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular Ca2+ levels and apoptosis-associated protein expression were assessed via flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and western blotting. It was demonstrated that crocin pretreatment inhibited Dex-induced apoptosis of osteoblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Crocin reversed Dex-induced decreases in the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and increases in ROS and intracellular Ca2+ levels. Furthermore, crocin upregulated the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and mitochondrial cytochrome c (Cyt C), and downregulated those of cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2-associated X protein and cytoplasmic Cyt C. N-acetylcysteine, a ROS inhibitor, and 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid, a calcium chelator, attenuated Dex-induced osteoblast apoptosis, whereas H2O2 and ionomycin, a calcium ionophore that increases intracellular calcium levels, reversed the antiapoptotic effects of crocin on Dex-treated osteoblasts. These results indicated that crocin may protect osteoblasts from Dex-induced apoptosis by inhibiting the ROS/Ca2+-mediated mitochondrial pathway, thus suggesting that crocin has potential value as a treatment for GC-induced bone diseases.
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Taghizadeh SF, Rezaee R, Mehmandoust M, Madarshahi FS, Tsatsakis A, Karimi G. Coronatine elicitation alters chemical composition and biological properties of cumin seed essential oil. Microb Pathog 2019; 130:253-258. [PMID: 30910722 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The present experiment evaluated how coronatine (COR) elicitation affects chemical and biological properties of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seed essential oil (CSEO). Following isolation of the EO, its chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; also, its bioactivities in terms of antimicrobial/antifungal, cytotoxic (measured by MTT assay) and antioxidant effects (evaluated by DPPH, β-carotene bleaching (BCB) and TBARS methods) were evaluated. COR-elicitation significantly increased CSEO yield and the level of its chemical components, especially cumin aldehyde which is the main component of CSEO. Results showed that COR-elicitation significantly reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of CSEO against 4 Gram-positive and 3 Gram-negative bacteria and 2 fungi. Moreover, elicitation markedly enhanced the antioxidant and in vitro cytotoxic activity of CSEO. Therefore, COR may be regarded as a useful biotic elicitor for improving EO chemical and biological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Faezeh Taghizadeh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ramin Rezaee
- Clinical Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering Laboratory, University Campus, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece; HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece
| | - Masoumeh Mehmandoust
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University of Shirvan, Shirvan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadat Madarshahi
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University of Shirvan, Shirvan, Iran
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, University of Crete, Voutes, Heraklion, Crete, 71003, Greece
| | - Gholamreza Karimi
- 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.
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Bioactive Components of Saffron and Their Pharmacological Properties. STUDIES IN NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64056-7.00010-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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Ghorbanzadeh V, Mohammadi M, Mohaddes G, Darishnejad H, Chodari L. Effect of Crocin and Voluntary Exercise on P53 Protein in Pancreas of Type2 Diabetic Rats. PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.15171/ps.2017.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Hoshyar R, Mollaei H. A comprehensive review on anticancer mechanisms of the main carotenoid of saffron, crocin. J Pharm Pharmacol 2017; 69:1419-1427. [PMID: 28675431 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Crocin is derived from dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. (saffron). It has long been used to prevent and treat various diseases. Although crocin is suggested as one of the most effective cancer therapeutic constituents of saffron stigma, its exact molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we reviewed anticancer effects of crocin and its underlying molecular mechanisms. KEY FINDINGS While several mechanisms may account for the antitumour activity of crocin, alteration of expression/activity of the genes and also epigenetic changes may be considered as necessary phenomena. These alternations may lead to inhibition of cancer cells' proliferation or/and induction of apoptosis through various mechanism including inhibition of synthesis of DNA and RNA, interaction with cellular topoisomerase, suppression of the telomerase activity and active STAT3, and targeting of microtubules. Moreover, this carotenoid could reverse the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and inhibit metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Knowing molecular mechanisms of antitumoral agents could guide us to choose the best chemotherapeutic compound especially for targeted therapy and also provide insights about possible side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhane Hoshyar
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Homa Mollaei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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