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Xin M, Bi F, Wang C, Huang Y, Xu Y, Liang S, Cai T, Xu X, Dong L, Li T, Wang X, Fang Y, Xu Z, Wang C, Wang M, Song X, Zheng Y, Sun W, Li L. The circadian rhythm: A new target of natural products that can protect against diseases of the metabolic system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00133-4. [PMID: 38631431 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.04.005] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of metabolic system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system diseases remains to be explored. In the internal environment of organisms, the metabolism of substances such as carbohydrates, lipids and proteins (including biohormones and enzymes) exhibit a certain circadian rhythm to maintain the energy supply and material cycle needed for the normal activities of organisms. As a key factor for the health of organisms, the circadian rhythm can be disrupted by pathological conditions, and this disruption accelerates the progression of diseases and results in a vicious cycle. The current treatments targeting the circadian rhythm for the treatment of metabolic system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system diseases have certain limitations, and the identification of safer and more effective circadian rhythm regulators is needed. AIM OF THE REVIEW To systematically assess the possibility of using the biological clock as a natural product target for disease intervention, this work reviews a range of evidence on the potential effectiveness of natural products targeting the circadian rhythm to protect against diseases of the metabolic system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. This manuscript focuses on how natural products restore normal function by affecting the amplitude of the expression of circadian factors, sleep/wake cycles and the structure of the gut microbiota. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF THE REVIEW This work proposes that the circadian rhythm, which is regulated by the amplitude of the expression of circadian rhythm-related factors and the sleep/wake cycle, is crucial for diseases of the metabolic system, cardiovascular system and nervous system and is a new target for slowing the progression of diseases through the use of natural products. This manuscript provides a reference for the molecular modeling of natural products that target the circadian rhythm and provides a new perspective for the time-targeted action of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Xin
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China; National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Fangjie Bi
- Heart Center, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Yuhong Huang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Yujia Xu
- Department of Echocardiography, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Shufei Liang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Tianqi Cai
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Xiaoxue Xu
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Ling Dong
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Tianxing Li
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100000, China; Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Xueke Wang
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100000, China; The Second Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yini Fang
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100000, China; Basic Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053 China
| | - Zhengbao Xu
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Meng Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Xinhua Song
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China.
| | - Yanfei Zheng
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100000, China.
| | - Wenlong Sun
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China.
| | - Lingru Li
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100000, China.
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Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M, Hosseinzadeh H. Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review. Phytother Res 2024. [PMID: 38595123 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8201] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Insomnia affects millions of people worldwide, prompting considerable interest in herbal remedies for its treatment. This review aims to assess the therapeutic potential of such remedies for insomnia by analyzing current scientific evidence. The analysis identified several herbs, including Rosmarinus officinalis, Crocus sativus, Rosa damascena, Curcuma longa, Valeriana officinalis, Lactuca sativa, Portulaca oleracea, Citrus aurantium, Lippia citriodora, and Melissa officinalis, which show promise in improving overall sleep time, reducing sleep latency, and enhancing sleep quality. These plants act on the central nervous system, particularly the serotonergic and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic systems, promoting sedation and relaxation. However, further research is necessary to fully understand their mechanisms of action, optimal dosages, and treatment protocols. Combining herbal medicines with conventional treatments may offer an effective natural alternative for those seeking medication. Nevertheless, individuals should consult their healthcare provider before using herbal remedies for insomnia. While this review provides evidence supporting their use, additional high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish their clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - 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
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Hua Z, Liu N, Yan X. Research progress on the pharmacological activity, biosynthetic pathways, and biosynthesis of crocins. Beilstein J Org Chem 2024; 20:741-752. [PMID: 38633914 PMCID: PMC11022409 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.20.68] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Crocins are water-soluble apocarotenoids isolated from the flowers of crocus and gardenia. They exhibit various pharmacological effects, including neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory properties, hepatorenal protection, and anticancer activity. They are often used as coloring and seasoning agents. Due to the limited content of crocins in plants and the high cost of chemical synthesis, the supply of crocins is insufficient to meet current demand. The biosynthetic pathways for crocins have been elucidated to date, which allows the heterologous production of these valuable compounds in microorganisms by fermentation. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the chemistry, pharmacological activity, biosynthetic pathways, and heterologous production of crocins, aiming to lay the foundation for the large-scale production of these valuable natural products by using engineered microbial cell factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwei Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Nan Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xiaohui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
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Beigoli S, Hajizadeh AA, Taghavizadeh Yazdi ME, Khosravi R, Vafaee F, Boskabady MH. Improvement of inhaled paraquat induced lung and systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and memory changes by safranal. Toxicon 2024; 241:107687. [PMID: 38484848 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107687] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The effects of safranal and pioglitazone alone and their combination on inhaled paraquat (PQ)-induced systemic oxidative stress and inflammation as well as behavioral changes were examined in rats. In this study, animals were exposed to saline (Ctrl) or PQ (PQ groups) aerosols. PQ exposed animals were treated with dexamethasone, 0.8 and 3.2 mg/kg/day safranal (Saf-L and Saf-H), 5 mg/kg/day pioglitazone (Pio), and Saf-L + Pio for 16 days during PQ exposure period. PQ group showed increased numbers of total and differential WBCs in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), increased malondialdehyde (MDA), in the serum BALF and brain reduced thiol, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels compared to the control group (for all, p < 0.001). The escape latency and traveled distance were enhanced, but the time spent in the target quadrant in the probe day and the latency to enter the dark room 3, 24, 48, and 72 h after receiving an electrical shock, (in the shuttle box test) were decreased in the PQ group (p < 0.05 to P < 0.001). In all treated groups, all measure values were improved compared to PQ group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). In combination treated group of Saf-L + Pio, most measured values were more improved than the Saf-L and Pio groups (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Saf and Pio improved PQ-induced changes similar to dexamethasone but the effects produced by combination treatments of Saf-L + Pio were more prominent than Pio and Saf-L alone, suggesting a potentiating effect for the combination of the two agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Beigoli
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Asghar Hajizadeh
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Reyhaneh Khosravi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Vafaee
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Hooshyari Ardakani M, Nosengo C, Felletti S, Catani M, Cavazzini A, De Luca C, Rezadoost H. Enhancing the purification of crocin-I from saffron through the combination of multicolumn countercurrent chromatography and green solvents. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024:10.1007/s00216-024-05228-6. [PMID: 38459965 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05228-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Crocin-I, a valuable natural compound found in saffron (Crocus sativus L.), is the most abundant among the various crocin structures. Developing a cost-effective and scalable purification process to produce high-purity crocin-I is of great interest for future investigations into its biological properties and its potential applications in the treatment of neurological disorders. However purifying crocin-I through single-column preparative chromatography (batch) poses a yield-purity trade-off due to structural similarities among crocins, meaning that the choice of the collection window sacrifices either yield in benefit of higher purity or vice versa. This study demonstrates how the continuous countercurrent operating mode resolves this dilemma. Herein, a twin-column MCSGP (multicolumn countercurrent solvent gradient purification) process was employed to purify crocin-I. This study involved an environmentally friendly ethanolic extraction of saffron stigma, followed by an investigation into the stability of the crocin-I within the feed under varying storage conditions to ensure a stable feed composition during the purification. Then, the batch purification process was initially designed, optimized, and subsequently followed by the scale-up to the MCSGP process. To ensure a fair comparison, both processes were evaluated under similar conditions (e.g., similar total column volume). The results showed that, at a purity grade of 99.7%, the MCSGP technique demonstrated significant results, namely + 334% increase in recovery + 307% increase in productivity, and - 92% reduction in solvent consumption. To make the purification process even greener, the only organic solvent employed was ethanol, without the addition of any additive. In conclusion, this study presents the MCSGP as a reliable, simple, and economical technique for purifying crocin-I from saffron extract, demonstrating for the first time that it can be effectively applied as a powerful approach for process intensification in the purification of natural products from complex matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hooshyari Ardakani
- Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Chiara Nosengo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simona Felletti
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Catani
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto Cavazzini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, CREA, Via Della Navicella 2/4, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara De Luca
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Hassan Rezadoost
- Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran.
- Center for International Scientific Studies & Collaboration (CISSC), Ministry of Science Research and Technology, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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Ebrahimi N, Javadinia SA, Salek R, Fanipakdel A, Sepahi S, Dehghani M, Valizadeh N, Mohajeri SA. Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Concurrent Use of Crocin During Chemoradiation for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Invest 2024; 42:155-164. [PMID: 38385429 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2024.2319754] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Crocin is the major active carotenoid of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Its pluripotent effects have led to a growing body of literature investigating its antitumor properties as well as its diverse potentials for mood stabilization, normal tissue protection, and inflammation reduction; However, there is a gap in clinical trials testing this substance in cancer patients. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, patients with newly diagnosed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were randomly assigned to either 30 mg/day of crocin or placebo, prescribed during the neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. The primary endpoints were pathological response and toxicity, and secondary endpoints were depression and anxiety levels and survival analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Ebrahimi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Alireza Javadinia
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Roham Salek
- Cancer Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Azar Fanipakdel
- Cancer Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Samaneh Sepahi
- Food and Beverages Safety Research Center, Urmia University of Medical sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Dehghani
- Cancer Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Niloufar Valizadeh
- Department of Radiology, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Seyed Ahmad Mohajeri
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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7
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Hamedani SG, Pourmasoumi M, Zarifi SH, Askari G, Jamialahmadi T, Bagherniya M, Sahebkar A. Therapeutic effects of saffron and its components on neurodegenerative diseases. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24334. [PMID: 38298664 PMCID: PMC10827773 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24334] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to an increase in the number of older people in recent years, neurodegenerative diseases as the most important age-related neurological disorders are considered as a great threat to human health. The treatment strategies for these disorders are symptomatic and there is no known definitive treatment; however, recently, several studies have investigated the effectiveness of some herbs and their components in limiting the progression and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we searched Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. The keywords used in the search were: saffron [title/abstract] or (saffron compound [title/abstract]) and (neurological disorders [title/abstract]), publication date range (2010-2023), and language (English). After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 articles remained. Of the 30 articles included in the study, six studies on the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders by saffron and its components were in the clinical trial phase, and 24 studies were in the preclinical phase. Saffron and its compounds can play an important role in inhibiting neuroinflammation and excitotoxic pathways, modulating autophagy and apoptosis, attenuating oxidative damage, and activating defensive antioxidant enzymes, resulting in neuroprotection against neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to review the studies on the effects of saffron and its compounds on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Golpour- Hamedani
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of medical science, Iran
| | - Makan Pourmasoumi
- Gastrointestinal & Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | | | - Gholamreza Askari
- Nutrition and Food Security Research Center and Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Anesthesia and Critical Care Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagherniya
- Nutrition and Food Security Research Center and Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Anesthesia and Critical Care Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Ma H, Huang H, Li C, Li S, Gan J, Lian C, Ling Y. The antidepressive mechanism of Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine in mice with depression-like behaviors. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2024; 10:5. [PMID: 38218856 PMCID: PMC10787738 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-024-00329-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the most commonly used complementary and alternative medicine therapies for depression. Integrated Chinese-western therapies have been extensively applied in numerous diseases due to their superior efficiency in individual treatment. We used the meta-analysis, network pharmacology, and bioinformatics studies to identify the putative role of Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine in depression. Depression-like behaviors were mimicked in mice after exposure to the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The underlying potential mechanism of this combination therapy was further explored based on in vitro and in vivo experiments to analyze the expression of COX-2, PGE2, and IL-22, activation of microglial cells, and neuron viability and apoptosis in the hippocampus. The antidepressant effect was noted for the combination of Longya Lilium with Fluoxetine in mice compared to a single treatment. COX-2 was mainly expressed in hippocampal CA1 areas. Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine reduced the expression of COX-2 and thus alleviated depression-like behavior and neuroinflammation in mice. A decrease of COX-2 curtailed BV-2 microglial cell activation, inflammation, and neuron apoptosis by blunting the PGE2/IL-22 axis. Therefore, a combination of Longya Lilium with Fluoxetine inactivates the COX-2/PGE2/IL-22 axis, consequently relieving the neuroinflammatory response and the resultant depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huina Ma
- Department of Health, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, P. R. China
| | - Hehua Huang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, P. R. China
| | - Chenyu Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, P. R. China
| | - Shasha Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, P. R. China
| | - Juefang Gan
- Department of Human Anatomy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, P. R. China
| | - Chunrong Lian
- Department of Human Anatomy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, P. R. China
| | - Yanwu Ling
- Department of Human Anatomy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, P. R. China.
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Wu Y, Gong Y, Sun J, Zhang Y, Luo Z, Nishanbaev SZ, Usmanov D, Song X, Zou L, Benito MJ. Bioactive Components and Biological Activities of Crocus sativus L. Byproducts: A Comprehensive Review. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:19189-19206. [PMID: 37963243 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c04494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The production of saffron spice results in numerous byproducts, as only 15 g of spice can be produced from 1 kg of flowers, indicating that over 90% of the saffron flower material is eventually discarded as waste. In view of this, the paper reviews current knowledge on the natural active components in saffron byproducts and their biological activities, aiming to lay a theoretical and scientific foundation for the further utilization. Saffron byproducts contain a variety of phytochemical components, such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, phenolic acids, monoterpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and saponins. The activities of saffron byproducts and their mechanisms are also discussed in detail here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfeng Wu
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310023, China
| | - Yucui Gong
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310023, China
| | - Juan Sun
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310023, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310023, China
| | - Zisheng Luo
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Sabir Z Nishanbaev
- Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent 100170, Uzbekistan
| | - Durbek Usmanov
- Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent 100170, Uzbekistan
| | - Xinjie Song
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310023, China
| | - Ligen Zou
- Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310023, China
| | - María José Benito
- School of Agricultural Engineering, University of Extremadura, Badajoz 06007, Spain
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Luo Y, Zhong Z, Li H, Wang L, Guo D, Dong X, Liu J, Xie M, Wu M, Xiang Y, Zhang X, Meng P. Integrating serum metabolomics and network analysis to explore the antidepressant activity of crocin in rats with chronic unexpected mild stress-induced depression. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2023; 61:1414-1430. [PMID: 37688460 PMCID: PMC10494758 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2246531] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Crocin exhibits anti-depressant properties. However, its underlying mechanisms and its relationship with metabolomics remain unclear. OBJECTIVE This study elucidates the mechanism of action and potential targets of crocin in treating chronic unexpected mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats underwent 4 weeks of CUMS to establish the depression model. The normal control (distilled water), crocin (25 mg/kg), and fluoxetine (5.4 mg/kg) groups were orally administered for 4-weeks. Behavioural tests evaluated the effects of crocin, while liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolomics identified differential metabolites and their associated metabolic pathways. Subsequently, network pharmacology was utilized to predict the targets of crocin. RESULTS Crocin significantly increased body weight (from 319.16 ± 4.84 g to 325.67 ± 2.84 g), sucrose preference (from 0.46 ± 0.09 to 0.70 ± 0.09), vertical activity (from 2.83 ± 1.94 to 8 ± 2.36), horizontal activity (from 1 ± 0.63 to 4.5 ± 3.08) and decreased immobilization time (from 13.16 ± 2.69 to 3.97 ± 3.00). Metabolomics analysis identified 7 metabolites and 5 associated metabolic pathways. From the combined analysis of network pharmacology and metabolomics, three targets (PRMT1, CYP3A4, and GLB1) are the overlapping targets and the two most important metabolic pathways are tryptophan metabolism and glycerolipid metabolism. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This study provides insights into the antidepressant therapeutic effect of crocin and its underlying mechanisms. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the metabolic mechanism involved in the anti-depressant effect of crocin, establishing a strong foundation for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Luo
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Ziyan Zhong
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Huan Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Le Wang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Dongwei Guo
- The Second People’s Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Xuanqi Dong
- The Second People’s Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Jian Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Mingxia Xie
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Mei Wu
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Yun Xiang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Xi Zhang
- The Second People’s Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Pan Meng
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
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11
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Siddiqui SA, Khan S, Wani SA. Controlling diabetes with the aid of medicinal herbs: a critical compilation of a decade of research. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023; 63:12552-12566. [PMID: 35900120 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2103088] [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] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder owing to the insulin faulty production or the resistance to the action mechanism where the accumulation of glucose is the major side effect in the body in the case of diabetes. Numerous herbs with the potential of reducing glucose production along with combating the secondary ailments associated with it but >1% out of 250,000 have been pharmacologically validated. Affordability and historical usage of these herbal remedies often result in patients' preference as primary or as adjunctive to conventional therapies. Clinical trials conducted with herbs are necessary for determining the efficacy of the herbs against diabetes. Additional benefits of herbal employment include the treatment of secondary ailments in patients along with diabetes including triglyceride reduction, cholesterol level management, body mass index, and cardiovascular disease control. Any individual extract marketed as antidiabetic formulations requires clinical validation before adoption but with ongoing disease status, quick validation in protocols and testing is needed to understand, isolate and cross-verify the status of the bioactive ingredient in individual herb and the polyherb extract formulations. Standardization, characterization, long-term role and impact on the human body, efficacy status, and toxicity profile need to be addressed fully for each active ingredient before it is advanced for production. Therefore, after trials, the related regulatory bodies will be approached to confirm the safety status and efficacy of the prepared concoction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Technical University of Munich, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Straubing, Germany
- German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL e.V.), Quakenbrück, Germany
| | - Sipper Khan
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Tropics and Subtropics Group, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sajad Ahmad Wani
- Department of Food Technology, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, India
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Mrozek W, Socha J, Sidorowicz K, Skrok A, Syrytczyk A, Piątkowska-Chmiel I, Herbet M. Pathogenesis and treatment of depression: Role of diet in prevention and therapy. Nutrition 2023; 115:112143. [PMID: 37562078 PMCID: PMC10299949 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2023.112143] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in depression, which is related to, among other things, the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression can be fatal if not treated or if treated inappropriately. Depression is the leading cause of suicide attempts. The disease is multifactorial, and pharmacotherapy often fails to bring satisfactory results. Therefore, increasingly more importance is attached to the natural healing substances and nutrients in food, which can significantly affect the therapy process and prevention of depressive disorders. A proper diet is vital to preventing depression and can be a valuable addition to psychological and pharmacologic treatment. An inadequate diet may reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants or increase their side effects, leading to life-threatening symptoms. This study aimed to review the literature on the pathogenesis of the development and treatment of depression, with particular emphasis on dietary supplements and the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Mrozek
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Justyna Socha
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Klara Sidorowicz
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Skrok
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Syrytczyk
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Mariola Herbet
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
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13
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Bahrami F, Pour FJ, Hassanpour M, Saki M, Ebrahimzadeh F, Jafaripour L. The effect of saffron and corrective exercises on depression and quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 79:105038. [PMID: 37801956 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105038] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system which causes various complications such as reduced ability to do daily activities, depression and early death of patients. The present study aimed to compare the effect of saffron and corrective exercises on depression and quality of life in women with MS. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 80 MS women for 12 weeks. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and allocated into four study groups (three intervention groups and one control group) using the stratified block randomization. The Expanded Disability Status Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale were used to collect data at the start of the study and also at the end of the sixth and the twelfth weeks. At the end of the twelfth week, the depression mean scores in all experimental groups (saffron group, corrective exercises group, corrective exercises + saffron group) were significantly different compared to the control group (P < 0.05), and this difference in corrective exercises + saffron group was more than the others. Also, at the end of the twelfth week, the mean scores of the quality of life (both physical and mental dimensions) in all experimental groups were significantly different from the control group (P < 0.05). The saffron group in physical dimension and the corrective exercises + saffron group in psychological dimension showed a significant difference with other groups. Although each of the corrective exercises program and saffron consumption alone were effective in reducing depression and enhancing the quality of life in MS patients, the consequences will be more beneficial in case these two interventions are used together. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage MS patients to consume saffron supplement along with doing physical activities in caring and rehabilitation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Bahrami
- PhD in Sports Physiology, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | | | | | - Mandana Saki
- PhD in Nursing, Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Iran; Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
| | - Farzad Ebrahimzadeh
- PhD in Biostatistics, Nutritional Health Research Center, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Leila Jafaripour
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
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Shahmoradi N, Davarinejad O, Brühl AB, Brand S. Effects of Aphrodite (an Herbal Compound) on SSRI-Induced Sexual Dysfunctions and Depression in Females with Major Depressive Disorder: Findings from a Randomized Clinical Trial. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1663. [PMID: 37763782 PMCID: PMC10538161 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091663] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Almost by default, people with major depression disorder (MDD) also report sexual health issues. This holds even more true when sexual dysfunctions are SSRI-induced. Herbal compounds may have the power to counterbalance such sexual dysfunctions, though research is still scarce. Therefore, we assessed females with diagnosed MDD treated with a standard SSRI (sertraline) and reporting SSRI-induced sexual dysfunctions, and we asked whether compared to placebo, Aphrodite (a blend of ginger, saffron, cinnamon, thistle, and Tribulus terrestris) may favorably impact on sexual dysfunctions, and on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Materials and Methods: A total of 41 females (mean age: 35.05 years) with diagnosed MDD, treated with sertraline (a standard SSRI) at therapeutic dosages, and reporting SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, were randomly assigned either to Aphrodite or to the placebo condition. At baseline and four and eight weeks later (study end), participants completed a series of self-rating questionnaires covering symptoms of sexual dysfunction, depression, anxiety, and sleep complaints. Results: Symptoms of sexual dysfunction, depression, and anxiety decreased over time, but more so in the Aphrodite condition, compared to the placebo condition (significant p-values and large effect sizes). Over time, sleep disturbances decreased irrespective of the study condition. Conclusions: The pattern of results suggests that compared to placebo, Aphrodite appeared to improve symptoms of sexual dysfunction, depression, and anxiety among females with diagnosed MDD and SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. Further and similar studies should investigate the underlying psychophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Shahmoradi
- Department of Psychiatry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah 6714673159, Iran; (O.D.); (A.B.B.)
| | - Omran Davarinejad
- Department of Psychiatry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah 6714673159, Iran; (O.D.); (A.B.B.)
| | - Annette Beatrix Brühl
- Department of Psychiatry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah 6714673159, Iran; (O.D.); (A.B.B.)
- Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders, Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Serge Brand
- Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders, Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah 6714673159, Iran
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran 1417466191, Iran
- Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah 6714673159, Iran
- Division of Sport Science and Psychosocial Health, Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
- Center for Disaster Psychiatry and Disaster Psychology, Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
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Das P, Chandra T, Negi A, Jaiswal S, Iquebal MA, Rai A, Kumar D. A comprehensive review on genomic resources in medicinally and industrially important major spices for future breeding programs: Status, utility and challenges. Curr Res Food Sci 2023; 7:100579. [PMID: 37701635 PMCID: PMC10494321 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2023.100579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In the global market, spices possess a high-value but low-volume commodities of commerce. The food industry depends largely on spices for taste, flavor, and therapeutic properties in replacement of cheap synthetic ones. The estimated growth rate for spices demand in the world is ∼3.19%. Since spices grow in limited geographical regions, India is one of the leading producer of spices, contributing 25-30 percent of total world trade. Hitherto, there has been no comprehensive review of the genomic resources of industrially important major medicinal spices to overcome major impediments in varietal improvement and management. This review focuses on currently available genomic resources of 24 commercially significant spices, namely, Ajwain, Allspice, Asafoetida, Black pepper, Cardamom large, Cardamom small, Celery, Chillies, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Cumin, Curry leaf, Dill seed, Fennel, Fenugreek, Garlic, Ginger, Mint, Nutmeg, Saffron, Tamarind, Turmeric and Vanilla. The advent of low-cost sequencing machines has contributed immensely to the voluminous data generation of these spices, cracking the complex genomic architecture, marker discovery, and understanding comparative and functional genomics. This review of spice genomics resources concludes the perspective and way forward to provide footprints by uncovering genome assemblies, sequencing and re-sequencing projects, transcriptome-based studies, non-coding RNA-mediated regulation, organelles-based resources, developed molecular markers, web resources, databases and AI-directed resources in candidate spices for enhanced breeding potential in them. Further, their integration with molecular breeding could be of immense use in formulating a strategy to protect and expand the production of the spices due to increased global demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parinita Das
- Division of Agricultural Bioinformatics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Tilak Chandra
- Division of Agricultural Bioinformatics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Ankita Negi
- Division of Agricultural Bioinformatics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Sarika Jaiswal
- Division of Agricultural Bioinformatics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Mir Asif Iquebal
- Division of Agricultural Bioinformatics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Anil Rai
- Division of Agricultural Bioinformatics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- Division of Agricultural Bioinformatics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, India
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16
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De la Fuente Muñoz M, Román-Carmena M, Amor S, García-Villalón ÁL, Espinel AE, González-Hedström D, Granado García M. Effects of Supplementation with the Standardized Extract of Saffron (affron ®) on the Kynurenine Pathway and Melatonin Synthesis in Rats. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1619. [PMID: 37627614 PMCID: PMC10451224 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is mainly synthesized in the pineal gland from tryptophan after its conversion into serotonin. Under normal conditions, less than 5% of tryptophan is reserved for the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin. The remaining 95% is metabolized in the liver through the kynurenine pathway. Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and cortisol increase the metabolism of tryptophan through the kynurenine pathway and reduce its availability for the synthesis of melatonin and serotonin, which may cause alterations in mood and sleep. The standardized saffron extract (affron®) has shown beneficial effects on mood and sleep disorders in humans, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the effects of affron® supplementation on the kynurenine pathway and the synthesis of melatonin in rats. For this purpose, adult male Wistar rats were supplemented for 7 days with 150 mg/kg of affron® or vehicle (2 mL/kg water) administered by gavage one hour before sleep. Affron® supplementation reduced body weight gain and increased the circulating levels of melatonin, testosterone, and c-HDL. Moreover, animals supplemented with affron® showed decreased serum levels of kynurenine, ET-1, and c-LDL. In the pineal gland, affron® reduced Il-6 expression and increased the expression of Aanat, the key enzyme for melatonin synthesis. In the liver, affron® administration decreased the mRNA levels of the enzymes of the kynurenine pathway Ido-2, Tod-2, and Aadat, as well as the gene expression of Il-1β and Tnf-α. Finally, rats treated with affron® showed increased mRNA levels of the antioxidant enzymes Ho-1, Sod-1, Gsr, and Gpx-3, both in the liver and in the pineal gland. In conclusion, affron® supplementation reduces kynurenine levels and promotes melatonin synthesis in rats, possibly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making this extract a possible alternative for the treatment and/or prevention of mood and sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario De la Fuente Muñoz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.l.F.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.A.); (Á.L.G.-V.)
| | - Marta Román-Carmena
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.l.F.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.A.); (Á.L.G.-V.)
| | - Sara Amor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.l.F.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.A.); (Á.L.G.-V.)
| | - Ángel Luís García-Villalón
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.l.F.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.A.); (Á.L.G.-V.)
| | - Alberto E. Espinel
- Pharmactive Biotech Products S.L.U., Parque Científico de Madrid, Avenida del Doctor Severo Ochoa, 37 Local 4J, 28108 Alcobendas, Spain; (A.E.E.); (D.G.-H.)
| | - Daniel González-Hedström
- Pharmactive Biotech Products S.L.U., Parque Científico de Madrid, Avenida del Doctor Severo Ochoa, 37 Local 4J, 28108 Alcobendas, Spain; (A.E.E.); (D.G.-H.)
| | - Miriam Granado García
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.l.F.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.A.); (Á.L.G.-V.)
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Abdel-Rasoul AA, Saleh NA, Hosny EN, El-Gizawy MM, Ibrahim EA. Cardamom oil ameliorates behavioral and neuropathological disorders in a rat model of depression induced by reserpine. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 308:116254. [PMID: 36781058 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116254] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Depression is a public health problem. Despite the availability of treatment options, its prevalence is increasing. A high rate of treatment failure is often reported, along with considerable side effects associated with synthetic antidepressants. Therefore, developing effective and safe antidepressants from traditional herbs or natural products as an alternative strategy is warranted to avoid side effects and increase drug efficacy. In traditional medicine, cardamom has traditionally been used to treat conditions like asthma, tooth and gum infections, cataracts, nausea, diarrhea, and even depression and anxiety as well as some problems with the heart, kidneys, and digestive system. AIM OF THE STUDY The current study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant activity of cardamom oil in a rat model of depression induced by reserpine and compare it with the activity of the antidepressant drug fluoxetine. MATERIALS AND METHODS Depression-like symptoms were induced in male rats by daily i. p. injection of reserpine (0.2 mg/kg/d for 15 d followed by 0.1 mg/kg/d for 21 d to maintain the depressive state), and the rats were treated with cardamom oil (oral dose = 200 mg/kg/d) for 21 d along with the maintenance dose of reserpine. We performed behavioral tests (forced swimming test and open-field test) and evaluated biochemical markers of depression. RESULTS Our findings revealed that cardamom oil attenuated depression-like symptoms in reserpine-injected rats by improving the behavioral changes measured by the forced swimming test and the locomotor activities measured by the open-field test. In reserpine-injected rats, cardamom oil exerted antidepressant-like effects by modulating lower levels of brain monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine), GSH, and higher oxido-nitrosative stress parameters (malondialdehyde and nitric oxide). Moreover, cardamom oil alleviated depression-like behaviors by lowering monoamine oxidase activity and raising the activities of Na+/K+-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase and levels of a brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the cortex and hippocampus. CONCLUSION We recommend the use of cardamom oil as a safe and reliable treatment or an adjuvant for preventing depression-like symptoms in patients suffering from depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa A Abdel-Rasoul
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nabil A Saleh
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman N Hosny
- Medical Physiology Department, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mayada M El-Gizawy
- Medical Physiology Department, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ehab A Ibrahim
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
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In Vitro Assessment of Myorelaxant and Antispasmodic Effects of Stigmas, Tepals, and Leaves Hydroethanolic Extracts of Crocus sativus. J Food Biochem 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/4165305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
The valorization of Crocus sativus focuses mainly on the plant’s stigma because it is one of the most expensive and valuable spices in the world and has great value in the food, cosmetics, and pharmacological industries. Due to this high stigma value, the other parts of the plant are considered as by-products; our study aimed to evaluate the myorelaxant and antispasmodic activities of the byproducts (tepals and leaves) to compare them with the stigma of the plant. To investigate the myorelaxant and antispasmodic activities of the Crocus sativus on isolated rabbit and rat jejunum, we used an in vitro technic with an organ bath and an isotonic transducer. Our results showed that the STG (hydroethanolic extract of stigmas) and LV (hydroethanolic extract of leaves) had a moderate myorelaxant effect with IC50 = 6.61 ± 1.5 and 5.08 ± 0.45 mg/ml, respectively. TPL (hydroethanolic extract of tepals) had a significant (
) inhibitory effect on the amplitude of the rabbit jejunum basic contractions with an IC50 = 1.36 ± 0.15 mg/ml. TPL also caused a significant (
) antispasmodic activity depending on the dose of the contraction induced by CCh (10−6 M) and KCl (25 mM). The antispasmodic effect of the TPL is slightly altered in the presence of nifedipine by a percentage of 26.8%. This difference is statistically significant (
). Therefore, the extract could induce the inhibitory effect on L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, but not on the guanylate cyclase and nitric oxide pathways. That confirmed that the TPL has a comparable effect to the verapamil. The HPLC-DAD analysis of various parts of C. sativus shows that the three extracts contain the kaempferol flavanol compound, the STG also was revealed to be rich in carotenoids crocin, and these isomers are trans and cis-crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin. In contrast, the TPL revealed the presence of isorhamnetin and quercetin, but the LV was rich in hesperidin and mangiferin. In conclusion, this study supports the traditional use of this plant to treat digestive problems and will allow us to explore future possibilities for treating bowel spasms using natural molecules derived from saffron.
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Crocin Attenuates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by Inhibiting Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species and Ameliorates Monosodium Urate-Induced Mouse Peritonitis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:2090-2104. [PMID: 36975504 PMCID: PMC10047758 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45030134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Crocin is a hydrophilic carotenoid pigment found in the stigma of Crocus sativus or the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides. In this study, we investigated the effects of Crocin on the activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in J774A.1 murine macrophage cells and monosodium urate (MSU)-induced peritonitis. Crocin significantly inhibited Nigericin-, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-, MSU-induced interleukin (IL)-1β secretion, and caspase-1 cleavage without affecting pro-IL-1β and pro-caspase-1. Crocin also suppressed gasdermin-D cleavage and lactate dehydrogenase release and enhanced cell viability, indicating that Crocin reduces pyroptosis. Similar effects were observed in primary mouse macrophages. However, Crocin did not affect poly(dA:dT)-induced absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) and muramyl dipeptide-induced NLRP1 inflammasomes. Crocin decreased Nigericin-induced oligimerization and the speck formation of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC). Crocin also dramatically alleviated the ATP-induced production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS). Finally, Crocin ameliorated the MSU-induced production of IL-1β and IL-18 and the recruitment of neutrophils during peritoneal inflammation. These results suggest that Crocin suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation by blocking mtROS production and ameliorates MSU-induced mouse peritonitis. Thus, Crocin may have therapeutic potential in various NLRP3 inflammasome-related inflammatory diseases.
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Dobrek L, Głowacka K. Depression and Its Phytopharmacotherapy-A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054772. [PMID: 36902200 PMCID: PMC10003400 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a mental health disorder that develops as a result of complex psycho-neuro-immuno-endocrinological disturbances. This disease presents with mood disturbances, persistent sadness, loss of interest and impaired cognition, which causes distress to the patient and significantly affects the ability to function and have a satisfying family, social and professional life. Depression requires comprehensive management, including pharmacological treatment. Because pharmacotherapy of depression is a long-term process associated with the risk of numerous adverse drug effects, much attention is paid to alternative therapy methods, including phytopharmacotherapy, especially in treating mild or moderate depression. Preclinical studies and previous clinical studies confirm the antidepressant activity of active compounds in plants, such as St. John's wort, saffron crocus, lemon balm and lavender, or less known in European ethnopharmacology, roseroot, ginkgo, Korean ginseng, borage, brahmi, mimosa tree and magnolia bark. The active compounds in these plants exert antidepressive effects in similar mechanisms to those found in synthetic antidepressants. The description of phytopharmacodynamics includes inhibiting monoamine reuptake and monoamine oxidase activity and complex, agonistic or antagonistic effects on multiple central nervous system (CNS) receptors. Moreover, it is noteworthy that the anti-inflammatory effect is also important to the antidepressant activity of the plants mentioned above in light of the hypothesis that immunological disorders of the CNS are a significant pathogenetic factor of depression. This narrative review results from a traditional, non-systematic literature review. It briefly discusses the pathophysiology, symptomatology and treatment of depression, with a particular focus on the role of phytopharmacology in its treatment. It provides the mechanisms of action revealed in experimental studies of active ingredients isolated from herbal antidepressants and presents the results of selected clinical studies confirming their antidepressant effectiveness.
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Ghafari F, Sadeghian Z, Oftadeh Harsin A, Khodabandelo S, Ranjbar A. Anti-oxidative properties of nanocrocin in Zearalenone induced toxicity on Hek293 cell; The novel formulation and cellular assessment. Hum Exp Toxicol 2023; 42:9603271231169911. [PMID: 37072122 DOI: 10.1177/09603271231169911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin produced by fungi and induces cytotoxicity by the generation of reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the nephroprotective effects of crocin and nano-crocin against ZEA-induced toxicity in HEK293 cell line via modulation of oxidative stress and special formulation to make nano-crocin. METHOD Nano-crocin physicochemical properties, such as size, load, appearance, and drug release profile were determined. Also, the viability of intoxicated HEK293 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Furthermore, lactate dehydrogenase lipid Peroxidation (LPO), and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured. RESULT The best nano-crocin formulation with superior entrapment effectiveness (54.66 ± 6.02), more significant drug loading (1.89 ± 0.01), better zeta potential (-23.4 ± 2.844), and smaller particle size (140.3 ± 18.0 nm) was chosen. This study showed that treatment with crocin and nano-crocin in ZEA-induced cells, significantly decreased LDH and LPO levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels compared to the control group. Moreover, nano-crocin had a more curative effect against oxidative stress than crocin. CONCLUSION Niosomal structure of crocin, when administered with the special formulation, may be more beneficial in reducing ZEA-induced in vitro toxicity than conventional crocin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Ghafari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Zohre Sadeghian
- Nutrition Health Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Akram Oftadeh Harsin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Sodabe Khodabandelo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Akram Ranjbar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Nutrition Health Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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22
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Matraszek-Gawron R, Chwil M, Terlecki K, Skoczylas MM. Current Knowledge of the Antidepressant Activity of Chemical Compounds from Crocus sativus L. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:58. [PMID: 36678554 PMCID: PMC9860663 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010058] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychotropic effect of Crocus sativus L. (family Iridaceae) biologically active chemical compounds are quite well documented and they can therefore be used in addition to the conventional pharmacological treatment of depression. This systematic review on antidepressant compounds in saffron crocus and their mechanisms of action and side effects is based on publications released between 1995−2022 and data indexed in 15 databases under the following search terms: antidepressant effect, central nervous system, Crocus sativus, cognitive impairement, crocin, crocetin, depression, dopamine, dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, picrocrocin, phytotherapy, neurotransmitters, safranal, saffron, serotonin, and biologically active compounds. The comparative analysis of the publications was based on 414 original research papers. The investigated literature indicates the effectiveness and safety of aqueous and alcoholic extracts and biologically active chemical compounds (alkaloids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, flavonoid, phenolic, saponins, and terpenoids) isolated from various organs (corms, leaves, flower petal, and stigmas) in adjuvant treatment of depression and anxiety. Monoamine reuptake inhibition, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-α agonism are the main proposed mechanism of the antidepressant action. The antidepressant and neuroprotective effect of extract components is associated with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The mechanism of their action, interactions with conventional drugs and other herbal preparations and the safety of use are not fully understood; therefore, further detailed research in this field is necessary. The presented results regarding the application of C. sativus in phytotherapy are promising in terms of the use of herbal preparations to support the treatment of depression. This is particularly important given the steady increase in the incidence of this disease worldwide and social effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Matraszek-Gawron
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 15 Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mirosława Chwil
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 15 Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Karol Terlecki
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, Medical University of Lublin, Racławickie 1 Street, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Marian Skoczylas
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1 Street, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
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23
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Determination of Saffron Quality through a Multi-Analytical Approach. Foods 2022; 11:3227. [PMCID: PMC9601413 DOI: 10.3390/foods11203227] [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] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the specifications for the assessment of saffron quality are contained in the ISO 3632 technical standard. This norm evaluates saffron quality through a UV-Vis spectrophotometric method and grades the spice into three commercial categories. However, numerous studies have highlighted several weaknesses and limitations of the ISO method. For this reason, a new multi-analytical approach for the determination of saffron quality is proposed in this work. Different techniques were employed to assess saffron quality: UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and inductively coupled plasma—optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results show that the commercial grading based on the ISO 3632 methodology is not always in line with the observations made with the other techniques. Moreover, the use of two new techniques in the field of saffron quality determination, i.e., SEM-EDX and ICP-OES, proved to be effective for the determination of elemental composition and metal content, which are two important parameters to take into consideration when assessing the quality of the spice.
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24
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Daneshvar A, Jouzdani AF, Firozian F, Asl SS, Mohammadi M, Ranjbar A. Neuroprotective effects of crocin and crocin-loaded niosomes against the paraquat-induced oxidative brain damage in rats. Open Life Sci 2022; 17:1174-1181. [PMID: 36185402 PMCID: PMC9482421 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0468] [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: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Paraquat (PQ) is a nonselective herbicide that induces oxidative reactions and multiple-organ failure on exposure. Crocin, a carotenoid obtained from saffron, has demonstrated many therapeutic effects against neural conditions because of its antioxidant properties. In this study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups to evaluate the protective effects of crocin and crocin-loaded niosomes (NC) against PQ in the brain. The levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation (LPO), total thiol groups (TTG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity were measured as the markers of redox status. Histopathological changes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus were evaluated by cresyl violet staining. Results indicated that both crocin and NC were able to attenuate the adverse effects of PQ at the histopathological level, which was following the changes in LPO (P < 0.0001), TAC (P < 0.01), and TTG (P < 0.05) level. The activity of CAT (P < 0.01) and SOD (P < 0.01) could be restored either by crocin or NC. Also, results indicated that nanoformulation of crocin in niosomes appears to be more promising. In conclusion, both crocin and NC showed favourable effects of PQ in the brain of rats, and were determined to be excellent agents to prevent acute toxicities of PQ. Furthermore, these two compounds can be known to provide neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsoon Daneshvar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 6517838678, Iran
| | - Ali Fathi Jouzdani
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence Research Group (NAIRG), Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,USERN Office, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Farzin Firozian
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Science, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Sara Soleimani Asl
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mojdeh Mohammadi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 6517838678, Iran
| | - Akram Ranjbar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 6517838678, Iran
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25
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An In Vitro Study of Saffron Carotenoids: The Effect of Crocin Extracts and Dimethylcrocetin on Cancer Cell Lines. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061074. [PMID: 35739971 PMCID: PMC9220052 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocus sativus L. has various pharmacological properties, known for over 3600 years. These properties are attributed mainly to biologically active substances, which belong to the terpenoid group and include crocins, picrocrocin and safranal. The aim of the current work was to examine the effects of crocins (CRCs) and their methyl ester derivate dimethylcrocetin (DMCRT) on glioblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, in terms of cytotoxicity and gene expression, implicated in proapoptotic and cell survival pathways. Cell cytotoxicity was assessed with Alamar Blue fluorescence assay after treatment with saffron carotenoids for 24, 48 and 72 h and concentrations ranging from 22.85 to 0.18 mg/mL for CRCs and 11.43 to 0.09 mg/mL for DMCRT. In addition, BAX, BID, BCL2, MYCN, SOD1, and GSTM1 gene expression was studied by qRT-PCR analysis. Both compounds demonstrated cytotoxic effects against glioblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. They induced apoptosis, via BAX and BID upregulation, MYCN and BCL-2, SOD1, GSTM1 downregulation. The current research denotes the possible anticancer properties of saffron carotenoids, which are considered safe phytochemicals, already tested in clinical trials for their health promoting properties.
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