Detection of botanical adulterants in saffron powder
Anal Bioanal Chem. 2023 Aug 17. doi: 10.1007/s00216-023-04853-x. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTSaffron is a unique spice obtained by drying stigmas of saffron flowers (Crocus sativus L.). Due to its high price, economically motivated adulteration occurs relatively often. The presented study aimed to develop an effective strategy for the detection of the following potential botanical adulterants used for a saffron substitution or dilution: safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), achiote (Bixa orellana L.), red pepper (Capsicum spp.), mountain arnica (Arnica mon...
Source: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry - August 16, 2023 Category: Chemistry Authors: Jana Ryparova Kvirencova Klara Navratilova Vojtech Hrbek Jana Hajslova Source Type: research

Cancers, Vol. 15, Pages 4063: Combining Crocin and Sorafenib Improves Their Tumor-Inhibiting Effects in a Rat Model of Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Cirrhotic-Hepatocellular Carcinoma
In this study, we investigated the therapeutic use of CR or its combination with SB in a cirrhotic rat model of HCC and evaluated how effectively SB and CR inhibited tumor growth in this model. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was administered intraperitoneally to rats once a week for 15 weeks, leading to cirrhosis, and then 19 weeks later, leading to multifocal HCC. After 16 weeks of cancer induction, CR (200 mg/kg daily) and SB (10 mg/kg daily) were given orally to rats for three weeks, either separately or in combination. Consistently, the combination treatment considerably decreased the incidence of dyschromatic nodules, nodul...
Source: Cancers - August 11, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Basma Awad Alaaeldin Ahmed Hamza Amna Al-Maktoum Suhail Al-Salam Amr Amin Tags: Article Source Type: research

Saffron and crocin ameliorate prenatal valproic acid-induced autistic-like behaviors and brain oxidative stress in the male offspring rats
This study aimed to determine the effects of saffron extract and crocin against brain oxidative stress and behavioral, motor, and cognitive deficits in an animal model of autism in male offspring rats. 14 female rats were randomly divided into the saline and valproic acid (VPA) groups. Then, they were placed with mature male rats to mate and produce offspring. VPA (500  mg/kg, i.p.) was injected on day 12.5 of pregnancy (gestational day, GD 12.5) to induce an experimental model of autism. 48 male pups were left undisturbed for 29 days. First-round behavioral tests (before treatments) were performed on 30–33 post-natal ...
Source: Metabolic Brain Disease - August 11, 2023 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Molecules, Vol. 28, Pages 5976: Comprehensive Extraction and Chemical Characterization of Bioactive Compounds in Tepals of Crocus sativus L.
This study aimed to delve into the phytochemical composition of saffron tepals and investigate whether the composition was influenced by the extraction technique while investigating the main analytical techniques most suitable for the characterization of tepal extracts. The research focuses on flavonoids, a class of secondary metabolites, and their health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Flavonoids occur as aglycones and glycosides and are classified into various classes, such as flavones, flavonols, and flavanones. The most abundant flavonoids in tepals are kaempferol glycosid...
Source: Molecules - August 9, 2023 Category: Chemistry Authors: Fabrizio Ruggieri Maria Anna Maggi Michela Rossi Roberto Consonni Tags: Review Source Type: research

A review of therapeutic impacts of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its constituents
The protective effects of saffron and its ingredients on various systems mainly are carried out by modulation of oxidative stress and suppression of inflammation reactions. AbstractApplication of herbal medicines in the treatment of diseases is in the center of attention of medical scientific societies. Saffron (Cricus sativus L.) is a medicinal plant belonging to the Iridaceae family with different therapeutic properties. The outcomes of human and animal experiments indicate that therapeutic impacts of saffron and its constituents, crocin, crocetin, and safranal, mainly are mediated via inhibiting the inflammatory reactio...
Source: Physiological Reports - August 4, 2023 Category: Physiology Authors: Fatemeh Anaeigoudari, Akbar Anaeigoudari, Aliasghar Kheirkhah ‐Vakilabad Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research

B- and T-cell lymphocytes and other immune cell infiltration in the duodenal and rectal mucosa of severe asthmatic horses
The objectives of this study were to quantify lymphocytes and eosinophils in the mucosa of the duodenum and rectum in asthmatic horses.ANIMALS: 8 healthy and 10 asthmatic horses.PROCEDURES: Asthmatic horses were evaluated in a symptomatic (after 6 weeks of exposure to moldy hay) and asymptomatic status (3 and 7 months after being fed alfalfa pellets [n = 4] or treated with inhaled fluticasone [6]). Duodenal and rectal biopsies were endoscopically (n = 4 to 6) taken in each horse. Eosinophils were counted on slides stained with hematoxylin, eosin, phloxine, and saffron, and immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate T and B ...
Source: American Journal of Veterinary Research - August 2, 2023 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: C éline Loubière Peggy Moreau Rullier Marine Pierre H élie Daniel Jean Source Type: research

B- and T-cell lymphocytes and other immune cell infiltration in the duodenal and rectal mucosa of severe asthmatic horses
The objectives of this study were to quantify lymphocytes and eosinophils in the mucosa of the duodenum and rectum in asthmatic horses.ANIMALS: 8 healthy and 10 asthmatic horses.PROCEDURES: Asthmatic horses were evaluated in a symptomatic (after 6 weeks of exposure to moldy hay) and asymptomatic status (3 and 7 months after being fed alfalfa pellets [n = 4] or treated with inhaled fluticasone [6]). Duodenal and rectal biopsies were endoscopically (n = 4 to 6) taken in each horse. Eosinophils were counted on slides stained with hematoxylin, eosin, phloxine, and saffron, and immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate T and B ...
Source: Cell Research - August 2, 2023 Category: Cytology Authors: C éline Loubière Peggy Moreau Rullier Marine Pierre H élie Daniel Jean Source Type: research

B- and T-cell lymphocytes and other immune cell infiltration in the duodenal and rectal mucosa of severe asthmatic horses
The objectives of this study were to quantify lymphocytes and eosinophils in the mucosa of the duodenum and rectum in asthmatic horses.ANIMALS: 8 healthy and 10 asthmatic horses.PROCEDURES: Asthmatic horses were evaluated in a symptomatic (after 6 weeks of exposure to moldy hay) and asymptomatic status (3 and 7 months after being fed alfalfa pellets [n = 4] or treated with inhaled fluticasone [6]). Duodenal and rectal biopsies were endoscopically (n = 4 to 6) taken in each horse. Eosinophils were counted on slides stained with hematoxylin, eosin, phloxine, and saffron, and immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate T and B ...
Source: American Journal of Veterinary Research - August 2, 2023 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: C éline Loubière Peggy Moreau Rullier Marine Pierre H élie Daniel Jean Source Type: research

Plaque-stabilizing effect of saffron extract in early and advanced atherosclerotic New Zealand white rabbits
This study aims to investigate the plaque-stabilizing effect of saffron ethanolic extract (SEE) via the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the aortic plaques of New Zealand White rabbits (NZWR). (Source: Atherosclerosis)
Source: Atherosclerosis - August 1, 2023 Category: Cardiology Authors: N.A. Mohd Kasim, I.N. Abd Rahim, E. Omar, S. Abdul Muid, H. Mohd Nawawi Source Type: research

Saffron ethanolic extract suppressed biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in early and advanced atherosclerotic rabbits
Background and Aims: Cell adhesion molecules mediate leukocyte activation and recruitment into the vessel wall causing endothelial dysfunction, which contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. Previous studies showed that saffron exhibits anti-atherogenic effects. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of saffron on endothelial dysfunction are still not well understood. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effects of saffron ethanolic extract (SEE) on endothelial dysfunction via protein expressions of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and e-selectin i...
Source: Atherosclerosis - August 1, 2023 Category: Cardiology Authors: I.N. Abd Rahim, N.A. Mohd Kasim, E. Omar, S. Abdul Muid, H. Mohd Nawawi Source Type: research

Sensors, Vol. 23, Pages 6800: Laser Sensing and Chemometric Analysis for Rapid Detection of Oregano Fraud
o Pollastrone World health is increasingly threatened by the growing number of spice-related food hazards. Further development of reliable methods for rapid, non-targeted identification of counterfeit ingredients within the supply chain is needed. ENEA has developed a portable, user-friendly photoacoustic laser system for food fraud detection, based on a quantum cascade laser and multivariate calibration. Following a study on the authenticity of saffron, the instrument was challenged with a more elusive adulterant, olive leaves in oregano. The results show that the reported method of laser sensing and chemometric analy...
Source: Sensors - July 30, 2023 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Luca Fiorani Antonia Lai Adriana Puiu Florinda Artuso Claudio Ciceroni Isabella Giardina Fabio Pollastrone Tags: Article Source Type: research

Microbiomic and Metabolomic Analyses Unveil the Protective Effect of Saffron in a Mouse Colitis Model
Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2023 Jun 30;45(7):5558-5574. doi: 10.3390/cimb45070351.ABSTRACTDespite the existence of effective drugs used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), many patients fail to respond or lose response over time. Further, many drugs can carry serious adverse effects, including increased risk of infections and malignancies. Saffron (Crocus sativus) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. Its protective role in IBD and how the microbiome and metabolome play a role has not been explored extensively. We aimed to establish whether saffron treatment modulates the host microbiome and metabolic p...
Source: Current Issues in Molecular Biology - July 28, 2023 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Gulshan Singh Hassan Brim Yeneneh Haileselassie Sudhir Varma Aida Habtezion Mudasir Rashid Sidhartha R Sinha Hassan Ashktorab Source Type: research

Microbiomic and Metabolomic Analyses Unveil the Protective Effect of Saffron in a Mouse Colitis Model
Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2023 Jun 30;45(7):5558-5574. doi: 10.3390/cimb45070351.ABSTRACTDespite the existence of effective drugs used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), many patients fail to respond or lose response over time. Further, many drugs can carry serious adverse effects, including increased risk of infections and malignancies. Saffron (Crocus sativus) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. Its protective role in IBD and how the microbiome and metabolome play a role has not been explored extensively. We aimed to establish whether saffron treatment modulates the host microbiome and metabolic p...
Source: Current Issues in Molecular Biology - July 28, 2023 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Gulshan Singh Hassan Brim Yeneneh Haileselassie Sudhir Varma Aida Habtezion Mudasir Rashid Sidhartha R Sinha Hassan Ashktorab Source Type: research