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1.
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) ; 70(7): 66-72, 2024 Jul 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39097894

ABSTRACT

Crocus sativus L. is known as an ornamental geophyte and a source of valuable spice and secondary metabolites. Network preservation module analysis is one of the best approaches to revealing special features of different conditions. It can determine patterns of divergence and conservation between transcriptome data. Herein, we explored the regulatory genes of the flowering process by RNA-Seq data containing flowering and non-flowering samples in gene expression profiles. Persevered module analysis revealed three significant non-persevered modules related to the flowering process, namely pink, green, and blue. Several hub genes associated with non-preserved modules such as PIA1, NAC90, ALY3, Sus3, MYB31, ARF5/MP, MYB31, HD-ZIP, SEP3d, OR_B, AGL6a, bZIP(TGA1) and GRAS were identified. These candidate genes can be considered key diagnostic biomarkers for the flowering process. Here, we also compared two approaches, WGCNA and NetRep for module preservation analysis. The results of these methods were consistent with non-preserved modules. NetRep was a faster (11 times) and more efficient (run more than 10000 permutations for each comparison) method than WGCNA module preservation. Differential expression genes (DEGs) screening showed that many hub genes were downregulated in non-flowering than flowering samples. Our finding revealed regulatory mechanisms of the flowering process in C. sativus as can be developed transcriptional biomarkers which could pave the way for promoting saffron yield via flowering induction.


Subject(s)
Crocus , Flowers , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant , Gene Regulatory Networks , Flowers/genetics , Crocus/genetics , Gene Expression Profiling/methods , Biomarkers/metabolism , Transcriptome/genetics , Plant Proteins/genetics , Plant Proteins/metabolism , Genes, Plant
2.
Nutrients ; 16(14)2024 Jul 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39064764

ABSTRACT

Crocus sativus L., commonly known as saffron, is a precious spice coming from Asia, in particular from Iran, the country leader in its production. The spice is derived exclusively from dried stigmas and it is the most expensive one in the world. The areas of application of saffron are multiple, in fact ranging across the food, drinks, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics sectors. As is the case with other phytochemicals, not only the final product but also saffron by-products are considered a valuable source of bioactive natural compounds. In fact, its healthy effects, especially as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories (via reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines), are well-recognized in internal medicine. In particular, its healthy effects are related to counteracting degenerative maculopathy, depression and anxiety, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome, cancer and chronic kidney disease, by promoting glucose metabolism. In this review, we summarize the most important papers in which saffron has turned out to be a valuable ally in the prevention and treatment of these pathologies. Moreover, we would like to promote the use of saffron by-products as part of a bio-circular economy system, aimed at reducing wastes, at maximizing the use of resources and at promoting environmental and economic sustainability.


Subject(s)
Antioxidants , Crocus , Crocus/chemistry , Humans , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Spices/analysis , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Neurodegenerative Diseases , Phytochemicals/pharmacology
3.
Nutrients ; 16(14)2024 Jul 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39064796

ABSTRACT

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory illness of the gastrointestinal tract (GI), characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation and tissue destruction. It affects an increasing number of individuals worldwide who suffer from Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Despite substantial advances in understanding the underlying causes of IBD, the available treatments remain restricted and are sometimes accompanied by severe consequences. Consequently, there is an urgent need to study alternate therapeutic options. This review assesses the present drugs, identifies their limitations, and proposes the use of saffron, a natural plant with great therapeutic potential based on preclinical and clinical investigations. Saffron has gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating various ailments due to its established bioactive compounds possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review covers how saffron impacts the levels of calprotectin, an inflammatory marker, for various inflammatory responses in multiple diseases including IBD. Data from clinical trials were assessed to determine the efficacy and safety of using saffron to counter inflammation in multiple diseases. Studies have shown that saffron may protect against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through several mechanisms by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6), reducing oxidative stress through antioxidant effects, enhancing mucosal barrier function by upregulating tight junction proteins, and modulating the gut microbiota composition to promote beneficial bacteria while suppressing pathogenic ones; these combined actions contribute to its therapeutic potential in managing and alleviating the symptoms of IBD. This will enable future research endeavors and expedite the translation of saffron-based interventions into clinical practice as a valuable adjunctive therapy or a potential alternative to conventional treatments, thereby enhancing the quality of life for individuals suffering from inflammatory diseases including IBD.


Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents , Crocus , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases , Crocus/chemistry , Humans , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/drug therapy , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Antioxidants/therapeutic use , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Animals , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Crohn Disease/drug therapy , Cytokines/metabolism , Phytotherapy
4.
Molecules ; 29(14)2024 Jul 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39064849

ABSTRACT

Saffron, the dried stigma of Crocus sativus L., is a renowned spice and medicinal herb. During its production, a significant amount of floral residues, rich in bioactive compounds, are discarded as agricultural by-products. This study presents a novel approach to the sustainable utilization of these stigmaless floral residues (FRC) by optimizing the extraction and purification of their flavonoids, analyzing their chemical composition, and evaluating their effect on glucose uptake. The extraction of flavonoids from FRC was optimized using single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for extraction were an ethanol concentration of 67.7%, a temperature of 67.6 °C, a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:30, an extraction time of 3 h, and two extractions. The crude extract obtained was then purified using macroporous resin HPD100, selected after comparing the adsorption and desorption characteristics of six different resins. The optimal purification parameters were an adsorption concentration of 40 mg/mL, a loading volume of 7 bed volumes (BV) at a flow rate of 3 BV/h, and 80% ethanol as the eluent with a volume of 4 BV. The resulting flavonoid-enriched extract (FFRC) had an experimental yield of 8.67% ± 0.01 and a flavonoid content of 128.30 ± 4.64 mg/g. The main flavonoids in FFRC were identified as kaempferol glycosides, isorhamnetin glycosides, and quercetin glycosides. Moreover, FFRC significantly stimulated glucose consumption and uptake in C2C12 myotubes, suggesting its potential utility as a natural hypoglycemic agent. This study contributes to the sustainable and value-added utilization of agricultural resources by providing data for the exploitation and application of flavonoids from saffron by-products.


Subject(s)
Crocus , Flavonoids , Flowers , Glucose , Plant Extracts , Crocus/chemistry , Flavonoids/isolation & purification , Flavonoids/chemistry , Flavonoids/pharmacology , Glucose/metabolism , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Flowers/chemistry , Mice , Animals , Cell Line
5.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 15839, 2024 07 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38982154

ABSTRACT

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is being embraced as the most important medicinal plant and the commercial source of saffron spice. Despite the beneficial economic and medicinal properties of saffron, the regulatory mechanism of the correlation of TFs and genes related to the biosynthesis of the apocarotenoids pathway is less obvious. Realizing these regulatory hierarchies of gene expression networks related to secondary metabolites production events is the main challenge owing to the complex and extensive interactions between the genetic behaviors. Recently, high throughput expression data have been highly feasible for constructing co-regulation networks to reveal the regulated processes and identifying novel candidate hub genes in response to complex processes of the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Herein, we performed Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), a systems biology method, to identify 11 regulated modules and hub TFs related to secondary metabolites. Three specialized modules were found in the apocarotenoids pathway. Several hub TFs were identified in notable modules, including MADS, C2H2, ERF, bZIP, HD-ZIP, and zinc finger protein MYB and HB, which were potentially associated with apocarotenoid biosynthesis. Furthermore, the expression levels of six hub TFs and six co-regulated genes of apocarotenoids were validated with RT-qPCR. The results confirmed that hub TFs specially MADS, C2H2, and ERF had a high correlation (P < 0.05) and a positive effect on genes under their control in apocarotenoid biosynthesis (CCD2, GLT2, and ADH) among different C. sativus ecotypes in which the metabolite contents were assayed. Promoter analysis of the co-expressed genes of the modules involved in apocarotenoids biosynthesis pathway suggested that not only are the genes co-expressed, but also share common regulatory motifs specially related to hub TFs of each module and that they may describe their common regulation. The result can be used to engineer valuable secondary metabolites of C. sativus by manipulating the hub regulatory TFs.


Subject(s)
Crocus , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant , Gene Regulatory Networks , Secondary Metabolism , Crocus/genetics , Crocus/metabolism , Secondary Metabolism/genetics , Plant Proteins/genetics , Plant Proteins/metabolism , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Gene Expression Profiling , Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics
6.
Nutrients ; 16(13)2024 Jun 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38999837

ABSTRACT

Introduction-Background: Data from experimental trials show that Crocus sativus L. (saffron) is considered to improve glycemia, lipid profile, and blood pressure and reduce oxidative stress. So far, clinical trials have been conducted in individuals with metabolic syndrome and Diabetes Mellitus type 2 (DMT-2). The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of saffron in individuals with Diabetes Mellitus type 1 (DMT-1). PATIENTS-METHODS: 61 individuals with DMT-1, mean age 48 years old (48.3 ± 14.6), 26 females (42.6%) were randomized to receive a new oral supplement in sachets containing probiotics, prebiotics, magnesium, and Crocus sativus L. extract or placebo containing probiotics, prebiotics and magnesium daily for 6 months. Glycemic control was assessed with a continuous glucose monitoring system and laboratory measurement of HbA1c and lipid profile was also examined. Blood pressure at baseline and end of intervention was also measured. Individuals were either on a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion with an insulin pump or in multiple daily injection regimens. Diabetes distress and satiety were assessed through a questionnaire and body composition was assessed with bioelectrical impedance. RESULTS: At the end of the intervention, the two groups differed significantly only in serum triglycerides (p = 0.049). After 6 months of treatment, a significant reduction in the active group was observed in glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.046) and serum triglycerides (p = 0.021) compared to baseline. The other primary endpoints (glycemic control, lipid profile, blood pressure) did not differ within the groups from baseline to end of intervention, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. Diabetes distress score improved significantly only in the active group (p = 0.044), suggesting an overall improvement in diabetes disease burden in these individuals but that was not significant enough between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: A probiotic supplement with saffron extract improves serum triglycerides in well-controlled people with DMT-1 and may potentially be a valuable adjunct for enhancing glycemic control.


Subject(s)
Crocus , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 , Dietary Supplements , Plant Extracts , Humans , Crocus/chemistry , Female , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/administration & dosage , Male , Middle Aged , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/drug therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/blood , Double-Blind Method , Adult , Blood Glucose/drug effects , Blood Glucose/metabolism , Glycated Hemoglobin/metabolism , Blood Pressure/drug effects , Glycemic Control/methods , Probiotics/administration & dosage , Lipids/blood
7.
Phytother Res ; 38(8): 4140-4150, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39031890

ABSTRACT

Experimental evidence indicates that the noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists ketamine and MK-801 induce schizophrenia-like symptoms in rodents, including cognitive deficits. Crocins are among the active components of the plant Crocus sativus L. and were found to be effective in different models of psychiatric disorders comprising schizophrenia. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the joint administration of sub-effective doses of crocins with those of the atypical antipsychotics clozapine and risperidone in alleviating nonspatial recognition and emotional memory deficits induced either by ketamine (3 mg/kg) or MK-801 (0.1 mg/kg) in the rat. To this end, the object recognition and the step-through passive avoidance tests were used. Co-administration of sub-effective doses of crocins (5 mg/kg) with those of clozapine (0.1 mg/kg) or risperidone (0.03 mg/kg) counteracted nonspatial recognition and emotional memory deficits induced by NMDA receptor antagonists. The current findings suggest that this combinatorial treatment was efficacious in attenuating cognitive impairments related to the blockade of the NMDA receptor. In addition, the present results support the potential of crocins as an adjunctive drug for the therapy of schizophrenia.


Subject(s)
Antipsychotic Agents , Carotenoids , Clozapine , Crocus , Dizocilpine Maleate , Memory Disorders , Rats, Wistar , Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate , Risperidone , Animals , Crocus/chemistry , Carotenoids/pharmacology , Antipsychotic Agents/pharmacology , Risperidone/pharmacology , Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/antagonists & inhibitors , Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism , Rats , Memory Disorders/chemically induced , Memory Disorders/drug therapy , Male , Clozapine/pharmacology , Dizocilpine Maleate/pharmacology , Ketamine/pharmacology , Schizophrenia/drug therapy , Plant Extracts/pharmacology
8.
Molecules ; 29(13)2024 Jun 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38999032

ABSTRACT

Most research on saffron has focused on its composition and beneficial effects, while the culinary perspective to enhance its gastronomic potential remains unexplored. This study aims to define the transfer of the main compounds responsible for color, flavor, and aromatic properties, evaluating three critical variables: temperature (60 °C, 80 °C and 100 °C), infusion time (ranging from 10 to 30 min), and the composition of the medium (water, oil, and water/oil). Samples were analyzed using the LC-QTOF MS/MS and ISO 3632-1:2011 methods. The major compounds were crocins, including trans-crocin and picrocrocin. Among the flavonoids, kaempferol 3-O-sophoroside stands out. Regarding extraction conditions, crocins, glycoside flavonoids, and picrocrocin were enhanced in water, the former in 100% water and at low temperatures, while picrocrocin proved to be the most stable compound with extraction favored at high temperatures. The variable with the greatest incidence of picrocrocin isolation seemed to be the concentration of water since water/oil compositions reported higher concentrations. Safranal and kaempferol were enriched in the oil phase and at lower temperatures. This study provides a chemical interpretation for the appropriate gastronomic use of saffron according to its versatility. Finally, the determination of safranal using the ISO method did not correlate with that obtained using chromatography.


Subject(s)
Carotenoids , Crocus , Plant Extracts , Temperature , Water , Crocus/chemistry , Water/chemistry , Carotenoids/analysis , Carotenoids/chemistry , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Glucosides/analysis , Glucosides/chemistry , Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods , Terpenes/analysis , Terpenes/chemistry , Flavonoids/analysis , Flavonoids/chemistry , Cyclohexenes/analysis , Phytochemicals/chemistry , Phytochemicals/analysis , Kaempferols/analysis , Kaempferols/chemistry , Chromatography, Liquid/methods
9.
Int J Biol Macromol ; 274(Pt 2): 133231, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38897495

ABSTRACT

Trypsin is a serine protease, an important digestive enzyme that digests the proteins in the small intestine. In the present study, we have investigated the interaction of safranal, a major saffron metabolite, with trypsin using spectroscopic and molecular docking analyses. Fluorescence emission spectra of trypsin were largely affected by the inner filter effect from safranal; that's why these were corrected using the standard procedure. The corrected fluorescence spectra have shown that the safranal quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of trypsin with a blue shift in the wavelength of emission maximum, which revealed that the microenvironment of the fluorophore became more hydrophobic. There was approximately 1: 1 fair binding between them, which increased with a rise in temperature. The interaction was favored, principally, by hydrophobic forces, and there was an efficient energy transfer from the fluorophore to the safranal. Synchronous fluorescence spectra suggested that the tryptophan residues were the major ones taking part in the fluorescence quenching of trypsin. Safranal also influenced the secondary structure of trypsin and caused partial unfolding. Molecular Docking and the Molecular Dynamics simulation of the free and complexed trypsin was also carried out. Safranal formed a stable, non-covalent complex within the S2'-S5' subsite. Moreover, two nearby tyrosine residues (Tyr39 and Tyr151) stabilized safranal through π-π interactions. Additionally, the presence of safranal led to changes in the protein flexibility and compactness, which could indicate changes in the surrounding of tryptophan residues, impacting their fluorescence. Furthermore, a loss in compactness is in line with the partial unfolding observed experimentally. Thus, both experimental and computational studies were in good agreement with each other.


Subject(s)
Crocus , Cyclohexenes , Molecular Docking Simulation , Molecular Dynamics Simulation , Terpenes , Trypsin , Trypsin/chemistry , Trypsin/metabolism , Crocus/chemistry , Cyclohexenes/chemistry , Cyclohexenes/metabolism , Terpenes/chemistry , Terpenes/metabolism , Protein Binding , Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions , Spectrometry, Fluorescence
10.
Food Chem ; 455: 139917, 2024 Oct 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38838622

ABSTRACT

Crocus sativus L. is a both medicinal and food bulbous flower whose qualities are geographically characterized. However, identification involving different places of origin of such substances is currently limited to single-omics mediated content analysis. Integrated metabolomics and proteomics, 840 saffron samples from six countries (Spain, Greece, Iran, China, Japan, and India) were analyzed using the QuEChERS extraction method. A total of 77 differential metabolites and 14 differential proteins were identified. The limits of detection of the method were 1.33 to 8.33 µg kg-1, and the recoveries were 85.56% to 105.18%. Using homology modeling and molecular docking, the Gln84, Lys195, Val182 and Pro184 sites of Crocetin glucosyltransferase 2 were found to be the targets of crocetin binding. By multivariate statistical analysis (PCA and PLS-DA), different saffron samples were clearly distinguished. The results provided the basis for the selection and identification of high quality saffron from different producing areas.


Subject(s)
Carotenoids , Crocus , Molecular Docking Simulation , Vitamin A , Crocus/chemistry , Crocus/metabolism , Carotenoids/metabolism , Carotenoids/chemistry , Vitamin A/analogs & derivatives , Vitamin A/metabolism , Glucosyltransferases/metabolism , Glucosyltransferases/chemistry , Biotransformation , Plant Proteins/metabolism , Plant Proteins/chemistry , Flowers/chemistry , Flowers/metabolism
11.
Food Chem ; 456: 140006, 2024 Oct 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38870814

ABSTRACT

Crocus sativus L. is a perennial crop for its valuable active compounds. Plant-associated microbes impact on the quality and efficacy of medicinal herbs by promoting bioactive components accumulation. However, how microbes influence the accumulation of bioactive components in saffron have not been well studied. Here, the microbiome in C. sativus derived from 3 core production areas were deciphered by 16S rDNA sequencing and the relationship between endophytes and bioactive ingredients were further investigated. The main results are as follows: (1) Both Comamonadaceae and Burkholderiaceae were positively correlated with the content of bioactive components in the stigmas. (2) The synthesis of crocin was positively correlated with Xanthomonadaceae, negatively correlated with Lachnospiraceae and Prevotellaceae. Therefore, further investigation is required to determine whether Xanthomonadaceae plays an unknown function in the synthesis of crocin. These findings provide guidelines for disentangling the function of endophytes in the production of bioactive ingredients and thus for microbe-mediated breeding.


Subject(s)
Bacteria , Carotenoids , Crocus , Endophytes , Microbiota , Crocus/chemistry , Crocus/microbiology , Crocus/metabolism , Bacteria/genetics , Bacteria/classification , Bacteria/metabolism , Bacteria/isolation & purification , Endophytes/metabolism , Endophytes/genetics , Endophytes/chemistry , Endophytes/isolation & purification , Carotenoids/metabolism , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/metabolism
12.
Food Chem ; 455: 139822, 2024 Oct 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38824730

ABSTRACT

So far, compliance with ISO 3632 standard specifications for top-quality saffron guarantees good agricultural and post-harvest production practices. Tracking early-stage oxidation remains challenging. Our study aims to address this issue by exploring the visible, fluorescence, and near-infrared spectra of category I saffron. Using a multi-spectral sensor, we tested fresh and artificially aged saffron in powder form. High autofluorescence intensities at 600-700 nm allowed calibration for the 'content of aged saffron'. Samples with minimum coloring strength (200-220 units) were classified as 70% aged, while those exceeding maximum aroma strength (50 units) as 100% aged. Consistent patterns across origin, age, and processing history indicated potential for objectively assessing early-oxidation markers. Further analyses uncovered multiple contributing fluorophores, including cis-apocarotenoids, correlated with FTIR-based aging markers. Our findings underscore that sensing autofluorescence of traded saffron presents an innovative quality diagnostic approach, paving new research pathways for assessing the remaining shelf-life along its supply chain.


Subject(s)
Crocus , Crocus/chemistry , Crocus/metabolism , Fluorescence , Oxidation-Reduction , Food Storage , Spectrometry, Fluorescence , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
13.
Eur J Sport Sci ; 24(7): 899-906, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38874882

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise (AT) and saffron supplementation on hemostasis, inflammatory markers, and insulin resistance in obese women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D). A total of 44 women with T2D (mean age: 54.12 ± 5.63 years, mean BMI: 31.15 ± 1.50 kg/m2, HbA1c: 85 ± 4.2 mmol/mol) were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. We were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 11 per group): saffron + training (ST), placebo + training (PT), saffron supplement (SS), and placebo (P). The ST and PT groups completed 12 weeks of AT (three sessions per week of mild to moderate intensity). The ST and SS groups were administered a daily dose of 200 mg of saffron powder for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected 48 h before the first AT session and/or nutritional supplementation and 48 h after the last AT session and/or nutritional supplementation. Post-evaluation, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance value (HOMA-IR, p < 0.001) and serum levels of glucose (p < 0.001), fibrinogen (FIB, p < 0.001), homocysteine (HCY, p < 0.001), interleukin-6 (IL-6, p < 0.001), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα, p < 0.001) showed significant reduction in the ST, PT, and SS groups compared to the P group (p < 0.05). In particular, the ST group showed a more significant reduction in all variables compared to the PT and SS groups (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that a 12-week intervention with AT and saffron supplementation can independently improve markers related to hemostasis, inflammation, and insulin resistance. However, their combination showed the greatest effectiveness on the above markers.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers , Crocus , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Dietary Supplements , Exercise , Insulin Resistance , Humans , Female , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood , Double-Blind Method , Middle Aged , Biomarkers/blood , Exercise/physiology , Inflammation/blood , Interleukin-6/blood , Obesity/therapy , Obesity/blood , Blood Glucose/analysis , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood , Hemostasis
14.
Molecules ; 29(11)2024 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38893476

ABSTRACT

Saffron (Crocus sativus) floral by-products are a source of phenolic compounds that can be recovered and used in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic industries. This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic compounds' extraction using green extraction techniques (GETs) in saffron floral by-products and to explore the influence of selected extraction techniques on the phytochemical composition of the extracts. Specifically, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), subcritical water extraction (SWE), and deep eutectic solvents extraction (DESE) were used. Phenolic compounds were identified with (HR) LC-ESI-QTOF MS/MS analysis, and the quantitative analysis was performed with HPLC-PDA. Concerning the extraction techniques, UAE showed the highest amount for both anthocyanins and flavonoids with 50:50% v/v ethanol/water as solvent (93.43 ± 4.67 mg/g of dry plant, dp). Among SWE, extraction with 96% ethanol and t = 125 °C gave the best quantitative results. The 16 different solvent mixtures used for the DESE showed the highest amount of flavonoids (110.95 ± 5.55-73.25 ± 3.66 mg/g dp), while anthocyanins were better extracted with choline chloride:butane-1,4-diol (16.0 ± 0.80 mg/g dp). Consequently, GETs can be employed to extract the bioactive compounds from saffron floral by-products, implementing recycling and reduction of waste and fitting into the broader circular economy discussion.


Subject(s)
Crocus , Flowers , Phenols , Plant Extracts , Water , Crocus/chemistry , Phenols/chemistry , Phenols/isolation & purification , Phenols/analysis , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Water/chemistry , Flowers/chemistry , Deep Eutectic Solvents/chemistry , Solvents/chemistry , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods , Flavonoids/isolation & purification , Flavonoids/chemistry , Flavonoids/analysis , Anthocyanins/isolation & purification , Anthocyanins/chemistry , Anthocyanins/analysis , Tandem Mass Spectrometry , Ultrasonic Waves
15.
J Pharm Biomed Anal ; 247: 116244, 2024 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38810330

ABSTRACT

Depression currently ranks as the fourth leading cause of disability globally, affecting approximately 20% of the world's population. we established a chronic restraint stress (CRS) induced depression model in mice and employed fluoxetine as a reference drug. We assessed the therapeutic potential of saffron essential oil (SEO) and elucidated its underlying mechanisms through behavioral indices and NMR-based metabolomic analysis. The findings indicate that SEO ameliorates behavioral symptoms of depression, such as the number of entries into the central area, fecal count, latency to immobility, and duration of immobility in both the Tail Suspension Test (TST) and the Forced Swim Test (FST), along with correcting the dysregulation of 5-serotonin. Metabolomic investigations identified sixteen potential biomarkers across the liver, spleen, and kidneys. SEO notably modulated nine of these biomarkers: dimethylglycine, glycerol, adenosine, ß-glucose, α-glucose, uridine, mannose, sarcosine, and aspartate, with glycerol emerging as a common biomarker in both the liver and spleen. Pathway analysis suggests that these biomarkers participate in glycolysis, glycine serine threonine metabolism, and energy metabolism, potentially implicating a role in neural regulation. In summary, SEO effectively mitigates depressive-like behaviors in CRS mice, predominantly via modulation of glycolysis, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism, and potentially exerts antidepressant effects through neural regulation. Our study offers insights into small molecule metabolite alterations in CRS mice through a metabolomics lens, providing evidence for the antidepressant potential of plant essential oils and contributing to our understanding of the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in treating depression.


Subject(s)
Antidepressive Agents , Biomarkers , Crocus , Depression , Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy , Metabolomics , Oils, Volatile , Animals , Oils, Volatile/pharmacology , Metabolomics/methods , Depression/drug therapy , Depression/metabolism , Mice , Crocus/chemistry , Male , Antidepressive Agents/pharmacology , Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use , Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy/methods , Biomarkers/metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Behavior, Animal/drug effects , Liver/drug effects , Liver/metabolism , Stress, Psychological/drug therapy , Stress, Psychological/metabolism , Spleen/drug effects , Spleen/metabolism
16.
J Sci Food Agric ; 104(12): 7580-7591, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38775283

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Quality properties of 14 saffron samples from Iran, Spain, and Türkiye were compared. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between anthocyanins, volatile compounds, fatty acids, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of saffron samples (P < 0.05). Besides, significant differences in color parameters were observed. Moreover, a total of 13 volatile compounds were identified in the saffron samples using. headspace-solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, safranal and α-isophorone being the two predominant aroma compounds. Regarding fatty acids, significant differences were seen in the fatty acid profiles of saffron samples (P < 0.05), while linoleic acid was the most concentrated fatty acid. In terms of sensory properties, different concentrations of safranal, α-isophorone and 4-ketoisophorone may lead to significant differences in the odor and taste attributes of saffron samples (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Changes in corm origin along with climate and agricultural conditions may affect the quality characteristics of saffron cultivated in different geographical areas to a significant degree. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.


Subject(s)
Crocus , Dietary Supplements , Odorants , Taste , Volatile Organic Compounds , Crocus/chemistry , Iran , Humans , Spain , Odorants/analysis , Volatile Organic Compounds/chemistry , Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis , Dietary Supplements/analysis , Turkey , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Antioxidants/analysis , Fatty Acids/analysis , Fatty Acids/chemistry , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Phenols/analysis , Anthocyanins/analysis
17.
Virus Res ; 345: 199389, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38714217

ABSTRACT

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), a historically significant crop valued for its nutraceutical properties, has been poorly explored from a phytosanitary perspective. This study conducted a thorough examination of viruses affecting saffron samples from Spanish cultivars, using high-throughput sequencing alongside a systematic survey of transcriptomic datasets from Crocus sativus at the Sequence Read Archive. Our analysis unveiled a broad diversity and abundance, identifying 17 viruses across the 52 analyzed libraries, some of which were highly prevalent. This includes known saffron-infecting viruses and previously unreported ones. In addition, we discovered 7 novel viruses from the Alphaflexiviridae, Betaflexiviridae, Potyviridae, Solemoviridae, and Geminiviridae families, with some present in libraries from various locations. These findings indicate that the saffron-associated virome is more complex than previously reported, emphasizing the potential of phytosanitary analysis to enhance saffron productivity.


Subject(s)
Crocus , Plant Diseases , Crocus/genetics , Plant Diseases/virology , Plant Viruses/genetics , Plant Viruses/classification , Plant Viruses/isolation & purification , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Virome/genetics , Gene Expression Profiling , Transcriptome , Phylogeny , Genome, Viral , Potyviridae/genetics , Potyviridae/isolation & purification , Flexiviridae/genetics , Flexiviridae/classification , Flexiviridae/isolation & purification
18.
BMC Plant Biol ; 24(1): 369, 2024 May 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38711012

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The increasing demand for saffron metabolites in various commercial industries, including medicine, food, cosmetics, and dyeing, is driven by the discovery of their diverse applications. Saffron, derived from Crocus sativus stigmas, is the most expensive spice, and there is a need to explore additional sources to meet global consumption demands. In this study, we focused on yellow-flowering crocuses and examined their tepals to identify saffron-like compounds. RESULTS: Through metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches, our investigation provides valuable insights into the biosynthesis of compounds in yellow-tepal crocuses that are similar to those found in saffron. The results of our study support the potential use of yellow-tepal crocuses as a source of various crocins (crocetin glycosylated derivatives) and flavonoids. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that yellow-tepal crocuses have the potential to serve as a viable excessive source of some saffron metabolites. The identification of crocins and flavonoids in these crocuses highlights their suitability for meeting the demands of various industries that utilize saffron compounds. Further exploration and utilization of yellow-tepal crocuses could contribute to addressing the growing global demand for saffron-related products.


Subject(s)
Carotenoids , Crocus , Flowers , Metabolomics , Crocus/genetics , Crocus/metabolism , Carotenoids/metabolism , Flowers/genetics , Flowers/metabolism , Flavonoids/metabolism , Gene Expression Profiling , Transcriptome , Metabolome
19.
Mol Biol Rep ; 51(1): 605, 2024 May 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38700570

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cultivation of Crocus sativus (saffron) faces challenges due to inconsistent flowering patterns and variations in yield. Flowering takes place in a graded way with smaller corms unable to produce flowers. Enhancing the productivity requires a comprehensive understanding of the underlying genetic mechanisms that govern this size-based flowering initiation and commitment. Therefore, samples enriched with non-flowering and flowering apical buds from small (< 6 g) and large (> 14 g) corms were sequenced. METHODS AND RESULTS: Apical bud enriched samples from small and large corms were collected immediately after dormancy break in July. RNA sequencing was performed using Illumina Novaseq 6000 to access the gene expression profiles associated with size dependent flowering. De novo transcriptome assembly and analysis using flowering committed buds from large corms at post-dormancy and their comparison with vegetative shoot primordia from small corms pointed out the major role of starch and sucrose metabolism, Auxin and ABA hormonal regulation. Many genes with known dual responses in flowering development and circadian rhythm like Flowering locus T and Cryptochrome 1 along with a transcript showing homology with small auxin upregulated RNA (SAUR) exhibited induced expression in flowering buds. Thorough prediction of Crocus sativus non-coding RNA repertoire has been carried out for the first time. Enolase was found to be acting as a major hub with protein-protein interaction analysis using Arabidopsis counterparts. CONCLUSION: Transcripts belong to key pathways including phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, hormone signaling and carbon metabolism were found significantly modulated. KEGG assessment and protein-protein interaction analysis confirm the expression data. Findings unravel the genetic determinants driving the size dependent flowering in Crocus sativus.


Subject(s)
Crocus , Flowers , Gene Expression Profiling , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant , Indoleacetic Acids , Meristem , Signal Transduction , Flowers/genetics , Flowers/growth & development , Flowers/metabolism , Crocus/genetics , Crocus/growth & development , Crocus/metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/genetics , Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism , Gene Expression Profiling/methods , Meristem/genetics , Meristem/growth & development , Meristem/metabolism , Signal Transduction/genetics , Plant Proteins/genetics , Plant Proteins/metabolism , Transcriptome/genetics , Sugars/metabolism , Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism
20.
PLoS One ; 19(5): e0303264, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38758743

ABSTRACT

Saffron, the "golden spice" derived from Crocus sativus L., is renowned for its richness in secondary metabolites such as crocin and safranal, contributing to its unique properties. Facing challenges like decreasing global production, optimizing cultivation techniques becomes imperative for enhanced yields. Although the impact of factors like planting density, planting depth, spacing, and corm size on saffron growth has been studied, the interaction between corm size and planting depth remains underexplored. This study systematically investigates the interactive effects of corm size and planting depth on saffron growth and yield, providing evidence-based guidelines for optimizing cultivation. A factorial experiment, employing a completely randomized design, was conducted to assess the influence of corm size (05-10g, 10.1-15g, 15.1-20g) and planting depth (10cm, 15cm, 20cm) on saffron yield. Uniform-sized corms were obtained, and a suitable soil mixture was prepared for cultivation. Morphological and agronomic parameters were measured, and statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. The study revealed that planting depth significantly affected saffron emergence. The corms sown under 15cm depth showed 100% emergence regardless of corm size (either 05-10g, 10.1-15g, 15.1-20g) followed by 10cm depth corms. Corm dry weight exhibited a complex interaction, where larger corms benefited from deeper planting, while intermediate-sized corms thrived at shallower depths. Similar patterns were observed in shoot fresh weight and dry weight. Specifically, the largest corm size (t3, 15.1-20g) produced the greatest fresh-weight biomass at the deepest planting depth of 20cm (T3), while intermediate-sized corms (t2, 10.1-15g) were superior at the shallowest 10cm depth (T1). The total plant biomass demonstrated that larger corms excelled in deeper planting, while intermediate-sized corms were optimal at moderate depths. This research highlights the intricate interplay between corm size and planting depth in influencing saffron growth. Larger corms generally promote higher biomass, but the interaction with planting depth is crucial. Understanding these dynamics can aid farmers in tailoring cultivation practices for optimal saffron yields. The study emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach to corm selection and depth placement, providing valuable insights for sustainable saffron production and economic growth.


Subject(s)
Crocus , Crocus/growth & development , Crocus/metabolism , Agriculture/methods , Soil/chemistry , Biomass , Carotenoids/metabolism
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