Stigmas and Petals of Crocus sativus L. (Taliouine, Morocco): Comparative Evaluation of Their Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities.

The dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. produce saffron, a precious spice used for its culinary and medicinal properties since ancient times, while its petals are considered the main by-product of saffron production. The present study aimed to comparatively evaluate the phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity of methanolic extracts of stigmas and petals of Crocus sativus L. from Taliouine. The polyphenol content was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, the antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH free radical scavenging method, and the well-diffusion method was used to assess antibacterial activity against seven pathogenic bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus). Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was determined using the microdilution broth test. Our findings revealed that stigmas and petals contained phenolic compounds at the rate of 56.11 ± 4.70 and 64.73 ± 3.42 mg GAE/g, as well as DPPH radical scavenging capacity with IC50 of 1700 µg/ml and 430 µg/ml, respectively. Petal extract showed more effective antibacterial activity, with inhibition diameters ranging from 10.66 ± 0.57 to 22.00 ± 1.00 mm and MIC values ranging from 2.81 to 5.62 mg/ml, compared to the stigma extract, which displayed inhibition diameters from 10.00 ± 0.00 to 18.67 ± 0.76 mm and MIC from 2.81 to 11.25 mg/ml, against five of the seven bacterial strains tested, including S. aureus, E. coli, P. vulgaris, P. aeruginosa, and S. enterica. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the significance of these results. Thus, stigmas and petals of Crocus sativus L. might serve as a suitable source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents for application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Exploring the viral landscape of saffron through metatranscriptomic analysis.

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.

Transcriptome analysis of apical meristem enriched bud samples for size dependent flowering commitment in Crocus sativus reveal role of sugar and auxin signalling.

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.

Revealing the dynamics of saffron growth: Optimizing corm size and planting depth for increased yield synergies.

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.

Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of yellow-flowered crocuses to infer alternative sources of saffron metabolites.

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.

Crocin (bioactive compound of Crocus sativus L.) potently restores REM sleep deprivation-induced manic- and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors in female rats.

Rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation (SD) can induce manic-like behaviors including hyperlocomotion. On the other hand, crocin (one of the main compounds of Crocus sativus L. or Saffron) may be beneficial in the improvement of mental and cognitive dysfunctions. Also, crocin can restore the deleterious effects of SD on mental and cognitive processes. In this study, we investigated the effect of REM SD on female rats' behaviors including depression- and anxiety-like behaviors, locomotion, pain perception, and obsessive-compulsive-like behavior, and also, the potential effect of crocin on REM SD effects. We used female rats because evidence on the role of REM SD in modulating psychological and behavioral functions of female (but not male) rats is limited. REM SD was induced for 14 days (6h/day), and crocin (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. Open field test, forced swim test, hot plate test, and marble burying test were used to assess rats' behaviors. The results showed REM SD-induced manic-like behavior (hyperlocomotion). Also, REM SD rats showed decreased anxiety- and depression-like behavior, pain subthreshold (the duration it takes for the rat to feel pain), and showed obsessive compulsive-like behavior. However, crocin at all doses partially or fully reversed REM SD-induced behavioral changes. In conclusion, our results suggested the possible comorbidity of OCD and REM SD-induced manic-like behavior in female rats or the potential role of REM SD in the etiology of OCD, although more studies are needed. In contrast, crocin can be a possible therapeutic choice for decreasing manic-like behaviors.

Therapeutic effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L) on female reproductive system disorders: A systematic review.

The effect of Crocus sativus on several disorders has been discussed or even confirmed, but the efficacy of this herb on the female reproductive system has not been well presented. In this regard, this systematic review comprehensively discussed the efficacy of C. sativus and its main phytochemical compounds on the female reproductive system and its disorders for the first time. In this systematic review, scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Scientific Information Database, were explored profoundly. In vivo, in vitro, and human studies published until the end of July 2023, which had investigated the pharmacological properties of C. sativus, crocin, crocetin, safranal, or picrocrocin on the female reproductive system, were selected. A total of 50 studies conducted on the effect of C. sativus on the female reproductive system were acquired. These studies confirmed the efficacy of C. sativus or its main phytochemical ingredients in several aspects of the female reproductive system, including regulation of sex hormones, folliculogenesis, ovulation, and protection of the ovary and uterus against several oxidative stress. Several retrieved studies indicated that this herb also can alleviate the symptoms of patients suffering from dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, menopause, polycystic ovary disease (PCOD), and sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, it is a promising candidate for future studies or even trials regarding ovarian and cervical cancers. This review concluded that C. sativus can improve the symptoms of several female reproductive system disorders, which is particularly due to the presence of phytochemical ingredients, such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal.

Simple and rapid determination of tartrazine in fake saffron using the metal organic framework (Fe SA MOF@CNF) by HPLC/PDA.

The present study of a novel metal-organic framework containing Fe single atoms doped on electrospun carbon nanofibers (Fe SA-MOF@CNF) based on dispersive micro solid phase extraction (D-µ-SPE) using HPLC-PDA for detection tartrazine in fake saffron samples was designed. The Fe SA-MOF@CNF sorbent was extensively characterized through various techniques including N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The specific area of surface of the sorbent was 577.384 m2/g. The study variables were optimized via the central composite design (CCD), which included a sorbent mass of 15 mg, a contact time of 6 min, a pH of 7.56, and a tartrazine concentration of 300 ng/ml. Under the optimum condition, the calibration curve of this method was linear in the range of 5-1000 ng/mL, with a correlation coefficient of 0.992. The LOD and LOQ values were ranged 0.38-0.74 and 1.34-2.42 ng/ml, respectively. This approach revealed significant improvements, including high extraction recovery (98.64), recovery rates (98.43-102.72%), and accuracy (RSDs < 0.75 to 3.6%). the enrichment factors were obtained in the range of 80.6-86.4 with preconcentration factor of 22.3. Consequently, the D-µ-SPE method based on synthesized Fe SA-MOF@CNF could be recommended as a sustainable sorbent for detecting tartrazine in saffron samples.

Transcriptional dynamics in source-sink tissues identifies molecular factors regulating the corm development process in saffron (Crocus sativus L.).

AIMS: Geophytic plants have evolved to develop underground storage organs (USO) in the active growing season to withstand harsh environments as well as to coordinate growth and reproduction when conditions are favourable. Saffron is an autumn flowering geophyte and an expensive spice crop restricted to certain geographical locations in the world. Saffron, being sterile, does not produce seeds and thus propagates only through corms, the quality of which determines its yield. Corm development in saffron is unexplored and the underlying molecular mechanism is still elusive. In this study, we performed an extensive characterisation of the transcriptional dynamics in the source (leaf) and sink (corm) tissues during corm development in saffron. KEY RESULTS: Via morphological and transcriptome studies, we identified molecular factors regulating corm development process in saffron, which defined corm development into three stages: the initiation stage demonstrates enhanced vegetative growth aboveground and swelling of shoot base belowground due to active cell division & carbohydrate storage; the bulking stage comprises of increased source and sink strength, active photosynthesis, circadian gating and starch accumulation; the maturation stage represents reduced source and sink strength, lowered photosynthesis, sugar transport, starch synthesis and cell cycle arrest. UTILITY: The global view of transcriptional changes in source and sink identifies similar and new molecular factors involved in the saffron corm development process compared to USO formation in other geophytes and provides a valuable resource for dissecting the molecular network underlying the corm development. We propose a hypothetical model based on data analysis, of how molecular factors via environmental cues can regulate the corm development process in saffron.

Preventive effects of crocin, a natural compound from saffron, against nicotine­induced oxidative stress and neurobehavioral disturbances.

Nicotine is a psychostimulant that induces neurochemical and behavioral changes upon chronic administration, leading to neurodegenerative conditions associated with smoking. As of now, no preventive or therapeutic strategies are known to counteract nicotine­induced neurodegeneration. In this study, we explore the neuroprotective effects of crocin, a bioactive agent commonly found in saffron - a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus - using a rat model. The dose­dependent effects of crocin were evaluated in nicotine­induced neurodegeneration and compared with a control group. Neurobehavioral changes, assessed through the elevated plus maze, the open field test, the forced swim test, and the Morris water maze, as well as oxidative stress in the hippocampus, were evaluated. Interestingly, nicotine administration resulted in depression, anxiety, and abnormal motor and cognitive functions, while crocin treatment protected the rat brain from these abnormalities. The beneficial effects of crocin were associated with reduced oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde, along with increases in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities. These results demonstrate that crocin can mitigate nicotine­induced neurodegeneration by reducing oxidative stress, potentially offering a protective measure against neurodegenerative effects in smokers.

Analysis of green word-of-mouth advertising behavior of organic food consumers.

The word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing process is one of the main means by which consumers obtain information. As a communication channel between consumers in economically developing countries, WOM may contribute to the development of the organic food market. The primary objective of this study is to segment organic saffron consumers in Mashhad, Iran, and determine how they engage in WOM marketing. Data were collected through questionnaires from 13 districts of Mashhad using a stratified sampling method. In this study, 400 organic saffron consumers were grouped using a self-organizing map (SOM) neural network based on consumer neobehavioristic theory, and then, using decision trees, consumer behavior rules were extracted for participating in the WOM for each group. According to the results, less than fifty percent of consumers in each of the four market segments are willing to participate in WOM advertising for organic saffron. A lack of awareness of the characteristics of organic saffron is also found to be the main reason for consumers' reluctance to recommend organic saffron to others. Mass-media advertising is an effective way to raise consumer awareness and influence opinion leaders, ultimately resulting in WOM recommendations.

Saffron therapy for the ongoing treatment of age-related macular degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of oral saffron, a natural antioxidant, in treating mild/moderate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Open-label, extension trial of 93 adults (>50 years) with mild/moderate AMD and vision >20/70 Snellen equivalent in at least 1 eye. Exclusion criteria included confounding visual lesions or significant gastrointestinal disease impairing absorption.Participants were given oral saffron supplementation (20 mg/day) for 12 months. Those already consuming Age-Related Eye Diseases Study (AREDS) supplements or equivalent maintained these.Primary outcomes included changes in multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) response density and latency, and changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Secondary outcomes included safety outcomes, changes in mfERG and BCVA among participants on AREDS supplements and changes in microperimetry. RESULTS: At 12 months, mean mfERG response density was significantly higher in rings 1, 2 and overall (p<0.001 for all) but not in rings 3-6, and there was no difference in response between those taking AREDS supplements and those not (p>0.05). Mean mfERG latency was not significantly different in any of rings 1-6 or overall (p>0.05 for all), again with no difference between those taking AREDS supplements or not (p>0.05). Mean BCVA was 1.6 letters worse (p<0.05) with no difference between those on AREDS supplements or not, and this may have been related to cataract progression. No saffron-related serious adverse events were detected. CONCLUSION: Saffron supplementation modestly improved mfERG responses in participants with AMD, including those using AREDS supplements. Given the chronic nature of AMD, longer-term supplementation may produce greater benefits.

Therapeutic potential of saffron in brain disorders: From bench to bedside.

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus L., which has been used for centuries as a coloring and flavoring agent, as well as a source of medicinal compounds. Saffron contains various bioactive constituents, such as crocin, crocetin, safranal, picrocrocin, and kaempferol, that have shown potential benefits for human health. Among them, crocin is the most abundant and characteristic constituent of saffron, responsible for its bright red color and antioxidant properties. One of the most promising applications of saffron and its constituents is in the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other brain disorders. Saffron and its constituents have been reported to exert neuroprotective effects through various mechanisms, such as modulating neurotransmitters, enhancing neurogenesis, reducing neuroinflammation, regulating oxidative stress, activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, and modulating epigenetic factors. Several clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of saffron and its constituents in improving cognitive function, mood, and other neurological outcomes. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the therapeutic potential of saffron and its constituents in neurological disorders, from bench to bedside. We also discuss the challenges and future directions for the development of saffron-based therapies for brain health.

Effect of Aromatic Herbs and Spices Present in the Mediterranean Diet on the Glycemic Profile in Type 2 Diabetes Subjects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is the dietary pattern par excellence for managing and preventing metabolic diseases, such as Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). The MedDiet incorporates spices and aromatic herbs, which are abundant sources of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of all aromatic herbs and spices included in the MedDiet, such as black cumin, clove, parsley, saffron, thyme, ginger, black pepper, rosemary, turmeric, basil, oregano, and cinnamon, on the glycemic profile in T2DM subjects. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for interventional studies investigating the effect of these aromatic herbs and spices on the glycemic profile in T2DM subjects. RESULTS: This systematic review retrieved 6958 studies, of which 77 were included in the qualitative synthesis and 45 were included in the meta-analysis. Our results showed that cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, black cumin, and saffron significantly improved the fasting glucose levels in T2DM subjects. The most significant decreases in fasting glucose were achieved after supplementation with black cumin, followed by cinnamon and ginger, which achieved a decrease of between 27 and 17 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: Only ginger and black cumin reported a significant improvement in glycated hemoglobin, and only cinnamon and ginger showed a significant decrease in insulin.

Smart nano-inks based on natural food colorant for screen-printing of dynamic shelf life of shrimp.

Intelligent packaging embedded with food freshness indicators can monitor food quality and be deployed for food safety and cutting food waste. The innovative nano-inks for dynamic shelf-life printing based on natural food colorant with application in real-time monitoring of shrimp freshness were prepared. Co-assembly of saffron petal anthocyanin (SPA) with hydrophobic curcumin (Cur) into chitin nano-scaffold (particle sizes around 26 ± 8 nm) could deliver hindering SPA leaching, confirmed by FT-IR, FE-SEM, AFM, and color stability test. The best response to pH-sensitivity was found in a ratio of (1:4) Cur/SPA (30% (v/w) in ChNFs that was correlated with the chemical and microbial changes of shrimp during shrimp freshness. However, smart screen-printed inks signified higher responsiveness to pH changes than FFI films. Therefore, smart-printed indicators introduced the excellent potential for a short response time, easy, cost-effective, eco-friendly, co-assembly, great color stabilities, and lifetime for nondestructively freshness monitoring foods and supplements.

Functional analysis and comparative genomics of Rahnella perminowiae S11P1 and Variovorax sp. S12S4, two plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria isolated from Crocus sativus L. (saffron) rhizosphere.

BACKGROUND: Rahnella perminowiae S11P1 and Variovorax sp. S12S4 are two plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria that were previously isolated from the rhizosphere of Crocus sativus L. (saffron), and have demonstrated interesting PGP activities and promising results when used as inoculants in field trials. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying their beneficial effects on plant growth, comprehensive genome mining of S11P1 and S12S4 and comparative genomic analysis with closely related strains were conducted. RESULTS: Functional annotation of the two strains predicted a large number of genes involved in auxin and siderophore production, nitrogen fixation, sulfur metabolism, organic acid biosynthesis, pyrroloquinoline quinone production, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity, volatile organic compounds production, and polyamine biosynthesis. In addition, numerous genes implicated in plant-bacteria interactions, such as those involved in chemotaxis and quorum sensing, were predicted. Moreover, the two strains carried genes involved in bacterial fitness under abiotic stress conditions. Comparative genomic analysis revealed an open pan-genomic structure for the two strains. COG annotation showed that higher fractions of core and accessory genes were involved in the metabolism and transport of carbohydrates and amino acids, suggesting the metabolic versatility of the two strains as effective rhizosphere colonizers. Furthermore, this study reports the first comparison of Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) and core-based phylogenies of the Rahnella and Variovorax genera. CONCLUSIONS: The present study unveils the molecular mechanisms underlying plant growth promotion and biocontrol activity of S11P1 and S12S4, and provides a basis for their further biotechnological application in agriculture.

Enhancing the purification of crocin-I from saffron through the combination of multicolumn countercurrent chromatography and green solvents.

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.

New horizons for the study of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its active ingredients in the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders: A systematic review of clinical evidence and mechanisms.

Saffron (Crocus sativus), as an herbal medicine, has been extensively investigated for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. This systematic review aimed to assess the overall effects of saffron on cognition, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by searching PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials databases up to June 2023 according to search terms and inclusion criteria. The participants were either healthy or suffering from some diseases, including neurological and psychiatric disorders, and consumed saffron or its extracts as an intervention. The risk of bias was assessed according to the Cochrane guidelines, and the PRISMA statement was followed. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan and STATA software. A random-effects or fixed-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect sizes. Forty-six RCTs were enrolled, and the duration of these trials ranged from 4 to 48 weeks with saffron or its extracts, both alone or in combination with conventional drugs. Saffron was more effective than placebo in improving cognition, depression with an overall effect size of -4.26 (95% CI: -5.76, -2.77), anxiety of -3.75 (95% CI: -5.83, -1.67), and sleep disorders of -1.91 (95% CI: -2.88, -0.93). Saffron was non-inferior to conventional drugs for treating cognitive disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, and it exhibited good tolerance with few side effects. Saffron may exert protective roles for neurological and psychiatric disorders and represents a relatively favorable and safe treatment.

NMR Study of Water-Soluble Carotenoid Crocin: Formation of Mixed Micelles, Interaction with Lipid Membrane and Antioxidant Activity.

Crocin is a unique water-soluble carotenoid found in crocus and gardenia flowers. Crocin has been shown to have a variety of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-cancer, memory improvement, antidepressant, anti-ischemia, blood pressure lowering and aphrodisiac, gene protection and detoxification activities. Due to their amphiphilicity, crocin molecules form concentration-dependent self-associates (micelles) in a water solution. In the present study, using various NMR techniques (T2 relaxation and selective gradient NOESY), we have demonstrated that crocin forms mixed micelles with water-soluble drug delivery system glycyrrhizin and linoleic acid molecules. Note, that the spin-spin T2 relaxation time and NOESY spectroscopy are very sensitive to intermolecular interactions and molecular diffusion mobility. The second purpose of this work was the elucidation of the interaction of crocin with a model lipid membrane using NMR techniques and a molecular dynamics simulation and its effects on lipid oxidation. It was shown that the crocin molecule is located near the surface of the lipid bilayer and effectively protects lipids from oxidation by peroxyl radicals. The role of glycyrrhizin and vitamin C in metal-induced lipid oxidation was also elucidated. The results of this study may be useful for expanding the field of application of crocin in medicine and in the food industry.

The effect of saffron and its extracts on the treatment of breast cancer: A narrative review.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent malignancy in women and the second most common disease worldwide, affecting approximately one million individuals annually. Despite the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy, medication resistance and adverse effects limit its effectiveness, leading researchers to explore alternative treatments, including herbal remedies. Saffron, a well-known spice derived from the Crocus sativus L. plant, has shown potential as a BC treatment. The active components of saffron exhibit anti-cancer properties by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell division, and modulating signaling pathways implicated in cancer development, such as PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, and MAPK. Clinical findings suggest that saffron can alleviate chemotherapy-induced symptoms, reduce serum tumor marker levels, and enhance quality of life. Preliminary clinical trials are investigating the safety and efficacy of saffron in treating BC, with recent evidence indicating that recommended doses of saffron supplementation are well-tolerated and safe. This review provides an overview of the anti-tumor effects of saffron and its unique chemical composition in BC. However, further research and clinical studies are imperative to fully comprehend the potential of saffron in adjuvant therapy for BC patients.