Saffron(Crocus sativus L.) stigmas as a potential natural additive to improve oxidative stability attributes of sunflower(Helianthus annuus L.) oil stored under different conditions

The aim of our study was to explore the antioxidant potential of Moroccan saffron stigmas(SS) and examine their performance as a natural antioxidant in enhancing the stability and quality properties of edible sunflower oil(SO), with a focus on understanding the critical importance of edible oil stability for predicting quality deterioration during storage. Bearing this in mind, our research was designed to compare the efficacy of three concentrations of dried SS(at 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.6%) against tocobiol(a synthetic antioxidant) as a positive control(at 0.3% concentration). This comparison was conducted under three distinct storage conditions namely accelerated ageing(60 ℃), exposure to light at ambient temperature, and darkness, to evaluate their impact on preventing severe oxidation and extending oil shelf-life. Oxidation state evolution was evaluated through peroxide value(PV), free fatty acid(FFA), anisidine value(p-AV), K_(270)value(conjugated trienes), total oxidation index(TOTOX), iodine value(IV), and fatty acid composition(FA). Our results revealed notable differences in stability tracking parameters. Specifically, these parameters were higher in samples stored under accelerated conditions, followed by the samples stored in ambient light, while those stored in darkness showed the highest stability among the three storage conditions. Supplementation of sunflower oil with SS and tocobiol significantly enhanced its oxidation stability. Notably, SS exhibited exceptional effectiveness in stabilizing sunflower oil regardless of SS dose, with the highest efficacy observed at 0.6%. This was evidenced by the slower rate of oxidation parameters under various storage conditions, highlighting a superior antioxidant activity compared to both the non-enriched oil and tocobiol-enriched oil. Furthermore, saffron stigmas, used as a natural supplement,contributed to the preservation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, indicating its potential as a robust source of natural antioxidants in sunflower oil. These attributes position SS as a promising alternative to synthetic antioxidants, offering opportunities to enhance the nutritional quality and extend edible oil shelf-life.

Crocus sativus L.produces anti-inflammatory effects and regulates the NLRP3–NF-κB pathway

Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of petal and stamen extracts of saffron crocus(Crocus sativus)and explore the underlying mechanism.Methods:Local and systemic inflammation models were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of C.sativus.A xyleneinduced inflammation model or lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation model was used in this study.C.sativus petal and stamen extracts were each administered to the mice in the xylene and LPS models by gavage for 14 d at 0.1 and 0.4 g/kg doses,respectively.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αand interleukin(IL)-1βin mouse serum.Hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the ear in the xylene-induced inflammation model and in the spleen in the LPS-induced inflammation model.NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)protein levels within the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)pathway were assessed using western blotting.RAW264.7 cells were treated with LPS(5μg/mL)and LPS+C.sativus(0.05,0.1,and 0.2 mg/mL)for 24 h,and a Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to measure cell proliferation.Changes in NLRP3 and NF-κB levels were evaluated by western blotting.Results:Petal and stamen extracts of C.sativus attenuated the anti-inflammatory effects in local or systemic inflammatory models and repaired pathological changes in the ear in the xylene-induced inflammation model and spleen in the LPS-induced inflammation model.These extracts also decreased the concentrations of TNF-αand IL-1βin the mouse serum in the LPS-induced inflammation model.C.sativus downregulated NLRP3 protein level through the NF-κB pathway and downregulated LC-3 and BECLIN1 in vivo and in vitro.Carbonyl Cyanide3-ChloroPhenylhydrazone(CCCP)weakened the effects of C.sativus on the NLRP3–NF-κB pathway.Conclusion:C.sativus has anti-inflammatory effects and regulates the NLRP3-NF-κB pathway.

A Medicinal and Edible Plant Crocus sativus L.and Its Therapeutic Effects on Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases

This paper introduces the biological characteristics,medicinal value,chemical component,and pharmacological effects of Crocus sativus L.,and explores its therapeutic effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as angina pectoris and coronary heart disease.

Beneficial effects of saffron(Crocus sativus L.) in ocular pathologies, particularly neurodegenerative retinal diseases

Saffron(Crocus sativus L.)has been traditionally used in food preparation and as a medicinal plant.It currently has numerous therapeutic properties attributed to it,such as protection against ischemia,as well as anticonvulsant,antidepressant,anxiolytic,hypolipidemic,anti-atherogenic,anti-hypertensive,antidiabetic,and anti-cancer properties.In addition,saffron has remarkable beneficial properties,such as anti-apoptotic,anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities,due to its main metabolites,among which crocin and crocetin stand out.Furthermore,increasing evidence underwrites the possible neuroprotective role of the main bioactive saffron constituents in neurodegenerative diseases,such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases,both in experimental models and in clinical studies in patients.Currently,saffron supplementation is being tested for ocular neurodegenerative pathologies,such as diabetic retinopathy,retinitis pigmentosa,age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma,among others,and shows beneficial effects.The present article provides a comprehensive and up to date report of the investigations on the beneficial effects of saffron extracts on the main neurodegenerative ocular pathologies and other ocular diseases.This review showed that saffron extracts could be considered promising therapeutic agents to help in the treatment of ocular neurodegenerative diseases.

Clinical Evidence on the Effects of Saffron(Crocus Sativus L.)in Anxiety and Depression

Crocus sativus L.,a member of the Iridaceae family,commonly known as saffron has very much popular as both medicine and spice.Earlier saffron was used as one of the important constituents in opioid preparations for pain relief.Its uses in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression are well documented.Depression can affect the quality of life of individuals by causing headaches,difficulty in thinking,and loss of interest.Many clinical trials have been conducted for evaluating the efficacy of saffron in depression cases.Almost fifty constituents of C.sativus L are well known.Few of the major constituents include crocin,picrocrocin,and safranal.In the present review,the main focus is on the antidepressant effects of saffron and its major constituents,in which it was found that saffron has substantial effects on depression and anxiety because of double-blind study the data can be trusted.

DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL HPLC METHOD FOR QUALITY CONTROL OF SAFFRON(CROCUS SATIVUS L.)

Saffron,the dried stigma of Crocus sativus L.,findsnumerous applications in TCM.Here,a novel HPLC protocol was established and applied for the analysis of saffron samples,not only from different places of origin but also from several harvest seasons.One of the main active constituents of saffron,crocin,is also contained in

Economic and Qualitative Traits of Italian Alps Saffron

Saffron, obtained from the flower stigmas of Crocus sativus L., is one of the most expensive food spices. The introduction of saffron in alpine areas could help to broaden and diversify the activities of mountain multifunctional farms, with a positive impact on economy and land management. According to ISO 3632(2010/2011), saffron can be classified into three categories of quality(I, II, III) depending on the concentration of the three main metabolites responsible for its characteristic colour, flavor and aroma: Crocin, Picrocrocin and Safranal. This study represents the first investigation of the quality of saffron produced in the Italian Alps evaluated with spectrophotometry, HPLC, solid-phase microextraction(SPME), and gas chromatographic analysis combined with mass spectrometry(GC/MS). The experiments used Crocus sativus stigmas produced in 2012-2013 in different areas of the Central Italian Alps were located at an altitude between 720 and 1200 m a.s.l.. Results obtained were compared to commercial saffron. The analyses confirmed that all samples can be classified in the first quality category according to the ISO classification. This high quality is also confirmed by HPLC analysis. Moreover, the SPME-GC/MS analysis identified some differences in the aromatic profile of saffron samples, in particular regarding safranal concentration. A preliminary assessment of the economic viability of high quality saffron production for local markets was also performed. Our study provides valid information regarding the quality and economic sustainability of saffron production in the alpine area confirming this crop as a good candidate for a new source of income for multifunctional farms in mountain areas.