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.

Biochemical, Antioxidant and Antineoplastic Properties of Italian Saffron (<i>Crocus sativus L</i>.)

Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, is got by Crocus sativus L. stigmas. The production of this substance has attracted human interest, since ancient cultures, for its medicinal and culinary properties. Because of saffron high economic value, sometimes, since Middle Ages, it is adulterated with other vegetal materials, dyes or synthetic molecules. Object of this work was the study of one of the best world saffron: Civitaretenga (AQ, Central Italy) C. sativus. Taste, color and aroma of Civitaretenga spice were determined, according to international standards (ISO/Technical Specification 3632), to define its high quality. A biochemical approach was then applied to obtain a secondary metabolite profile of this product. So, crocins, total phenolic content, flavonoids and phenolic acids were detected by HPLC-DAD and spectrophotometric analysis. Moreover, in vitro antioxidant properties and in vivo antineoplastic effects, on highly metastatic murine B16-F10 melanoma cell line, were successfully revealed in Civitaretenga C. sativus extract. All these data confirmed the elevated quality of Civitaretenga saffron and its highly reducing and chemopreventive activity.

番红花(Crocus sativus L.)组织培养的初步研究

目的初步探讨番红花组织培养的一些影响因素。方法采用组织培养技术,以番红花幼嫩的叶片为外植体对其愈伤组织及不定胚的诱导进行了研究结果MS+BA0.1mg/L+2,4-D2mg/L为诱导愈伤组织形成的最佳培养基,而诱导不定胚的最佳培养基为MS+BA1.5mg/L+2,4-D2mg/L。结论基本明确了番红花愈伤组织及不定胚诱导的最佳激素组合。

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.

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.

Neuroprotective effects of saffron on chronic focal cerebral ischemia through inhibiting glial scar formation in rats

OBJECTIVE To explore the neuro-protective effects of saffron(Crocus satius L.) on chronic focal cerebral ischemia in rats.METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:sham control group,MCAO group,edaravone group and saffron 30,100,300 mg·kg^(-1) groups.Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO).Saffron was administered orally by once daily from 2 h to 42 d after ischemia.At 42 d after cerebral ischemia,neurological deficit score,spontaneous activity test,elevated plus maze test,marble burying test and novel objective recognition test were used to evaluate the effects of saffron on the behevioural change.Infarct volume,survival neuron density,activated astrocyte number,and the thickness of glial scar were also detected.GFAP expression and inflammatory cytokine contents in ischemic peripheral region were detected by Western blot and ELISA,separately.RESULTS Saffron(100,300 mg·kg^(-1)) improved the body weight decrease,neurological deficit and spontaneous activity.Saffron(30-300 mg · kg^(-1)) increased the traveled distance ratio and total time in open arm,decreased the buried marble number,which indicated that saffron could ameliorate anxiety-and depression-like behaviors.Saffron(100,300 mg·kg^(-1)) improved the learning and memory function,which manifested by increased discrimination ratio(DR) and discrim.ination index(DI) in T2 test.The results of toluidine blue found saffron treatment(100,300 mg · kg^(-1))decreased the infarct volume and increased the neuron density in cortex and hippocampal.The activated astrocyte number,the thickness of glial scar and GFAP expression in ischemic peripheral region decreased after saffron.Saffron(100,300 mg · kg^(-1)) decreased the contents of IL-6 and IL-1β,increased the content of IL-10 in ischemic peripheral region.CONCLUSION Saffron exerted neuro-protective effects on chronic focal cerebral ischemia,which could be related with inhibiting the activation of astrocyte and glial scar,following with the decrease of inflammatory reaction.

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

Phytochemical and anti-neuropathic investigations of Crocus sativus via alleviating inflammation, oxidative stress and pancreatic beta-cells regeneration

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the phytochemical and the long-term anti-neuropathic potentials of Crocus sativus cultivated in the University botanical garden,and explore its most bioactive compounds and their underlying mechanisms of action.Methods:Phytochemical analysis and bio-guided isolation-procedures including RP-HPLC and1 H and13 C NMR utilizing biological models of diabetes,inflammation,and diabetic-neuropathy were used.Cultivated saffron(S-RCED)and Spanish-saffron stigma(S-SP)alone or in combination with Camellia sinus(CS)were investigated.Results:The RP-HPLC analyses showed the presence of picrocrocin,crocin I,crocin II,crocin I’,crocin II’,and safranal(SAF)in both S-SP and S-RCED extracts with higher-concentrations.It had been shown that SAF was the most bioactive-compound in Crocus sativus.Both S-SP and S-RCED possessed significant(P<0.05)anti-diabetic activities in acute(6 h),subchronic(8 d)and chronic(8 weeks)models.S-RCED had been proven with more hypoglycemic potentials when compared to S-SP and SAF.S-SP,S-RCED,and SAF produced significant anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities against carrageenan-induced inflammatory,hyperalgesic and tactile diabetic-neuropathy models,respectively.S-SP,S-RCED,and SAF elevated serum catalase,reduced glutathione,and insulin serum levels,ameliorated lipid peroxidation and Hb A1 c levels,and histopathologically regenerated the pancreatic beta-cells.Combinations with CS showed more significant efficacy than the single component.Conclusion:The oxidative stress reduction,insulin secretagogue,and pancreatic beta-cells regeneration potentials might be responsible for the mechanism underlying the anti-diabetic,anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic neuropathy activities.Thus,the cultivated Crocus sativus might be clinically useful for protecting against many serious-disorders.

HPLC法测定不同产地西红花中西红花苷-Ⅰ和西红苷-Ⅱ的含量

利用高效液相色谱法,同时测定不同产地西红花中的西红花苷-Ⅰ和西红花苷-Ⅱ的含量;采用Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18色谱柱(250 mm×4.6 mm,5μm),甲醇-水(45∶55,V/V)洗脱,流速为1.0 m L·min-1,检测波长为440 nm,柱温为25℃。方法学考察表明:在上述色谱条件下,西红花苷-Ⅰ和西红花苷-Ⅱ能与杂质完全分离;标准曲线线性关系良好(R2>0.999 0),精密度和稳定性符合分析要求,平均加样回收率分别为99.42%、99.36%,RSD分别为1.48%、1.28%,表明所建立的方法重复性、耐用性、准确度良好。对10批不同产地的西红花药材进行分析,结果显示产自河南南阳、河南许昌、浙江湖州和河北定州的西红花的总苷含量高于其他产地,为西红花药材的质量评价和控制提供了一定的科学依据。

西红花花瓣不同烘干工艺提取物HPLC指纹图谱研究

建立西红花花瓣的HPLC指纹图谱,并应用于不同烘干工艺对花瓣化学成分的影响研究,为其工业化生产及质量控制提供依据.采用普通鼓风干燥、真空干燥、微波干燥、冷冻干燥分别制备了西红花花瓣样品,利用HPLC法建立了20批样品的指纹图谱,通过中药色谱指纹图谱相似度评价系统计算相似度和SPSS软件进行聚类分析,筛选得到较佳的烘干方法和烘干参数.最终建立了20批不同烘干条件下样品的指纹图谱,标定了9个共有峰,并指认了其中两个主要色谱峰.不同干燥方法对西红花花瓣中化学成分含量有一定影响,而微波干燥较好的保留了西红花花瓣的化学成分,且烘干效率较佳,是一种较适宜的西红花花瓣干燥方法.

HPLC测定西红花提取物及其片剂中各西红花苷含量

报道反相ＨＰＬＣ测定西红花提取物及其片剂中西红花苷Ⅰ、西红花苷Ⅱ及西红花总苷的含量，Ｓｐｈｅｒｉｓｏｒｂ５ＯＤＳ柱（１５０ｍｍ×４６ｍｍ），配预柱的Ｗａｔｅｒｓ在线过滤器，流动相为甲醇—水（５５∶４５），检测波长为４４０ｎｍ，室温，流速１０ｍＬ／ｍｉｎ，纸速０５ｃｍ／ｍｉｎ。加样回收率：西红花提取物中西红花苷Ⅰ、西红花苷Ⅱ及其总苷分别为１０３３％、９９３％、１００４％。各自的ＲＳＤ（％）顺次为３２、３７、１７（ｎ＝９）；西红花多苷片模拟片中西红花苷Ⅰ、西红花苷Ⅱ及其总苷分别为９８４％、１０１７％、９９８％。其ＲＳＤ（％）分别为１５、１１、２０（ｎ＝６）。本法分离度好，精密准确，可用于控制西红花提取物及其制剂的质量。

西红花药理作用及临床应用的研究进展

目的对西红花的现代药理作用研究及临床应用现状进行综述,探讨其资源开发,为西红花的进一步开发和利用提供参考。方法通过查阅相关书籍和文献资料,归纳、总结西红花的药理作用及临床应用。结果西红花具有保护肝肾、抗肿瘤、保护神经系统及心血管系统等药理作用。目前,临床上用于治疗多种肝病、冠心病、神经类疾病等。结论西红花具有广泛的应用前景,应加强对西红花资源的开发利用和临床功能的开发。

不同施钾量对日光温室藏红花生长及产量品质的影响

以藏红花种球为试材,采用日光温室栽培,每667 m^(2)施硫酸钾4、5、6、7、8 kg,记为F1、F2、F3、F4、F5处理,以不施肥(CK)为对照,对藏红花种植时间、开花数量、花丝质量、产量、柱头成分进行测定,研究了不同施肥量对藏红花生长发育及产量的影响,以期为藏红花生产提供参考依据。结果表明:施入钾肥处理,F3处理初花期最早,F5处理开花朵数最多。F4处理出苗率最高,为98.94%,F2处理出苗率最低,为94.56%。其中花丝长度,F3处理花丝长度最长,较CK高17.86%,F4处理鲜质量最大。施肥可增加藏红花种球产量,各施钾处理产量均高于CK,F5处理667 m^(2)产量达最大,为414.09 kg。F5处理藏红花苷-Ⅰ、藏红花苷-Ⅱ的含量和藏红花苷-Ⅰ与藏红花苷-Ⅱ总量均高于其他处理,分别为14.48%、6.32%、20.80%。苦藏花素含量也处于较高水平。钾肥可以促进藏红花花丝质量,提高种球产量,且667 m^(2)施钾肥含量为8 kg时,藏红花花丝质量和产量均最优。

HPLC法测定浙江慈溪水稻田栽培的西红花中西红花苷Ⅰ、Ⅱ含量的研究

为了检测栽培于浙江慈溪水稻田中的西红花所含的西红花苷Ⅰ和西红花苷Ⅱ的含量,采用高效液相色谱法,色谱条件为Intertsil ODS-SP C18色谱柱(150 mm×4.6 mm,5μm),流动相为甲醇-水(60∶40),检测波长440nm,流速1.0 m L/min,进样量为20μL,柱温为室温。结果表明:西红花花柱中西红花苷I的平均含量为8.85%,西红花苷Ⅱ的平均含量为3.72%;雄蕊中西红花苷I的平均含量为0.094%,西红花苷Ⅱ的平均含量为0.005%;而花瓣中西红花苷I和西红花苷Ⅱ的含量极少,未能检出。因此,栽培于浙江慈溪水稻田中的西红花花柱中西红花苷I和西红花苷Ⅱ两者含量之和为12.57%,符合2010版《中国药典》的质量标准,可以作为药用。

一株藏红花内生真菌CSL-13次级代谢产物的研究

研究一株藏红花内生真菌CSL-13固体发酵产物的化学成分。利用硅胶柱层析、凝胶Sephadex LH-20柱层析、重结晶等方法从CSL-13发酵产物中分离得到3个化合物,通过核磁、质谱等波谱分析技术以及文献数据对照,鉴定其结构分别为:Beauvericin(1),Prolipyrone C(2),过氧化麦角固醇(3)。三个化合物均首次从藏红花内生真菌中分离得到。

HPLC法同时测定不同产地番红花中4种化合物的含量

利用HPLC法,测定不同产地番红花中4种化合物(西红花苷-Ⅰ、西红花苷-Ⅱ、西红花酸、苦番红花素)的含量,以期对不同产地番红花药材质量进行评价。采用岛津C_(18)色谱柱(250 mm×4.6 mm,5μm)分离,流动相为甲醇-水(含0.1%甲酸),梯度洗脱,流速为1.0 mL/min,检测波长:250 nm、430 nm(双波长切换),柱温30℃。结果表明,18批番红花中西红花苷-I和西红花苷-II含量之和、苦番红花素的含量均达到2020版《中国药典》规定要求;从产地看,安徽亳州产番红花中4种功效化合物的含量整体高于浙江建德。

HPLC法测定西红花不同部位中西红花苷-Ⅰ和苷-Ⅱ

目的建立HPLC法测定西红花Crocus sativus L.不同部位中西红花苷-Ⅰ和苷-Ⅱ的含有量。方法西红花不同部位乙醇提取物的分析采用依利特hypersil ODS2柱(4.6 mm×250 mm,5μm);流动相甲醇-水(50∶50);检测波长440 nm;体积流量1.0 mL/min;柱温25℃。结果西红花苷-Ⅰ和苷-Ⅱ分别在1.406～50.48μg/mL(R^2=0.999 9)、1.044～30.65μg/mL(R^2=0.999 9)范围内线性关系良好,平均加样回收率分别为99.32%(RSD=1.15%)、102.16%(RSD=1.59%)。结论该方法准确稳定,重复性好,可用于西红花的质量控制。