Insights & Discussion
Saffron plant's various parts contain bioactive compounds that, when extracted using innovative techniques, show significant potential for use in food, nutraceutical and drug formulations.
The methodology applied in this research involved the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the bioactive components within the saffron plant, with particular focus on apocarotenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. Advanced extraction techniques were employed for increased yield and purity, notably supercritical fluid extraction, microwave assisted extraction, pulsed electric field, and high hydrostatic pressure extraction. These methods lead to a broad range of bioactives predomniantly from the plant's stigma.
The findings indicated that all parts of the saffron plant were rich in bioactive compounds. The extracted bioactive compounds presented increased stability, bioavailability, and target delivery when examined via several encapsulation techniques. Beyond this, the extraction has allowed for investigation into the food and pharmaceutical applications of these bioactive components from the saffron plant. However, the utilization of these bioactive components, specifically from saffron floral biomass like petals and corm parts, using techniques such as supercritical fluid extraction, pulsed electric field, and emulsion liquid membrane extraction has not been thoroughly investigated.
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Crocin, a compound derived from saffron, has shown considerable potential in hindering tumor growth and improving immune status, across various malignant tumors.
2023 PeerJ Advances on the anti-tumor mechanisms of the carotenoid Crocin Bao X, Hu J, Zhao Y, Jia R, Zhang H, Xia L
Review Article Anti-Tumour Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer
The methodology for the study involved an in-depth review of modern pharmacological studies that have analyzed the therapeutic effects of crocin, a natural compound that can be extracted from saffron. Various anti-tumor effects were assessed including the induction of tumor cell death (apoptosis), restrictions on tumor cell proliferation, and potential barriers to invasion and metastasis of these cells. The potential for enhancement of sensitivity to chemotherapy and improvement of immune status were also examined.
Following the review, the study revealed that crocin has significant anti-tumor properties. It showed that this natural compound can induce apoptosis in tumor cells, inhibit their expansion and progression, and even prevent their invasiveness and metastasis. Furthermore, crocin demonstrated the potential to enhance the body’s responsiveness to chemotherapy and help boost the immune system. These effects were observed across a range of different malignant tumors, including stomach, liver, cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers.
Through innovative refinement, nanocurcumin, evolved from turmeric's primary component curcumin, has improved characteristics and pharmaceutical potential, particularly in drug delivery systems.
2023 Reference Series in Phytochemistry Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Jyotirmayee B, Nayak SS, Mohapatra N, Sahoo S, Mishra M, Mahalik G
Review Article Bioactive Compounds Biological Activities Turmeric
The methodology of the research involved analyzing the cultivation, storage, and surrounding environmental factors crucial to turmeric production, such as soil condition and climate. This was intertwined with investigations into the chemical composition of turmeric, focusing mainly on curcumin, its main component. Moving forward, the study then evaluated curcumin analogs and formulations, leading to a deep dive into the relatively new development of nanocurcumin.
The discussion of the research results revealed several interesting findings. Firstly, turmeric exhibited a variety of useful properties, highlighting its role in traditional medicine and livelihood in Indian tribes. Most importantly, the research concluded the impressive potential of nanocurcumin. This altered form of curcumin showed not only enhanced characteristics but also possible applications in the pharmaceutical field, specifically for drug delivery systems.
Saffron shows promising improvements in dealing with women's health issues related to labor, childbirth, premenstrual syndrome and menopause.
2023 Modern Care Journal Efficacy of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Premenstrual Syndrome, Labor, Childbirth, and Menopause: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials Irani M, Rahmanian A, Soltani N
Systematic Review Labour Menopause Premenstrual Syndrome
For the methodology, the investigators implemented a systematic review by utilizing the PICO process to explore various databases like PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, among others, until February 2023. A strategically designed search was conducted using a set of keywords related to saffron and women's health conditions. From a pool of 164 articles, 20 randomized controlled trials that met the minimum score based on the Jadad scale were included in the study.
In terms of results, the investigation revealed that saffron holds positive impacts on labor and childbirth, such as enhancing Bishop's score, fostering labor progression, and reducing labor pain intensity and fatigue. Moreover, it helps with episiotomy healing and ameliorates mood swings and psychological symptoms associated with menopause and premenstrual syndrome. The study also acknowledges some influence of saffron on postpartum depression.
Saffron supplementation significantly decreased oxidative stress markers and has beneficial effects in reducing oxidative stress.
2023 Frontiers in Medicine Effect of saffron supplementation on oxidative stress markers (MDA, TAC, TOS, GPx, SOD, and pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance): An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials Abedi A, Ghobadi H, Sharghi A, Iranpour S, Fazlzadeh M, Aslani MR
Systematic Review Oxidative Stress Saffron
For this analysis, we sought to evaluate the impact of saffron supplementation on oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and prooxidant/antioxidant balance. To do this, we conducted an extensive search across databases such as PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Google Scholar until December 2022. Our search criteria included randomized controlled trial studies examining the effects of oral saffron supplements on the aforementioned oxidative stress markers. The resulting data were pooled using a random effects model to analyze the results, and we assessed heterogeneity using the Cochrane values. We incorporated 16 cases into our meta-analysis, which comprised of subjects in both saffron and control groups.
In our results, we found that saffron consumption resulted in significant reductions in malondialdehyde and total oxidant status levels. Furthermore, it led to a considerable increase in total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase - all of which are markers indicating oxidative stress. More specifically, within studies where the daily dosage of saffron was greater than 30 mg, and in studies lasting less than 12 weeks, we noted a significant reduction in malondialdehyde levels, especially in participants under 50 years old. Our study faced limitations, including the geographical limitation of the studies being from Iran, the varying nature of the diseases included, and potential confounding factors such as smoking, physical activity, and diet.
The combined use of chamomile and saffron with usual medication enhances the efficacy against depression and ensures long term improvement.
2022 Heliyon A randomized clinical trial to test efficacy of chamomile and saffron for neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory responses in depressive patients Ahmad S, Azhar A, Tikmani P, Rafique H, Khan A, Mesiya H, et al.
Randomised Controlled Trial Anti-Inflammatory Chamomile Neuroprotective
This research was a randomized, open, blinded trial with 120 participants split evenly into a test and control group. After consent was obtained, a patient health questionnaire was filled out to determine depression scores. Participants in the test group received herbal tea sachets, containing 20 mg of chamomile and 1 mg of saffron, twice per day for a month in addition to their regular medications. Control group participants only received their standard allopathic medicine. Blood samples were taken both before and after the treatment period.
The test showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms for both groups. However, in the test group, the addition of the herbal teas amplified the effect of the medications. The herbal adjuvant therapy reduced inflammatory markers and tryptophan levels in plasma, which increased the availability of tryptophan in the brain, a key aspect in managing depression. Consequently, the research concluded that inclusion of these herbs enhances the effectiveness of the conventional treatment against depression and provides long term benefits.
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