Pharmaceutical and Medical Science and Technology
Mahboobeh Naseri; Alireza Ramandi; Raheleh Rahbarian
Abstract
Diabetes is linked to heightened oxidative stress and diminished antioxidant potential, stemming from an increased generation of free radicals. The reported antioxidant attributes of saffron crocin highlight its potential in mitigating oxidative stress. The levels and functionality of BDNF (Brain-Derived ...
Read More
Diabetes is linked to heightened oxidative stress and diminished antioxidant potential, stemming from an increased generation of free radicals. The reported antioxidant attributes of saffron crocin highlight its potential in mitigating oxidative stress. The levels and functionality of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) seem to undergo alterations in diabetes, primarily due to insulin resistance. These fluctuations in BDNF and NGF levels are intricately associated with the progression of type 2 diabetes.This study sought to explore the impact of crocin and safranal on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Catalase (CAT), and neurotrophic factors derived from the brain and nerve (BDNF). Thirty-six male rats were categorized into six groups: a control group, an untreated diabetic group, and diabetic groups subjected to intraperitoneal injection of two concentrations (100 and 50 milligrams per milliliter) of crocin and safranal over a 25-day duration. At the conclusion of the treatment period, brain tissue dissection was performed to assess antioxidant enzymes BDNF and NGF.In the treatment group with a concentration of 100 milligrams per milliliter of crocin and safranal, there was a notable increase in BDNF, NGF, SOD, GPX, CAT, and MDA levels compared to the group treated with a concentration of 50 milligrams per milliliter of crocin, safranal, as well as the control group. These results suggest that crocin and safranal effectively enhance antioxidant markers and alleviate diabetes-related damages in the brain tissue of diabetic rats
Pharmaceutical and Medical Science and Technology
Mahboobeh Naseri; Alireza Ramandi; Farahnaz Mohammaditazeabadi
Abstract
The study of the pharmacological properties of saffron and its active ingredients is important considering the clinical and health applications that it can have in humans. Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by decreased insulin secretion due to dysfunction of beta cells in the pancreas or increased ...
Read More
The study of the pharmacological properties of saffron and its active ingredients is important considering the clinical and health applications that it can have in humans. Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by decreased insulin secretion due to dysfunction of beta cells in the pancreas or increased insulin resistance. The tendency to treat diabetes with herbal medicines, which have fewer side effects than chemical medicines, is spreading day by day. This study was performed for the first time to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of saffron corm on blood glucose and liver enzymes in diabetic rats. Male rats were randomly divided into healthy and sick groups without treatment and treated with doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg aqueous extract of saffron corm. Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes. The mortality rate decreased significantly after the injection of saffron corm extract. Doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg of aqueous extract of saffron corm controlled weight loss in diabetic rats so that the dose of 300 mg/kg was not significant compared to control without diabetes. The results showed that injection of aqueous extract of saffron corm significantly reduced fasting blood glucose. A dose of 300 mg/kg on day 15 after induction of diabetes caused a significant decrease in blood glucose levels. It seems that one of the mechanisms of the hypoglycemic effect of saffron extract, which increases insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, was due to this event. A dose of 300 mg/kg decreased hepatic enzymes AST and ALT in blood serum. The results of this research showed that the aqueous extract of saffron corm, in addition to reducing blood sugar and controlling diabetes, regulated the activity of liver enzymes.