Saffron Agronomy and Technology

Saffron Agronomy and Technology

Mitigating Oxidative Stress in Diabetes: The Role of Crocin and Safranal

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mahboobeh Naseri 1
Alireza Ramandi 2
Raheleh Rahbarian 3
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Torbatheydarieh, Torbatheydarieh, Iran.
2 Ph.D. Student of Agrotechnology – Biotechnology, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of Paymnoor, Iran
10.22048/jsat.2024.421615.1512
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 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
Keywords
antioxidant
brain
diabetes
insulin resistance
Male rat

Subjects

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