CiteSpace knowledge map of research status and trends of Croci Stigma / 中国中药杂志

This study retrieved Croci Stigma related literature from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and Web of Science database, and used bibliometrics and CiteSpace 6.1.R2 software to analyze the published Croci Stigma related articles in Chinese and English from 2000 to 2022. The authors, research institutions, and keywords were visualized and analyzed, and the current status and development trend of Croci Stigma research was summarized by combining the information extraction methods. A total of 1 846 Chinese articles and 2 703 English articles were screened out and included. The results showed a generally steady increase in the number of Croci Stigma related articles. The results of the visualization analysis showed that there were more collaborations between researcher teams and major research institutions in English articles than Chinese articles. The Chinese articles was mainly published by China Pharmaceutical University, and most of the inter-institutional collaborations occurred in neighboring regions. The English articles was mainly published by Iranian institutions, and most of the cooperation occurred within the country, with less transnational cooperation. Keywords analysis showed that the research on Croci Stigma was mainly focused on chemical compositions, pharmacological effects, mechanisms, quality control, etc. It was predicted that the future research hotspots of Croci Stigma would mainly focus on pharmacological mechanism and clinical efficacy. The current research related to Croci Stigma still needs to be developed, cooperation should be strengthened, and more in-depth research should be conducted.

Anti-hyperuricemia activity and its mechanism of flavonoid extract from saffron floral bio-residues / 中国中药杂志

A hyperuricemic rat model induced by adenine and ethambutol was established to investigate the anti-hyperuricemia activity and its mechanism of the flavonoid extract from saffron floral bio-residues. Sixty-seven SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive control group, and flavonoid extract groups(with 3 doses), respectively, and each group contained 11 or 12 rats. The hyperuricemic model was established by continuous oral administration of adenine(100 mg·kg~(-1)) and ethambutol(250 mg·kg~(-1)) for 7 days. At the same time, the positive control group was given allopurinol(20 mg·kg~(-1) per day) and the flavonoid extract groups were given the flavonoid extract at doses of 340, 170 and 85 mg·kg~(-1) per day, respectively. On day 8, rat serum, liver, kidney, and intestinal tissues were collected, and the levels of uric acid in serum and tissue, the xanthine oxidase activities and antioxi-dant activities in serum and liver were evaluated, and the kidney histopathology was explored. In addition, an untargeted serum metabolomics study was performed. According to the results, the flavonoid extract effectively reduced the uric acid levels in serum, kidney and ileum and inhibited the xanthine oxidase activities and elevated the antioxidant activities of serum and liver in hyperuricemic rat. At the same time, it reduced the levels of inflammation factors in kidney and protected renal function. Moreover, 68 differential metabolites of hyperuricemic rats were screened and most of which were lipids and amino acids. The flavonoid extract significantly retrieved the levels of differential metabolites in hyperuricemic rats, such as SM(d18:1/20:0), PC[18:0/18:2(92,12Z)], palmitic acid and citrulline, possibly through the following three pathways, i.e., arginine biosynthesis, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, and histidine metabolism. To sum up, the flavonoid extract of saffron floral bio-residues lowered the uric acid level, increased the antioxidant activity, and alleviated inflammatory symptoms of hyperuricemic rats, which may be related to its inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity and regulation of serum lipids and amino acids metabolism.

Saffron reduces the liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the JAK/STAT3 pathway

Purpose: Chronic inflammation in the liver is a key trigger for liver injury and fibrosis in various liver diseases. Given the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Saffron, this study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effects of Saffron on hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Methods: The mice model of hepatic fibrosis was constructed using CCl4, and Saffron was administered at low (10 mg/kg) and high (20 mg/kg) doses by gavage. Then, the changes in liver function, liver inflammation and fibrosis markers were evaluated. The effects and mechanisms of Saffron on hepatic stellate cells were further investigated in in-vitro experiments. Results: Saffron improved liver function, reduced liver inflammation and attenuated liver fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner in hepatic fibrosis mice. Furthermore, Western blotting showed that Saffron significantly inhibited JAK/STAT3 phosphorylation in fibrotic livers. Conclusions: Saffron can attenuate liver fibrosis by inhibiting the JAK/STAT3 pathway and the activation of hepatic stellate cell, providing a theoretical basis for the development of new anti-fibrotic drugs.

Analysis of flavonoids from saffron floral bio-residues / 中国中药杂志

In order to better utilize saffron floral bio-residues(SFB), a qualitative and quantitative analysis of flavonoids in SFB was conducted using UPLC-MS and UPLC, respectively. On the one hand, 50 flavonols and 5 anthocyanins were putatively characte-rized by using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. On the other hand, an UPLC method was established for determining the fingerprint of SFB as well as testing the main flavonoids kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside and delphinidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside. Contents of kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside and delphinidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside of 10 batches of samples were 44.21-58.73 mg·g~(-1) and 2.11-6.37 mg·g~(-1), respectively, and the similarities of 10 batches were more than 0.99. In addition, the color of the samples was digitized by using electronic eye technology, and it was found that the color of the samples was significantly correlated with the content of delphinidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside. The richness of flavonoids in SFB indicated its potential for development and utilization, and the large variation in anthocyanin content among samples from different regions suggested that more attention should be paid to the methods of sample pretreatment and storage.

Curcuma Longa Abolishes Phenylephrine-Induced Contractions in Isolated Aortic Artery of Rats

Curcuma longa has biological effects. Its cardiovascular activities are yet to be scientifically studied. Objectives: To investigate the vasorelaxant effects of the aqueous extract of Curcuma longa (AECL). Methods: Aortic annuli of normotensive rats, with or without endothelium, were set up in a data storage system with nutrient solution in recipients, with scientifically recommended temperature, aeration and tension. Over contraction by Phenylephrine, the AECL (1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300 and 1000 µg/mL) was incubated before and after incubation with atropine or L-name or indomethacin. An AECL concentration-response curve was also built over contractions caused by elevation of extracellular K+. Data were significant when p < 0.05, with GraphPad Prism 6.0 software resolutions. Results: The AECL induced 100% vasorelaxation also in the endothelium-free annuli. The part of the endothelium-dependent effect had EC50 = 4.32 ± 0.05 µg/mL. With inhibition of NO production, the EC50 increased to 126.50 ± 2.35 µg/mL; after inhibition of prostacyclin production, to 124.6 ± 0.05 µg/mL; and after muscarinic blockade, to 437.10 ± 0.2 µg/mL. Opening of K+ channels (relaxation of 56.98%) and VOCC blockade (relaxation of 31.56%) were evident. Conclusion: AECL induced significant vasorelaxation, being more significant in the presence of endothelium. The muscarinic pathway seems to be the main one involved in this effect, followed by the NO production and prostacyclin pathways. The activity in K+ channels by AECL was more significant than its VOCC blockade. The use of other models and tools to study action mechanisms will be important and elucidating

Effect of saffron aqueous extract on the level of blood glucose in experimental diabetes mice / 中国应用生理学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the effects of saffron aqueous extract (SE) on blood glucose, lipid and pancreatic tissue in streptozocin-induced diabetes mice.@*METHODS@#Diabetes mellitus mice were established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (60 mg/kg) for two consecutive days. The 30 well-established diabetes mice were randomly divided into three groups(=10):diabetic mellitus (DM) group, SE treated (SE) group and positive control (metformin hydrochloride, MH) group. Another ten normal mice were selected as normal control (NC) group. The mice in SE and MH groups were intragastrically administered with SE 100 mg/kg or MH 100 mg/kg once a day for 6 weeks, mice in DM and NC were given normal saline. The amount of food-intake, water consumption and body weight were measured weekly, the changes of the indicators including fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose-tolerance test (OGTT), glycated serum protein (GSP), insulin (INS) and blood lipid were determined after 6 weeks of continuous administration. The pathologic changes in the pancreas tissues were detected by HE staining.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal control group, the amount of food-intake, water consumption, area under the curve, FBG, GSP, and total cholesterol (TC) were significantly increased, while fasting weight, INS and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were dramatically decreased in DM group. Compared with DM group, the water consumption, FBG, area under the curve and TC in SE group were starkly declined with a notable elevation of HDL-c and INS. In addition, the biopsy from DM mice showed the structure of pancreas islet was destroyed and reduced, and vascular proliferation with irregular shape. The damaged pancreas was obviously repaired by giving SE.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The saffron aqueous extract had efficacy on blood glucose and blood lipids reduction, improvement on damaged pancreas in streptozocininduced diabetic mice, which suggested that saffron could be used for the treatment in diabetes.

A real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR method for source identification of Crocus sativus and Carthamus tinctorius / 中国中药杂志

The specific PCR primer was designed base on ITS2 sequence in GenBank, and we developed a SYBRGreen real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR system for identification of Crocus sativus and Carthamus tinctorius source. Compared with Chinese herbal medicine DNA barcode technique, this method showed characteristics of shorter time, higher specificity and sensitivity. Using this method to detect 15 samples, 4 were C. sativus, 8 were C. tinctorius, and the other 3 samples were none of them. The result was in accordance with Chinese herbal medicine DNA barcode. This study lays the foundation for identification of related Chinese medical materials.

Protective effects of saffron against zearalenone-induced alterations in reproductive hormones in female mice (Mus musculus) / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin with potent estrogenic effects. Saffron is an herbal product that has antioxidant activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective role of saffron against reproductive toxicity induced by ZEA in female mice. METHODS: Ninety 8-week-old female mice were randomly allocated into three treatment groups. The first group received an intraperitoneal injection of ZEA (2.5 mg/kg) on alternate days. The second group received ZEA (2.5 mg/kg) on alternate days plus oral saffron daily (50 mg/kg). The third group was treated with a vehicle of 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on alternate days, as a control. Ten mice were euthanized from each group at 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P) were assessed. The uterus and ovaries were examined for changes in size or morphology. RESULTS: Serum levels of LH, FSH, E2, and P in the female mice treated with ZEA plus saffron were significantly higher than in those treated with ZEA alone, and were not significantly different from those treated with 1% DMSO. The female mice treated with ZEA alone showed a reduction in size of the uterus and abnormal architecture of the ovaries. CONCLUSION: The administration of saffron to female mice resulted in a significant reduction in ZEA-induced alterations in reproductive hormone levels, the size of the uterus, and the morphology of the ovaries.

Proteomic analysis of saffron (Crocus sativus L. ) grown under conditions of cadmium toxicity / Análise proteômica do açafrão (Crocus sativus L. ) cultivado sob condições de toxicidade por cádmio

Cd is a highly detrimental global environmental pollutant. Plants have evolved complex defense mechanisms as an adaptation to against Cd toxicity. In this study, a pot experiment was performed to evaluate the protein profile of saffron in response to Cd stress. Fifteen proteins were found to be up-regulated in the leaves of plants under Cd stress and were primarily related to metabolism, signal transduction, stress and defense response and energy. Eleven proteins were found to be down-regulated following Cd treatment, including ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), ferredoxin-NADP reductase, a 70 kDa heat shock-related protein and three protein synthesis-associated proteins. The results provide valuable insights regarding the molecular mechanism of saffron in response to Cd toxicity and the possible utilization of genetic resources in developing Cd tolerant/low-accumulation saffron.

O cádmio (Cd) é um poluente ambiental global altamente prejudicial. As plantas desenvolveram mecanismos de defesa complexos como uma adaptação contra a toxicidade por Cd. Neste estudo, realizou-se um experimento em vaso para avaliar o perfil proteico do açafrão em resposta ao estresse por Cd. Foi descoberto que quinze proteínas foram supra-reguladas (up-regulated) nas folhas de plantas sob estresse por Cd e foram principalmente relacionados ao metabolismo, transdução de sinal, estresse e resposta de defesa e energia. Foi descoberto ainda que onze proteínas foram infra-reguladas (down-regulated) após tratamento com Cd, incluindo ribulose bifosfato carboxilase oxigenase (RuBisCO), ferredoxina-NADP redutase, uma proteína relacionada com o choque térmico de 70 kDa e três proteínas associadas à síntese de proteínas. Os resultados fornecem informações valiosas sobre o mecanismo molecular do açafrão em resposta à toxicidade do Cd e a possível utilização de recursos genéticos no desenvolvimento de açafrão tolerante ao Cd e de baixa acumulação.

[Effects of alcoholic and aqueous extract of barberry, jujube and saffron petals on serum level of adiponectin and lipid profile in diabetic rats]

Adiponectin is a protein hormone secreted from adipose tissue that can affect diabetes progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in serum levels of adiponectin in diabetic rats treated with alcoholic and aqueous extracts of three medicinal plants, jujube [Ziziphus jujuba], barberry [Berberis vulgaris] and saffron [Crocus sativus]. In this study, streptozocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with two doses of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the herbs, 25 and 100 mg/kg respectively, for 21 days. After the treatment period, the levels of adiponectin, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol were measured and the results were analyzed using one way ANOVA test. In all the diabetic groups receiving extracts, serum levels of fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and VLDL [very low density lipoprotein], showed a significant decrease [P<0.05]. Serum level of HDL [high density lipoprotein] increased significantly only in the group receiving jujube [P<0.05], whereas adiponectin level was significantly increased in all the treated groups. Given the role of adiponectin in regulating lipid metabolism, and the increased level of adiponectin in the treated diabetic groups, it can be said that the extracts regulate glucose and lipid metabolism by changes in adiponectin level. Further studies are recommended to confirm these findings

effect of chronic administration of safranal on systolic blood pressure in rats

Safranal, the main component of Crocus sativus essential oil, exhibits different pharmacological activities. In this study, the effects of safranal, on blood pressure of normotensive and desoxycorticosterone acetate [DOCA]-salt induced hypertensive rats in chronic administration were investigated. Three doses of safranal [1, 2 and 4 mg/Kg/day] and spironolactone [50 mg/Kg/day] were administrated to the different groups of normotensive and hypertensive rats [at the end of 4 weeks treatment by DOCA-salt] for Five weeks. Then the effects of safranal on mean systolic blood pressure [MSBP] and heart rate [HR] were evaluated using tail cuff method. The duration of effect of safranal on SBP, was also evaluated. Our results indicated that chronic administration of safranal could reduce the MSBP in DOCA salt treated rats in a dose dependent manner. Safranal did not decrease the MSBP in normotensive rats. The data also showed that antihypertensive effects of safranal did not persist. In summary, our results showed that safranal exhibits antihypertensive and normalizing effect on BP in chronic administration

Molecular mechanisms that underlie the sexual stimulant actions of Avicennia marina [Forssk.] Vierh. and Crocus sativus L

The effects of extracts and sub-fractions of Avicennia marina, Crocus sativus and sildenafil on the sexual behavior of male rats and their effects on the intracavernosal pressure [I.CV], intracavernosal cyclic GMP and dihydrotestosterone plasma level were examined. The sexual behavior was followed for four hours using infra-red video cameras to quantify the effects on various male sexual behaviors. The results revealed that the active sub-fraction in case of A. marina was the hexane fraction of the chloroform extracts [C/H] whereas that of C. sativus was the hexane fraction of the alcoholic extract [A/H]. [C/H], [A/H] and sildenafil significantly increased the total sexual stimulation index from 53.8 +/- 2.7 [control] to 406 +/- 7.8, 225 +/- 4 and 401 +/- 30.1, respectively [P<0.001, N=6]. They significantly increased the index of successful mounting and ejaculation from 2.6 +/- 0.5 [control] to 40 +/- 2.7, 21 +/- 2.3 and 18 +/- 1.7, respectively [P<0.01, N=6]. They significantly increased the cyclic GMP level from 0.94 +/- 0.07 [control] to 3.1 +/- 0.13, 1.59 +/- 0.11 and 3.66 +/- 0.19 ng/mg wet tissue, respectively [P<0.05, N=7]. They did not affect dihydrotestosterone plasma level. [C/H], [A/H] and sildenafil increased the [I.CV] pressure by 4.8 +/- 0.3, 1.4 +/- 0.8 and 4.2 +/- 0.9 mmHg. The [C/H] seemed to be more active than sildenafil and twice active than [A/H]. Both extracts and sildenafil acted via an increase in cyclic GMP

Study on crocins reference extract and application on assay of Croci Stigma / 中国中药杂志

High price and poor stability of both crocin-1 and crocin-2 reference substance have become obstacles to HPLC assay of Croci Stigma. A new method based on reference extract was proposed. In this study, the reference extract was prepared from gardenia yellow which is cheap and easy to get The content of crocin-1 and crocin-2 in reference extract was determined and factors affecting stability of reference extract were investigated. Twelve batches of Croci Stigma were analyzed with reference extract and reference substance respectively. The results showed no difference. The presented method is feasible for quality control of Croci Stigma and reference extract is suitable to replace reference substances in assay.

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials examining the effectiveness of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on psychological and behavioral outcomes / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Throughout the past three decades, increased scientific attention has been given to examining saffron's (Crocus sativus L.) use as a potential therapeutic or preventive agent for a number of health conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and depression.</p><p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The purpose of this systematic review is to examine and categorize the current state of scientific evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the efficacy of saffron on psychological/behavioral outcomes.</p><p><b>SEARCH STRATEGY</b>Electronic and non-electronic systematic searches were conducted to identify all relevant human clinical research on saffron. The search strategy was extensive and was designed according to the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)." Reference lists of articles that met the inclusion criteria were searched. Only English language studies were reviewed.</p><p><b>INCLUSION CRITERIA</b>Saffron trials in combination with other substances and saffron safety studies were considered, in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Included studies must have a control group. Included studies must measure a physiological and/or a behavioral outcome.</p><p><b>DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS</b>The methodological quality of all included studies was independently evaluated by two reviewers using the Jadad score. Mean scores and P-values of measures were compared both inter- and intra-study for each parameter (i.e., depression).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twelve studies met our inclusion criteria. These studies examined the effects of saffron on psychological/behavioral outcomes of: major depressive disorder (n=6), premenstrual syndrome (n = 1), sexual dysfunction and infertility (n=4), and weight loss/snacking behaviors (n=1). The data from these studies support the efficacy of saffron as compared to placebo in improving the following conditions: depressive symptoms (compared to anti-depressants and placebo), premenstrual symptoms, and sexual dysfunction. In addition, saffron use was also effective in reducing excessive snacking behavior.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Findings from initial clinical trials suggest that saffron may improve the symptoms and the effects of depression, premenstrual syndrome, sexual dysfunction and infertility, and excessive snacking behaviors. Larger multi-site clinical trials are needed to extend these preliminary findings.</p>

[Assessment of crocin toxicity on the rat liver]

Crocin, the carotenoid isolated from saffron, has numerous medicinal properties which include anticancer and antioxidant activities. Some antioxidants, such as carotenoids, can act as pro-oxidants at higher dosages and therefore induce tissue damage. In this situation antioxidant defense systems in the liver activate to prevent tissue damage. This study investigates the possible toxic effects of crocin on the liver of normal rats. Normal rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 was treated with normal saline as the control and groups 2 to 4 were treated different doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg crocin intraperitoneally once a week for four weeks. Animals were killed one week after the last injection. Serum profile of the rats that included ALT, AST, ALP, urea, uric acid and creatinine, as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes [SOD, CAT and GPx], GSH content, and lipid and protein oxidation by measurement of MDA and protein carbonyl levels were assessed in the liver. In addition, we conducted histopathological examinations of the liver specimens. We studied different crocin concentrations that have been used to treat various diseases. There were no significant changes in serum parameters, GSH, MDA, protein carbonyls and activities of CAT and SOD at the different crocin concentrations. Histopathological examination did not show any changes in the liver. Only the higher dose [200 mg/kg] decreased GPx activity which might be reversible over the long-term. Crocin, at the studied doses showed no toxic effects on the rat liver

Effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on sodium valporate induced cytogenetic and testicular alterations in albino rats / 대한해부학회지

The present study investigated the cytogenetic and testicular damage induced by the antiepileptic drug, sodium valporate (SVP) in albino rats and the effect of saffron aqueous extracts. Treating rats with SVP caused a significant increase in the chromosomal aberrations either structural or numerical and decreased the mitotic index. Besides, animals administered SVP showed DNA damage appeared in the single strand breaks (comet assay). Testis of SVP-treated rats showed many histopathological changes. A significant decrease in seminiferous tubules and their epithelial heights diameters and inhibition of spermatogenesis was recorded. In addition, the number of sperm head abnormalities was increased. Biochemical results revealed an increase in malondialdhyde (MDA) which is lipid peroxidation marker and a significant decrease in the level of serum antioxidant enzyme, catalase (CAT) and reducing antioxidant power (RAP). Animals given SVP and saffron showed an improvement in chromosomal aberrations, mitotic index, DNA damage and testicular alterations caused by SVP. Moreover, MDA decreased and CAT and RAP increased. It is concluded from the present results that the ameliorative effects of saffron extract against SVP-induced cytogenetic and testicular damage in albino rats may be due to the presence of one or more antioxidant components of saffron.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Due to safety concerns and side effects of many antidepressant medications, herbal psychopharmacology research has increased, and herbal remedies are becoming increasingly popular as alternatives to prescribed medications for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Of these, accumulating trials reveal positive effects of the spice saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for the treatment of depression. A comprehensive and statistical review of the clinical trials examining the effects of saffron for treatment of MDD is warranted.</p><p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials examining the effects of saffron supplementation on symptoms of depression among participants with MDD.</p><p><b>SEARCH STRATEGY</b>We conducted electronic and non-electronic searches to identify all relevant randomized, double-blind controlled trials. Reference lists of all retrieved articles were searched for relevant studies.</p><p><b>INCLUSION CRITERIA</b>The criteria for study selection included the following: (1) adults (aged 18 and older) with symptoms of depression, (2) randomized controlled trial, (3) effects of saffron supplementation on depressive symptoms examined, and (4) study had either a placebo control or antidepressant comparison group.</p><p><b>DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS</b>Using random effects modeling procedures, we calculated weighted mean effect sizes separately for the saffron supplementation vs placebo control groups, and for the saffron supplementation vs antidepressant groups. The methodological quality of all studies was assessed using the Jadad score. The computer software Comprehensive Meta-analysis 2 was used to analyze the data.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Based on our pre-specified criteria, five randomized controlled trials (n = 2 placebo controlled trials, n = 3 antidepressant controlled trials) were included in our review. A large effect size was found for saffron supplementation vs placebo control in treating depressive symptoms (M ES = 1.62, P < 0.001), revealing that saffron supplementation significantly reduced depression symptoms compared to the placebo control. A null effect size was evidenced between saffron supplementation and the antidepressant groups (M ES = -0.15) indicating that both treatments were similarly effective in reducing depression symptoms. The mean Jadad score was 5 indicating high quality of trials.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Findings from clinical trials conducted to date indicate that saffron supplementation can improve symptoms of depression in adults with MDD. Larger clinical trials, conducted by research teams outside of Iran, with long-term follow-ups are needed before firm conclusions can be made regarding saffron's efficacy and safety for treating depressive symptoms.</p>

Combined effects of gamma irradiation and silver nano particles packing on the chemical characteristics and sensory properties of saffron, using hurdle technology

Saffron, the dried stigmas of crocus sativus, is the world's most expensive spice which has been used as food additive and flavoring agent. The aim of the present study has been to investigate the combination effects of gamma irradiation and silver nano particles packing on the chemical properties of saffron during storage time. A combination of hurdles can ensure stability and microbial safety of foods. To investigate the combination effects, saffron samples were packed by Poly Ethylene films which were possed up to 300 ppm nano silver particles as antimicrobial agents and then irradiated in cobalt-60 irradiator [gamma cell Model: PX30, dose rate 0.55 Gy/sec] to 0, 1, 2 ,3 and 4 kGy at room temperature. UVspectrophotometer was used to quantify the most important components crocin, picrocrocin and safranal which were respectively responsible for color, taste and odor. Statistical analysis showed that irradiation and silver nano particles films packing could increase the flavor and aroma of saffron, and the best optimum dose of irradiation was 2 kGy. Also, sensory evaluation showed no significant difference between them [P<0.05]. Hurdle technology has been more effective than irradiation or nano-silver particles packing methods. Therefore combined method can be used for microbial decontamination of saffron with no significant differences on chemical characteristics and sensory attributes

Herbal medicine in the treatment of premenstrual syndromes

Premenstrual syndromes [PMS] are a group of menstrually related, chronic and cyclical disorders characterized by emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms in the second half [luteal phase] of the menstrual cycle. Several line of evidence point to a significant role of the serotonergic system in the course of the luteal phase in women with PMS/ Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. It has been reported that herbal medicine is useful in relieving the symptoms of PMS. An American telephone survey suggested that up to 80% self-medicating sufferers use complementary remedies. This review focused on herbal medicine in the treatment of PMS