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Crocus sativus against cancer
... Crocetin and crocetin di-glucose ester can scavenge free radicals, especially superoxide anions, and therefore they can protect cells from oxidative stress associated with many neurodegenerative disorders (23,24). Furthermore, experimentally, saffron extract and crocin have demonstrated activities in preventing and treating some malignancies (25,26). The objectives of this review are to present research progress in anticancer effects of saffron and crocin and the underlying mechanisms of action. ...
... Based on quantitative determination, the mature saffron should contain the required amount of total crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin (31). The toxicity data suggest that saffron is safe for humans since the LD 50 of saffron in animals was as high as 20 g/kg (25). ...
... Saffron had antiproliferative effects against cancer cells in low concentrations without influencing the growth of healthy cells (25,31). Significant colony formation inhibition and synthesis of cellular DNA/RNA was observed by the treatment of saffron on HeLa cells, with relatively low IC 50 (less than 150 μg/mL) (32). ...
Background and objective:
Cancer is a major public health problem in the world, and it dramatically affects the life expectancy of patients and their quality of life. Natural products from botanicals could be beneficial in the prevention or treatment of a variety of cancers. Saffron (the extract of Crocus sativus) includes its major constituent, crocin, have been used as a folk medicine for a long time, and they have shown obvious cancer chemoprevention potential. The objectives of this review are to present the progress of research on the effects of saffron and crocin in cancer management and the underlying mechanisms of action.
Methods:
We searched publications in the English language, published between January 1, 1980 and September 30, 2022, of saffron and crocin on cancer through several search engines, i.e., PubMed, SciFinder and Web of Science.
Key content and findings:
In this article, we first summarize the phytochemical studies of this botanical. Then, we present the anticancer effects of saffron and crocin on different human cancer cells. Saffron and crocin showed obvious antiproliferative effects on human cancer cell lines, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, leukemia, glioblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Finally, the anticancer-related mechanisms of action are summarized, including cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 or G2/M phases, induction of caspase-dependent apoptosis, signaling pathway-linked tumor metabolism regulation, and adaptive immunity regulated inflammation of host immune responses.
Conclusions:
Previous studies related to saffron and crocin in cancer management have been reviewed and reported results have been analyzed. Clinical data suggest that saffron and crocin have beneficial effects to improve quality of life in cancer patients. Thus, saffron and crocin can be considered promising candidates for future clinical cancer studies.
... Previous studies have shown that crocetin and crocetin di-glucose ester scavenged free radicals, especially superoxide anions, and thus protect cells from oxidative stress (Bors et al., 1982;Erben-Russ et al., 1987), responsible for many neurodegenerative disorders. Studies have also demonstrated that saffron extract and its major constituent, crocin, may have activities against various malignancies in addition to other pharmacological activities (Abdullaev, 2003;Aung et al., 2007). ...
... Saffron had selective cytotoxic effects against tumor cells instead of healthy cells with a relatively low concentration range (Abdullaev, 2003;Schmidt et al., 2007). Incubation of HeLa cells with saffron extract resulted in obvious inhibition of colony formation and cellular DNA and RNA synthesis, with IC 50 at 100-150 μg/ml (Abdullaev & Frenkel, 1992). ...
... Saffron has been found to have non-mutagenic and non-antimutagenic activities against BPinduced mutagenicity. In the in vitro colony formation test system, saffron displayed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect only against human malignant cells (Abdullaev et al., 2003). Aung et al. (2007) demonstrated that Crocus sativus and its major constituent, crocin, significantly inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer cell lines and non-small cell lung cancer cell line (NSCLC). ...
Context:
Cancer dramatically impacts human life expectancy and quality of life. Natural substances from vegetables, herbs and spices could be beneficial in the prevention or treatment of a variety of cancers. Crocus sativus (Iridaceae), which has been used as a folk medicine for treating diseases for ages, showed obvious cancer chemoprevention potential.
Objective:
This article focuses on the effects of Crocus sativus and its main ingredients, such as crocin, on cancer therapeutics.
Methods:
We reviewed research data from saffron, a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, and its constituents using the major databases, namely, Web of Science, SciFinder and PubMed.
Results and conclusion:
Saffron possesses free radical-scavenging properties and antitumor activities. Significant cancer chemopreventive effects have been shown in both in vitro and in vivo models. Based on current data, saffron and its ingredients could be considered as a promising candidate for clinical anticancer trials.
... О'simlikning suvli еritmаsi tinchlаntiruvchi, оg'riq qоldiruvchi, ich kеtish, siydik hаydоvchi аntispаzmаtik, аntisеptik хususiyаtgа еgа [3]. ...
... Mеksikа Fаnlаr аkаdеmiyаsining аkаdеmigi, lаbоrаtоriyаlаr rаhbаri Fikrеt Аbdullаеv еkmа zа'fаrоn хususiyаtini uzоq yillаr о'rgаnishi nаtijаsidа , zа'fаrоn tаrkibidаgi kаrаtinоidlаr аjrаlmаs qismi bо'lib, sаrаtоn kаsаlligini rivоjlаnishigа tо'sqinlik qilib, sаrаtоn hujаyrаlаrining о'sishigа tо'sqinlik kо'rsаtishi vа uning bоshlаng'ich bоsqichidа bо'lsа butunlаy tо'хtаshini аniqlаgаn [3]. ...
Annotatsiya: Maqolada crоcus sаtivus l turkumining хаlq хо'jаligidаgi аhаmiyаti yoritilgan. Ekmа zа'fаrоndаn nаfаqаt хаlq tаbоbаti bаlki, оziq-оvqаt sоhаsidа tаоmlаrgа хushtа'm bеruvchi zirаvоr, mаtоlаrgа rаng bеrish hаmdа аtir-upа sаnоаtidа хushbо'y hid bеrish mаqsаdidа hаm fоydаlаnilаdi. Еkmа zа'fаrоndаn tibbiyоtdа kо'zgа tоmizish uchun dоri tаyyоrlаsh, quvvаtsizlikdа dаrmоn-dоri tаyyоrlаshdа fоydаlаnilаdi. Kalit so'zlar; Crоcus sаtivus l, oziq-оvqаt sаnоаti, tinchlаntiruvchi, оg'riq qоldiruvchi, аntisеptik, turkum. Аннотация: В статье подчеркнуто значение вида Crocus sativus l в народном хозяйстве. Шафран посаженный используется не только в народной медицине, но и как вкусовая пряность в пищевой промышленности, для окраски тканей, как ароматизатор в парфюмерной промышленности. Экма-шафран используется в медицине для приготовления лекарств для глазных капель и для приготовления лекарств от импотенции. Ключевые слова; Crocus sativus l, пищевая промышленность, седативное, болеутоляющее, антисептическое средство, категория. Abstract: In Macola, the importance of crocus sativus l species in the national economy is highlighted. Cultivated saffron is used not only as a folk medicine, but also as a flavoring spice for food, as a dye for fabrics, and as a fragrance in the art of perfumery. Ekma saffron is used in medicine for the preparation of medicine for eye drops, for the preparation of medicines for strengthening.
... 1 Vice-chan cel lor, Uttar Pradesh Uni ver sity of Med i cal Sci ences, Saifai, Etawah, U.P. 2 As so ci ate Pro fes sor, De part ment of Phys io ther apy, UPUMS, Saifai, Etawah, UP. ...
... (58) Crocus Sativus : Saffron has been found to have non-mutagenic and non-antimutagenic activities against BP-induced mutagenicity. In the in vitro colony formation test system, saffron displayed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect only against human malignant cells (2). (12) demonstrated that C. sativus and its major constituent, crocin, significantly inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT-116, HT-29, SW-480) and non-small cell lung cancer cell line (NSCLC). ...
... The saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus L.) was the first to be cultivated and has been grown for economic purposes since ancient times. Abdullaev (2003) pointed out that the saffron could be useful in cancer chemoprevention in the immediate future [1]. Different studies on some Crocus species have been found in the literature [4,8,10,18]. ...
... The saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus L.) was the first to be cultivated and has been grown for economic purposes since ancient times. Abdullaev (2003) pointed out that the saffron could be useful in cancer chemoprevention in the immediate future [1]. Different studies on some Crocus species have been found in the literature [4,8,10,18]. ...
In this study, the anatomical characteristics of Crocus olivieri subsp. olivieri (Iridaceae) were investigated. The cross-sections of root, stem and leaf parts of the plant were examined and demonstrated by photographs. In anatomical research, we determined that root of the taxon was typical monocotyledonous root and the vascular bundles located in the stem showed both peripheral and also central arrangement.
... Journal for Research in Applied Sciences and Biotechnology www.jrasb.com Because of how common cancer is all throughout the world, it has become a significant problem for public health 2 . Every year, an estimated 182 out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with cancer, and of those, an average of 102 people pass away as a direct result of the disease. ...
The initial step in the progression of cancer is the deformation of normal cells, which is caused by mutations in the DNA of the cell. This abnormal cell, during the process of it's asexual reproduction, acquires invasion characteristics and causes alterations in the tissues that are around it, while at the same time ignoring signals linked to the regulation of cell growth that are present in its immediate environment. It would appear that a significant number of the chemical compounds that are created by plants do not play any direct role in the growth of plants. These kinds of molecules are referred to by the phrase "secondary metabolite," which is short for "secondary metabolites." Essential components include alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, pigments, and tannins. Secondary metabolites are responsible for a wide variety of biological effects, including those on hematopoietic cells, lipids, and the cardiovascular system. Other biological effects can also be linked to secondary metabolites.
... Journal for Research in Applied Sciences and Biotechnology www.jrasb.com Because of how common cancer is all throughout the world, it has become a significant problem for public health 2 . Every year, an estimated 182 out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with cancer, and of those, an average of 102 people pass away as a direct result of the disease. ...
The initial step in the progression of cancer is the deformation of normal cells, which is caused by mutations in the DNA of the cell. This abnormal cell, during the process of it’s asexual reproduction, acquires invasion characteristics and causes alterations in the tissues that are around it, while at the same time ignoring signals linked to the regulation of cell growth that are present in its immediate environment. It would appear that a significant number of the chemical compounds that are created by plants do not play any direct role in the growth of plants. These kinds of molecules are referred to by the phrase "secondary metabolite," which is short for "secondary metabolites." Essential components include alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, pigments, and tannins. Secondary metabolites are responsible for a wide variety of biological effects, including those on hematopoietic cells, lipids, and the cardiovascular system. Other biological effects can also be linked to secondary metabolites.
... Dried stigmas of saffron flowers compose the most expensive spice which has been valuable since ancient times for its odoriferous, coloring and its medicinal properties 8 . Saffron has been also used as a drug to treat various human health conditions such as coughs, stomach disorders, colic, insomnia, chronic uterine haemorrhage, femine disorder, scarlet fever, smallpox, colds, asthma and cardiovascular disorders [9][10][11] . Earlier reports say that extractive of saffron shows antitumor effect against different malignant cells 12 and different tumors as well as cancers in ancient time 13 .The present study is focused to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity along with apoptotic activity of ethanolic extracts of C. sativus (CSEE). ...
Inflammation is a body reaction which embroils cellular and biochemical responses, which is not only symptom for shared diseases but also known to be an initial phase for certain serious Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart vascular diseases. In order to overcome these drawbacks, there is an urgent need for nutraceuticals with excellent anti-inflammatory response with minimum side effects. Aim: An attempt has been made to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity along with gene expression analysis on ethanolic extracts of Crocus sativus (CSEE). Dried stigmas of C. sativus were analyzed for anti-inflammatory activity by macrophage scavenging assay. In this study, the phagocytic activity of the extract was tested on oxidative burst reduction of macrophages. RT-PCR was performed to analyze the anti-apoptotic gene expression during cell death, as a result of the compound treatment on cancer cells. The CSEE unveiled high phagocytic activity on the oxidative burst reduction, presenting intracellular killing and the enhancement of lysosomal enzyme activity, showing the active degranulation of macrophages. These findings suggest that C. sativus possessed excellent anti-inflammatory as well as apoptotic activities. Hence it was proposed that C. sativus could be exploited against oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, cancer and ageing therapy to justify their use in traditional medicine as a nutraceutical.
... The active constituents of saffron are crocin and crocetin, known for their antineoplastic activity by inhibiting cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis (Zheng et al. 2016). There are also reports which suggest selective effects of saffron against cancer cell at relatively low concentration (Abdullaev 2003;Schmidt et al. 2007). Saffron extract and crocetin can bind easily at the PCP binding site of the NMDA receptor and at the sigma-1 receptor, whereas picrocrocin and crocins had no effective binding effect (Lechtenberg et al. 2008). ...
Nowadays cancer has become a common and life-threatening disease, claiming millions of lives and adding many more millions of new cases every year globally. Due to increasing incidences of cancer, a new trend is emerging globally due to accessibility of information on the internet; a lot of cancer patients’ claimed to be “cancer survivor” by use of dietary supplements or nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals are rich source of nutrients or part of a food that has a medical or health benefit, including the prevention and treatment of diseases. In this chapter, we will discuss the most important nutraceuticals as a source of anticancer agents, such as green tea, chili, pepper, saffron, turmeric, soy, black pepper, fenugreek, cloves, and ginger. These agents are the source of phytomolecules, such as curcumin, crocin, crocetin, capsaicin, diosgenin, isoflavones, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, piperine, eugenol, and gingerol. It has been reported that these phytomolecules are able to prevent, reverse, or delay the carcinogenic process. Over the decades, attention over these nutraceuticals has been increased due to their promising effects on tumor cells. These nutraceuticals exhibit anticancer properties by induction of apoptosis, DNA damage, causing G2/M arrest, inhibition of proliferation, migration and invasion of cancer cells, and sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The aim of this chapter is to focus on the sources of nutraceutical compounds and their importance in the management of cancer. Moreover, the mechanism of action is also highlighted.
... In folk medicine of Azerbaijan, saffron was recommended in whooping cough, hysterical spasms, as a means of stimulating sexual activity. Abdullaev pointed out that saffron can be useful in cancer chemoprophylaxis soon [2]. ...
Bioecological features were studied: the beginning of vegetation, budding, flowering biology, vegetative
propagation. The optimum air humidity, air temperature, and soil surface temperature were determined. At the same
time, an optimal variant was developed for the cultivation of saffron sowing in the conditions of our republic.
... In folk medicine of Azerbaijan, saffron was recommended in whooping cough, hysterical spasms, as a means of stimulating sexual activity. Abdullaev pointed out that saffron can be useful in cancer chemoprophylaxis soon [2]. ...
Bioecological features were studied: the beginning of vegetation, budding, flowering biology, vegetative
propagation. The optimum air humidity, air temperature, and soil surface temperature were determined. At the same
time, an optimal variant was developed for the cultivation of saffron sowing in the conditions of our republic.
... Recently, there has been increasing interest in the biological effects of the components of saffron. In particular, their potential medical applications, especially those based on their cytotoxic, mood elevating, liver detoxifying, analgesic and antitumor properties (Ma, et al., 2001;Abdullaev, 2003;Schmidt, et al., 2007;Siracusa, et al., 2010). For these reasons, saffron is the world's most expensive spice (Kafi, 2006). ...
To develop saffron planting in Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran, a split-split plot experiment based on CRBD was carried out in the Urmia University's research farm for two years (2013-14). Nanofertilizers (Fe, P, K and no-fertilizer (control)) as main plots, saffron ecotypes (Mashhad, Torbat-Heydarieh, Torbat-jam, Gonabad, Ghaen and Birjand) as subplots and maternal corm weight (6, 8, 10 and 12 g) as sub-sub plots were considered. Throughout the two years of the study, results showed significant differences between nanofertilizers levels, saffron ecotypes, maternal corm weight and their interactions in terms of all flowering traits. Results highlighted the importance of the nanofertilizers on improving saffron yield. In addition, it was also clear that Fe, P and K nanofertilizers all had positive effects on the saffron flowering. The results also illustrated that the high yield ecotypes Torbat-Heydarieh and Mashhad in Urmia region were due to similar climatic conditions of these regions. These results emphasized the importance of the mother corm weight on increasing saffron flowering was much better than both the nanofertilizer and saffron ecotype. As the mother corm weight increases from 6 to 12 grams, all the studied traits, including dry saffron yield and flower number also increased, by 5.17 times and 4.4 times, respectively. The results of stepwise regression and correlation coefficients noted that flower number, dry and fresh flower weight were the most effective traits on dry saffron yield. In total, it was concluded that saffron flowering traits are strongly influenced by environmental conditions and farm management. Therefore, the correct choice of saffron ecotypes, nanofertilizer and maternal corm weight are vital factors in farm management and economic saffron production.
... Some types of Crocus L. were used for the preparation of dyes, perfumes and medicines back in 1600 BC. F. Abdullayev (2003) pointed out that saffron may be useful in chemoprevention of cancer in the near future [5]. Morphological features of Crocus alatavicus Regel et Semen and Crocus korolkovii Regel & Maw in Tashkent conditions were studied by AH Sharipov [6]. ...
The results of the study Crocus korolkovii Regel & Maw, were introduced into the
Tashkent Botanical Garden. Bioecological features, morphological and anatomical
characteristics of Crocus korolkovii were studied. Phenology was studied by I.N. Beideman, biology bloom by A.P.
Ponomarev, breeding and seed production of plants by T.T. Rakhimova. The study
of the biology of flowering determined the optimal humidity, air temperature
and soil surface. The anatomic study used fresh tissue samples which were fixed
in 70% alcohol. A cross-section of the sheet and the structure of the flower in
the introduction of conditions were studied.
... Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) plant native to Southwest Asia. Significant information points to the ability of saffron to inhibit cancer (Abdullaev, 2003). Aqueous saffron preparations have been reported to inhibit chemically induced skin carcinogenesis (Das et al., 2004). ...
The aim and objective of the present study is to perform in-silico docking analysis of the major active constituents identified in four Indian medicinal plants namely Crocus sativus, Curcuma longa, Cassia occidentalis and Moringa oleifera for anti-cancer activity. In-silico docking analysis was performed by using Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD). The parameter used for the docking analysis are MolDock score, Rerank score and H-Bond interactions (binding energy). The target for anti-cancer activity is thymidylate synthase. The X-Ray crystal co-ordinate of thymidylate synthase (PDB ID- 1HVY) was retrieved from protein data bank in .pdb format. The phytoconstituents of four medicinal plants were retrieved from PubChem compound database in .mol format. The standard drugs Ralitrexed, 5-Fluorouracil and Vinblastine were obtained from the drug bank in .mol format for comparison. The comparative anti-cancer activity of the phytoconstituents of four medicinal plants are analysed by docking score and binding energy. It was analysed from the parameters of docking that the phytoconstituents from Crocus sativum showed better anti-cancer activity compared to that of the standard drugs.
... damascenus) (Baytop 1984). The extract of Crocus taxa has antitumor, antimutagenic and cytototic activities (Nair et al. 1991, Abdullaev 2003. Therefore, they are used for Behçet and gut diseases, treatment of joint pains and cancer research, recently. ...
Relationships among 14 Crocus L. taxa such as, C. ancyrensis (Herbert) Maw, C. baytopiorum Mathew, C. biflorus Miller ssp. crewei (Hook.) Mathew, C. biflorus ssp. isauricus (Siehe ex Bowles) Mathew, C. biflorus ssp. nubigena (Herbert) Mathew, C. biflorus ssp. pseudonubigena Mathew, C. cancellatus Herbert ssp. cancellatus, C. cancellatus ssp. damascenus (Herb ert) Mathew, C. cancellatus ssp. lycius Mathew, C. cancellatus ssp. mazziaricus (Herbert) Mathew, C. cancellatus ssp. pamphylicus Mathew, C. pestalozzae Boiss., C. reticulatus Steven ex Adams ssp. hittiticus (T. Baytop & Mathew) Mathew and C. sieheanus Barr ex Burtt collected from different two locations of Turkey have been investigated using 11 anatomic leaves characters. These taxa are endemic (except ssp. damascenus) and rare in Turkey. The anatomical variations in the cross sections of the leaf parts of the taxa were ascertained by statistical methods. It appears that the length and breadth measurements of palisade and spongy parenchyma cells, trachea diameter and cuticle thickness are important leaf anatomical characters that show variation in relation to altitudes. Introduction Genus Crocus (Iridaceae) comprises approximately 88 species distributed in the Mediterranean region. The taxa are distributed both in Turkey and in South Western Europe, South-Western parts of Asia and Western part of China (Alavi-Kia et al. 2008, Petersen et al. 2008, Kandemir 2009). Turkey has many endemic and rare Crocus taxa. Seventy two taxa are distributed in Turkey and 35 of them are endemic (Mathew 1984, 1988; 2000, Kerndorff and Pasche 2004, Özhatay et al. 2009). When the diversity of the taxa is taken into consideration, Turkey may be considered as the homeland of Crocus taxa. The investigated taxa are placed to Reticulati series (C. ancyrensis, C. cancellatus, C. reticulatus and C. sieheanus) and Biflori series (C. biflorus and C. pestalozzae) of Nudiscapus sectio and Verni series (C. baytopiorum) of Crocus sectio.
... Crocus spp. have been used in the treatment of dysentery, measles, enlargement of the liver and gall bladder, urological infections, cough, stomach disorders, asthma and cardiovascular disorders[25]. Recent studies indicate its potential as an anticancer, antitumoral, cytotoxic, hypolipidaemic, anti-inflammatory and oxygenation enhancement agent[26-28]. ...
Two different bioassays (antibacterial and antitumor) were performed to evaluate the biological activities of 8 different Turkish endemic plants (Crocus abantensis T.Baytop & Mathew, Crocus ancyrensis (Herbert) Maw, Galanthus plicatus Bieb. subsp. byzantinus (Baker) D.A. Webb., Paronychia chionaea Boiss, Astragalus gymnolobus Fischer, Trifolium pannonicum Jacq. subsp.elongatum (Willd.) Zoh., Eryngium bithynicum Boiss and Convolvulus galaticus Rostan ex Choisy). For each plant, 3 different extracts (aqueous, methanol and ethanol) were prepared and totally 24 extracts were tested. The disc diffusion assay was used to screen for antibacterial activity. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia marcescens, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae which are Gram-negative bacteria, and Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus pyogenes which are Gram-positive bacteria were used. Best antibacterial activity was observed with T. pannonicum extracts. Ethanolic extract of T. pannonicum was better than aqueous and methanolic extracts against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. pyogenes, P. vulgaris and K. pneumonia. Antitumor activity was evaluated with potato disc diffusion bioassay. Best antitumor activity was observed with all extracts of G. plicatus. Generally, alcoholic extracts showed better antitumor activity than aqueous extracts. Alcoholic extracts of C. abantensis, C. ancyrensis, P. chionae and C. galaticus also exhibited strong antitumor activity.
... In addition, some Crocus species have been used for making dye, perfume and medicaments. It has been reported by Abdullaev (2003) that saffron could be effective in cancer chemoprevention in the future. ...
Morphology, anatomy and ecology of endemic species Crocus pestalozzae Boiss. (Iridaceae), have been investigated during flowering period in early spring. The bulbous plant grows in moist heath, meadowland and rocky areas in the North-West of Turkey. Morphological properties of plant parts have been described in detail. Transverse sections of roots, stems and leaves have been illustrated and the anatomical characters of arms, keel, papillae, mesophyll and vascular bundles of leaf have been described. Population status of the plant has also been determined.
... Recently, some researchers have reported that the extract of Crocus spp. has antitumor, antimutagenic and cytotoxic activities and inhibits nucleic acid synthesis in human malignant cells (Nair et al. 1991, Abdullaev et al. 2003, Loscutov et al. 2000, Fatehi et al. 2003. In the present study morphology and anatomy of the three subspecies of C. speciosus has been carried out. ...
Moprhology and anatomy of Crocus speciosus Bieb. subsp. speciosus, C. speciosus Bieb. subsp. ilgazensis, C. speciosus subsp. xantholaimos were done. Two of them (subsp. ilgazensis and xantholaimos) are endemic to small areas of Turkey. The subsp. xantholaimos has flowers with tube stained yellow. The subsp. ilgazensis has a corm splitting into vertical fibres. Thes e properties are characteristic for the two subspecies investigated. Cross-sections of root and aerial stem of three subspecies were examined and characterized. A key to the identification of the three taxa, based solely on anatomical features is provided here.
... Primary prevention, by control of modifiable risk factors and increased surveillance of persons at increased risk, is important in decreasing morbidity and mortality of this harmful disease (3). The inhibitory effects of several chemicals or herbal components in experimental carcinogenesis have been reported (9, 37, 38, 43, 44) (22, 45-48). In continue to our previous studies on the anticancer effect of saffron and its constituents (49), we decided to evaluate the usefulness of saffron aqueous extract (SAE) on treatment of gastric cancer in the model rats. ...
Objective(s): Gastric cancer is the first and second leading cause of cancer related death in Iranian men and women, respectively. Gastric cancer management is based on the surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In the present study, for the first time, the beneficial effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) aqueous extract (SAE) on the 1-Methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastric cancer in rat was investigated.
Materials and Methods: MNNG was used to induce gastric cancer and then, different concentrations of SAE were administered to rats. After sacrificing, the stomach tissue was investigated by both pathologist and flow cytometry, and several biochemical parameters was determined in the plasma (or serum) and stomach of rats.
Results: Pathologic data indicated the induction of cancer at different stages from hyperplasia to adenoma in rats; and the inhibition of cancer progression in the gastric tissue by SAE administration; so that, 20% of cancerous rats treated with higher doses of SAE was completely normal at the end of experiment and there was no rat with adenoma in the SAE treated groups. In addition, the results of the flow cytometry/ propidium iodide staining showed that the apoptosis/proliferation ratio was increased due to the SAE treatment of cancerous rats. Moreover, the significantly increased serum LDH and decreased plasma antioxidant activity due to cancer induction fell backwards after treatment of rats with SAE. But changes in the other parameters (Ca2+, tyrosine kinase activity and carcino-embryonic antigen) were not significant.
Conclusion: SAE inhibits the progression of gastric cancer in rats, in a dose dependent manner.
... (5) In addition, saffron is used in cosmetic products. (11) There are several reports on the anticarcinogenic effects of saffron. (6,7) In a research on ethanolic extract of saffron on Hela cells (cervix epitheloid carcinoma cells), Abdullaev and Frenkel documented the a significant inhibitory effect of colony formation and intracellular DNA and RNA synthesis. ...
Saffron has been suggested to have inhibitory effects on tumoral cells. We evaluated the cytotoxic effect of aqueous extract of saffron on human transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and mouse non-neoplastic fibroblast cell lines.
Human TCC 5637 cell line and mouse fibroblast cell line (L929) were cultivated and incubated with different concentrations of aqueous extract of saffron stigma (50 microg/mL to 4000 microg/mL). Cytotoxic effect of saffron was evaluated by morphologic observation and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay after 24, 48, 72, and 120 hours in each cell line.
After 24 hours, morphological observations showed growth inhibitory effects at saffron extract concentrations higher than 200 microg/mL for L929 cells and at concentrations of 50 microg/mL to 200 microg/mL for the TCC cells. These changes became more prominent after 48 hours. However, significant growth inhibitory effects of the extract were shown at concentrations of 400 microg/mL and 800 microg/mL. Higher concentrations of saffron correlated inversely with cell population of both cell lines. Significant reduction of the survived cells was seen at concentrations of 400 microg/mL and 2000 microg/mL for TCC and L929 cell lines, respectively. After 120 hours, decrease in the percentage of survived cells at higher concentrations of saffron extract was seen in both cell lines. At a concentration of 800 microg/mL, the survived L929 cells plummeted to less than 60% after 120 hours, while no TCC cells survived at this time. No L929 cells survived at 2000 microg/mL.
Saffron aqueous extract has inhibitory effects on the growth of both TCC 5637 and normal L929 cell lines. This effect is dose dependent.
... Since ancient times saffron has been considered to have a number of therapeutic properties, it has been used as a sedative, a tonic, a stimulant of the stomach and an expectorant in traditional medicine. It has also been used to treat several human health conditions, including ailments such as dysentery, measles, enlargement of the liver and gall bladder, urological infections, cough, stomach disorders, asthma and cardiovascular disorders (Abdullaev, 2003a;Abdullaev, 2003b). Saffron is the world's most expensive spice and, apart from its traditional value as a food additive and traditional herbal medicine, recent studies indicate its potential as an anticancer, antitumoural, cytotoxic, hypolipidaemic, antiinflammatory and oxygenation enhancement agent (Nair et al., 1995;Rvos et al., 1996;Escribano et al., 1996;Hosseinzadeh and Younesi, 2002). ...
Radical scavenging activity is involved in aging processes, antiinflammatory, anticancer and wound healing activity. Hence, in the present study the DPPH radical scavenging activity of a natural product that possesses biological properties, an extract of Crocus sativus L. (saffron), grown in Crocos, Kozani (Greece), and some of its bioactive constituents (crocin, safranal) was studied.
It was shown that a methanol extract of Crocus sativus exhibited high antioxidant activity, although it contains several active and inactive constituents. In trying to approximate a structure-activity relationship, two bioactive constituents of saffron extract were tested, namely crocin and safranal. Crocin showed high radical scavenging activity (50% and 65% for 500 and 1000 ppm solution in methanol, respectively), followed by safranal (34% for 500 ppm solution). All the tested samples showed high radical scavenging activity, probably due to the ability to donate a hydrogen atom to the DPPH radical.
Thus, saffron grown in Greece can be used promisingly in functional foods, drinks with antioxidant activity, in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations for their antioxidant activity and probably for their antiaging activity. Saffron can also be used internally in the form of powder or other pharmacotechnical formulae as a food supplement with antioxidant properties. Copyright
Saffron, the king of condiments, is the dried crimson stigma of Crocus sativus L. It is an autumn-flowering herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Iridaceae. C. sativus is traditionally used as medicine in Chinese, Ayurvedic, Persian, and Unani medicinal systems. Mainly, it is grown in Afghanistan, Morocco, Iran, India, Spain and Italy. It is estimated that approximately 418 t year−1 saffron is produced on 121,338 ha, worldwide. The plant is triploid and is mostly cultivated through corms. Soil quality, temperature, photoperiod, and topographical areas are the key environmental factors influencing the production of saffron. Its popularity is increasing due to its intriguing uses in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Among spices it is the most expensive, because of the presence of three bioactive constituents namely crocin, safranal and picrocrocincin. This chapter includes the study of qualitative, economic, agronomic, ethnobotanical, and medicinal aspects of saffron.
Herbal medicine is a complementary therapy that some people with cancer use to ease cancer symptoms and relieve treatment side effects. Mesothelioma patients should discuss herbal medicine with their doctor to avoid drug interactions and negative treatment consequences. Is Herbal Medicine Safe for Cancer Patients? Herbs may seem harmless, but sometimes they can interfere with cancer treatment. For example, some herbs can prevent chemotherapy and radiation therapy from killing cancer cells. Certain herbs enhance the effect of chemotherapy in a toxic way that leads to unwanted side effects. Doctors recommend patients avoid herbs during treatment. It won’t be safe until research can identify which herbs are safe to combine with cancer treatment. Clinical trials that combine herbal medicine with cancer therapies are relatively new to the United States. China has performed such trials since the early 1900s. Cancer doctors rely on clinical trials to recommend treatments that are proven effective.
Morphologic indexes of Tulipa buhseana Boiss were studied in five different сoenopopulations (СP) in the south-western
Kyzylkum desert (Uzbekistan).
Morphological indexes and seed productive of the T.buhseana Boiss were studied in five separated CPs. Morphological indexes of plants
and seed productive were given by the isolated 10 plants from each CPs under average biometric indexes. About 215 seeds in the seed box
were registered. Usually, T.buhseana Boiss two leaves were registered in all studied CPs. According to literature, T.buhseana has 2–3 flowers,
but in wetlands it produces up to 8 flowers, which was determined during our observation
Biofuels have been extensively promoted by many countries worldwide as a means to contribute to improved national energy security via reduced dependency on imported fossil fuels. They are also widely perceived as "green fuels" providing environmental benefits that are particularly emphasized for climate change mitigation through reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the rapid increase in the production and use of ethanol and biodiesel over the last decade has been accompanied with rising concerns over the environmental benefits and cost competitiveness they may offer. In this chapter the case of cassava ethanol is taken as an example to address such concerns with a particular focus on Thailand where biofuels have been actively promoted over the last 15 years. To maintain the GHG performance and cost competitiveness of cassava ethanol as compared to its fossil equivalent gasoline, careful considerations are required over a range of parameters including, but not limited to, agricultural intensification of cassava production, land use expansion/land use change, enhanced productivity and co-products utilization, etc. Life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions and life-cycle costing studies have been conducted to evaluate the influence of these parameters and help maintain the benefits from biofuels.
Cancer is one of the major health problems around the globe and the numbers of cases of this disease are increasing gradually. There are several medicines available for the treatment of various types of cancer but no drug is found to be fully effective and safe. On account of the side effects of radiotherapy and surgery the usual procedures of allopathic medicine, scientists are in search of complementary and alternative medicine for the management of cancer. Ayurveda, the oldest Indian medicine system is known from very early times for preventing or suppressing various tumors using the natural drugs. Natural products used in Ayurveda have proved effective and safe in the treatment and management of cancers. Hence, nowadays most of the research work on cancer drugs is targeted on plants and plants derived natural products. This review focuses on natural products and herbs which have been identifi ed as potent anti-cancer agents. Along with the Ayurvedic medicine cancer can be prevented with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
The morphological and anatomical characteristics of Crocus flavus Weston subsp. flavus, (Iridaceae) were investigated. Cross-sections of the root, stem, corm and leaf parts of C. flavus subsp. flavus were examined and cross-sections of the root, stem and leaf demonstrated by illustrations. The corm-tunic is membranous, splitting into vertical fibres and lacking distinct horizontal rings at the base. The style is obscurely trilobed or slightly divided. These features are characteristic of C. flavus subsp. flavus. Differences such as shape of leaf keel and branching of style were determined by comparing the results obtained from this subspecies with the results obtained from the other subspecies Crocus flavus Weston subsp. dissectus and species of Iridaceae in previous studies.
From ancient times, saffron dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. is widely used as a drug against different human diseases. In the beginning of 1990's scientific literature reported for the first time the antitumor activity of saffron. During the last decade different laboratories of the world (including ours) have accumulated sufficient scientific evidence to suggest that saffron, and its main ingredients, can inhibit the process of carcinogenesis in vivo and in vitro effectively. The aim of this work has been to summarize and discuss the scientific results obtained in our laboratory, together with data collected from the literature, about the antitumor and anticarcinogenic activities of saffron and its main ingredients, and the possible molecular mechanism of these actions. Saffron and its carotenoid ingredients are chemopreventive in cultivate human malignant cells and animal models, inhibiting cell growth. This could explain how they reduce outgrowth of tumor cells in vivo. It has been shown that those malignant cells are more sensitive than normal cells to the inhibitory effect of saffron. Inhibition of intracellular nucleic acid synthesis and free radical chain reactions may contribute to explain the molecular mechanism of antitumor effect of saffron. Although, it may be too soon to celebrate, the antitumor activity of saffron is quite promising and warrants further investigations, especially in clinical trials.
It is the member of Iridaceae family (Liliales, monocots) whose genomes are relatively large and are poorly characterized. Among the 85 species belonging to genus Crocus, saffron is the most fascinating and intriguing species. Saffron, Crocus sativus L., is a sterile triploid plant that is naturally propagated by daughter corms developed on mother corms. The intense orange color of saffron hints of its medical nature. Saffron is known for its possible therapeutic effect on cancer, recently received scientific recognition as a potential source of new medicines. The principal pigment of saffron is crocin, safranal, glycoside picrocrocin, crocetin, besides these, a new class of defense chitinase namely Safchia A has recently been isolated from saffron. There has been little success in enhancing the levels of these bioactive molecules of commercial importance. It has been observed that this plant represents variegated blend of genetically heterogeneous forms-clones and it is possible to create a new high yielding cultivars of this plant on the basis of clonal selection, mutation and polyploidy. The decrease of land surface dedicated to saffron crop in many areas has possibly resulted in corresponding genetic erosion that adds up to the limited genetic variation suspected for C. sativus due to its sterile habit. Thus, the situation seems dramatic at present time and compromises any attempt of genetic improvement regarding this highly-valued crop. In recent years, there is increasing interest to explants tissue culture and genetic engineering techniques for propagation and genetic improvement of saffron. Tissue culture is useful method for large scale production of pathogen free corms. Induction of callus and subsequent regeneration of plants is suggested as possible means of introducing new variation. In vitro tissue culture for product formation their utility in increasing the amount of crocin, picrocrocin and safranal. Selection at cellular level is likely to help in isolating cell lines rich in these three chemical compounds which account for popularity of saffron stigma.
Chromosome numbers and morphometric parameters of five Crocus L. taxa were examined. Except C. specious Bieb.subsp. specious, and C. olivieri Gay subsp. olivieri, the other 3 taxa, C. abantensis T. Baytop et Mathew, C. ancyrensis (Herbert) Maw, and C. biflorus Miller subsp. pulchricolor (Herbert) Mathew all are endemic for Turkey. The chromosome numbers of C. abantensis 2n = 8 chromosomes, six of them metacentric and two were submetacentric, C. ancyrensis and C. olivieri subsp. olivieri both had 2n = 6 chromosomes and all the chromosomes were subtelocentric, finally C. specious subsp. specious and C. biflorus subsp. pulchricolor both had 2n = 8 chromosomes and all were submetacentric. Although some of the taxa chromosome numbers were known from previous studies, in this study some different counts were and their detailed karyotypes were presented.
In this study, the aim is to derive some water-based wood surface dyes which are extracted from different trees and herbaceous plants. For this purpose, wood specimens were prepared from yellow pine (Pinus sylvestris) and beech (Fagus orientalis). The extracts for dyings were derived from walnut (Juglans regia) shells skins, oleander (Nerium oleander), saffron (Crocus sativus) and madder root (Rubia tinctorium). After the application of dyes derived from plant extracts, the color value of the wood surface was determined according to the ISO 2470 standard (CIELAB-1976-Commission International de I'Eclaireage). Results showed that, all of the dyes generated from natural plant extracts had aesthetic properties; thus, they could be utilized in wood-based furniture and decoration products finishing. Keywords: CIELAB-76, natural pigments, ISO 2470, wood painting.
Objective(s): Gastric cancer is the first and second leading cause of cancer related death in Iranian men and women, respectively. Gastric cancer management is based on the surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In the present study, for the first time, the beneficial effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) aqueous extract (SAE) on the 1-Methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastric cancer in rat was investigated.
Materials and Methods: MNNG was used to induce gastric cancer and then, different concentrations of SAE were administered to rats. After sacrificing, the stomach tissue was investigated by both pathologist and flow cytometry, and several biochemical parameters was determined in the plasma (or serum) and stomach of rats.
Results: Pathologic data indicated the induction of cancer at different stages from hyperplasia to adenoma in rats; and the inhibition of cancer progression in the gastric tissue by SAE administration; so that, 20% of cancerous rats treated with higher doses of SAE was completely normal at the end of experiment and there was no rat with adenoma in the SAE treated groups. In addition, the results of the flow cytometry/ propidium iodide staining showed that the apoptosis/proliferation ratio was increased due to the SAE treatment of cancerous rats. Moreover, the significantly increased serum LDH and decreased plasma antioxidant activity due to cancer induction fell backwards after treatment of rats with SAE. But changes in the other parameters (Ca2+, tyrosine kinase activity and carcino-embryonic antigen) were not significant.
Conclusion: SAE inhibits the progression of gastric cancer in rats, in a dose dependent manner.
The study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a formulation containing honey and Saffron (Crocus sativus) against pneumonia in children. 1202 children (2-12 years, either sex) suffering from pneumonia were divided in control and test groups. Both groups were given standard treatment but the test group was also administered the preparation (Saffron 1gm + honey 300 gm) in dose of 1-3 ml twice a day for 3 months along with standard drugs. Results showed that children of test group were cured early and have no relapse during the next 6 months. Thus the formulation has a curative as well as preventive role against pneumonia.
More than 180 spice-derived compounds have been identified and explored for their health benefits (Aggarwal et al. 2008). It is beyond the scope of this chapter to deal with all herbs and spices that may influence the risk of cancer and tumor behavior. Therefore, a decision was made to review those with some of the more impressive biological responses reported in the literature, and a conscious effort was made to provide information about the amount of spices needed to bring about a response and thus their physiological relevance. When possible, recent reviews are included to provide readers with additional insights into the biological response(s) to specific spices and to prevent duplication of the scientific literature. Because there is a separate chapter devoted to curcumin (a bioactive component in turmeric) in this book and there are also several excellent reviews published about curcumin (Patel and Majumdar 2009; Aggarwal 2010; Bar-Sela, Epelbaum, and Schaffer 2010; Epstein, Sanderson, and Macdonald 2010), turmeric is not discussed in this chapter.
An evidence-based systematic review including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.
A concentrated extract of saffron was prepared from the flowers of Crocus sativis. The effect of this extract on the ability of HeLa cells to form colonies, and on cellular DNA, RNA and protein synthesis was examined. Incubation of cells with extract for 3 h resulted in significant inhibition of colony formation and cellular nucleic acid synthesis with 50% inhibition at concentrations of approximately 100-150 micrograms/ml. In contrast there was no inhibition of cellular protein synthesis at concentrations of extract as high as 400 micrograms/ml.
Antitumor activity of saffron (Crocus sativus) extract a commonly used spice in India was studied against intraperitoneally transplanted sarcoma-180 (S-180), Ehrlich ascites Carcinoma (EAC) and Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) tumours in mice. Oral administration of 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract increased the life span of S-180, EAC, DLA tumour bearing mice to 111.0%, 83.5% and 112.5%, respectively. The same extract was found to be cytotoxic to P38B, S-180, EAC and DLA tumour cells in vitro. Thymidine uptake studies indicated the mechanism of action of the extract at the site of DNA synthesis. Toxicity studies showed that the hematological and biochemical parameters were within normal range. These results indicate the potential use of saffron as an anticancer agent.
Since cancer is the most common cause of death in the world population, the possibility that readily available natural substances from plants, vegetables, herbs, and spices may be beneficial in the prevention of cancer warrants closer examination. Saffron in filaments is the dried, dark red stigmata of Crocus sativus L. flowers and it is used as a spice, food colorant, and a drug in medicine. A growing body of research has demonstrated that saffron extract itself and its main constituents, the carotenoids, possess chemopreventive properties against cancer. This review discusses recent literature data and our results on the cancer chemopreventive activities of saffron and its main ingredients.
Crocus sativus L.) and its possible role in the prevention of cancer
- Fi Abdullaev
- Saffron
Abdullaev FI. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its possible role in the prevention of cancer. In: Majumdar DK, Govil JN, Sing VK, editors. Recent progress in medicinal plants. Vol.
The spice of antiquity: saffron
- Szita
Szita E. The spice of antiquity: saffron. Vintage 1987;16:12–19.
Mé Address reprint requests to: Fikrat Abdullaev Jefe
- Fikrat Abdullaev
FIKRAT ABDULLAEV Jefe, Laboratorio de Oncologí Experimental Instituto Nacional de Pediatrí, Mé, D.F., Mé Address reprint requests to: Fikrat Abdullaev Jefe, Laboratorio de Oncologí Experimental Instituto Nacional de Pediatrí Av. Insurgentes Sur #3700-C, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco 04530 Mé, D.F., Mé Phone: (ϩ52) (55) 5606-4606
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its possible role in the prevention of cancer
- Abdullaev