Inhibitory effect of Crocus sativus L. ethanol extract on adjuvant-induced arthritis |
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| Authors: | Shahrzad Zamani Taghizadeh Rabe Maryam Sahebari Zohreh Mahmoudi Hossein Hosseinzadeh Dariush Haghmorad Nafise Tabasi |
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| Institution: | 1. Immunology Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran;2. Department of Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran;3. Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran;4. Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran |
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| Abstract: | Saffron is a well-known spice produced from dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. flowers. Apart from its wide use in food preparations, it also has a broad range of medical properties. We examined the potential anti-inflammatory effects of saffron ethanolic extract (SEE) using an animal model of arthritis. Adjuvant-induced arthritis was induced in Wistar rats by injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant. The rats were then injected intraperitoneally every other day with 25–600 mg SEE/kg or dexamethasone (DEX, 2 mg/kg). Changes in body weight, paw oedema and arthritis indices were recorded over the subsequent 12 days of treatment. Results revealed that SEE particularly at the higher concentrations significantly reduced paw and tibiotarsal joint diameters and comparing with DEX caused no significant change in body weight. These observations suggest that SEE displays a considerable anti-inflammatory potency and could potentially be used as an anti-arthritic agent in control of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. |
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| Keywords: | Crocus sativus L saffron ethanol extract adjuvant-induced arthritis Wistar rat |
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