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Inline deduplication dramatically improves storage space utilization. However, it degrades I/O throughput due to compute-intensive deduplication operations such as chunking, fingerprinting or hashing of chunk content, and redundant lookup I/Os over the network in the I/O path. In particular, the fingerprint or hash generation of content contributes largely to the degraded I/O throughput and is computationally expensive. In this article, we propose Crocus , a framework that enables compute resource orchestration to enhance cluster-wide deduplication performance. In particular, Crocus takes into account all compute resources such as local and remote {CPU, GPU} by managing decentralized compute pools. An opportunistic Load-Aware Fingerprint Scheduler (LAFS), distributes and offloads compute-intensive deduplication operations in a load-aware fashion to compute pools. Crocus is highly generic and can be adopted in both inline and offline deduplication with different storage tier configurations. We implemented Crocus in Ceph scale-out storage system. Our extensive evaluation shows that Crocus reduces the fingerprinting overhead by 86 percent with 4KB chunk size compared to Ceph with baseline deduplication while maintaining high disk-space savings. Our proposed LAFS scheduler, when tested in different internal and external contention scenarios also showed 54 percent improvement over a fixed or static scheduling approach.

The stigma of Crocus sativus is used in traditional Chinese medicine and has drawn attention as a rich source of crocin, a compound with a reported activity that counters various cancers, depression, and cardiovascular diseases. However, our knowledge of crocin biosynthesis in Crocus is still limited. To identify the genes that encode key enzymes responsible for crocin production, transcriptome analyses of Crocus stigma, petal, and stamen were performed. There were 109 136 unigenes in the three Crocus flower tissues: 10 862 unigenes were expressed explicitly in stigmas. A total of 469 and 335 down-regulated differentially expressed genes in comparison to stigmas were detected in stamens and petals, respectively. There were 290 down-regulated genes in both tissues. The gene ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that most genes in the two tissues served a similar function. The results of the differences of gene expression among the three tissues showed that most of the carotenoid pathway genes in stigmas had a high expression which was a benefit for producing zeaxanthin, a substrate of crocin. Fourteen candidate genes were identified in Crocus from the co-down-regulated genes, and the genes were expressed explicitly in stigmas and were predicted to be involved in crocin biosynthesis. Overall, the expressions of genes in the crocin biosynthesis pathway in the three Crocus flower tissues had a positive relationship with their crocin content, and some new candidate genes related to crocin biosynthesis were identified. The results can help elucidate the crocin biosynthesis pathway in Crocus.

New evidence indicates that overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines is responsible for the development of diabetes difficulties. Some herbals such as saffron, may control inflammation and improve the hyperglycemic states in diabetic patients. Therefore, this investigation aimed to assess the effects of saffron supplementation on fasting glucose and inflammatory markers levels in patients with type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).In this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 60 T2DM patients were randomly assigned into two groups as saffron and placebo (n = 30) receiving 100 mg/day saffron powder or starch capsules (1 capsule) for a duration of 8 weeks. Fasting blood sample was collected at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was immediately analyzed by the auto-analyzer. The serum level of Interleukin -6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured using ELISA assay by laboratory kits. Also, Real-time quantitative reverse transcription (RT-PCR) assay measured the expression level of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 at the mRNA level.Saffron supplementation significantly decreased the FBG levels within 8 weeks compared to placebo (130.93 ± 21.21 vs 135.13 ± 23.03 mg/dl, P = 0.012). Moreover, the serum level of TNF-α notably reduced in the saffron group compared to the placebo group (114.40 ± 24.28 vs 140.90 ± 25.49 pg/ml, P 0.001). Also, saffron supplementation significantly down-regulated the expressions of TNF-α (P = 0.035) and IL-6 mRNA levels (P = 0.014).In our study, it was indicated that saffron modulates glucose levels as well as inflammation status in T2DM patients through decreasing the expressions levels of some inflammatory mediators. Also, further investigations are necessary to confirm the positive effects of saffron as a complementary therapy for T2DM patients.

Background and aim Medicinal plants have played an important role in human health since the Stone Age. According to WHO, 80% of Asian and African people rely on traditional medicine and medicinal plants to conserve their health. Saffron has received much attention among the herbal compounds related to cancer treatment. Methods This review aims to provide an overview of in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation molecule mechanism for anti-tumor activity, cancer preventing and protective effects of saffron extract. The review is based on the available data accessible in PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Magiran.ir, and SID.ir databases. Results Saffron has selective toxic and preventive effects on cancerous cells and without adverse effects on normal cells and prevents tumor formation. Saffron appears to reduce the toxic effects of anticancer drugs. Saffron has toxicity effects when used in high amounts, which are far greater than those are used in human food culture. Conclusions Considering the observed effects of saffron on the removal of cancer cells, saffron extract can be used in the treatment and prevention of cancer after confirmation in human clinical trials. According to the high IC50 of saffron extracts in normal cells, its toxicity against non-cancerous cells is low and its use is safe. Besides, the studies suggested the cytotoxic effects of saffron on some of the more cancers, including nervous system cancer and common cancers. Further studies are required to determine the effective dose and influence of mechanism of saffron in various animal type of cancers.

AIM: To evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Juglomycins isolated from Streptomyces achromogenes E91CS4, an endophyte of Crocus sativus Linn. METHODS AND RESULTS: The extract from E91CS4 displayed significant antimicrobial activity against several pathogens. The endophyte was identified as S. achromogenes on by 16S ribosomal gene analysis. Chemical investigation of the extract led to the isolation of two naphthoquinone antibiotics, Juglomycin A and B. Juglomycin A inhibited several pathogens, with an MIC value of 13·7µg ml⁻¹, whereas it was most potent against Escherichia coli, Bacillus thuringiensis and Xanthobacter flavus with MIC values of 6·8, 3·4 and 6·8 µg ml⁻¹ respectively. It was found to reduce the biofilm formation in E. coli through inhibition of swimming and swarming motilities and downregulation of fimH gene. The α‐haemolysin‐related gene (hlyA) was also downregulated indicating that the compound is also reducing the virulence in E. coli. In vitro time kill kinetics showed efficient bactericidal activity of this compound. Furthermore, Juglomycin A inhibited bacterial transcription/translation in vitro, while also inducing postantibiotic effect in E. coli. CONCLUSIONS: Juglomycin A is a potential antimicrobial compound against several bacterial pathogens, particularly, E. coli. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study showed the promising potential of Juglomycin A as an antimicrobial agent. Efforts should be made to scale up the production of this compound and conduct further studies to explore its efficacy as an antibiotic, using in vivo models.

Exercise training and antioxidant supplementation may improve unintentional weight loss and programmed cell death associated with cancer cachexia. The aim of this study was to examine the alterations of body weight and apoptotic indices in skeletal muscle of 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice with cachexia following 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and saffron aqueous extract (SAE) supplementation. Female BALB/c mice following induction of breast cancer were divided into (i) controls, (ii) HIIT, (iii) SAE, (iv) HIIT+SAE, and (v) sham groups. Mice were euthanized and gastrocnemius muscle was collected after intervention. The control group elicited a significant weight reduction during third and fourth weeks of tumor injection, while other treatments such as HIIT and SAE, but not HIIT+SAE, showed that they counteracted this adverse event. Furthermore, HIIT and SAE treatments (not HIIT+SAE) demonstrated reduced caspase-3 and Bax levels compared with the control group. The level of Bcl-2 was elevated following both HIIT and SAE treatments compared with the control group. Finally, the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax was significantly higher in both HIIT and SAE groups, but was lower in HIIT+SAE group compared with sham group. It is likely that either HIIT or SAE intervention alone (not HIIT+SAE) represents a readily applicable approach in the regulation of muscle wasting and apoptosis in cancer cachexia. Novelty HIIT is associated with a reduced risk of cancer-related muscle wasting. SAE enhances the improvement of muscle loss and apoptotic indices. Combination of HIIT and SAE does not improve cancer-related loss of muscle mass and mediate apoptotic activation.

Crocus asymmetricus (Iridaceae) is described as a new species endemic to the southern part of the Anatolian diagonal in Turkey. It is phylogenetically related to C. vitellinus and morphologically to C. antalyensis, but differs from these species in showing an asymmetric corm and a single point of root emergence. Both C. antalyensis and C. asymmetricus are illustrated and compared in this paper. A Bayesian phylogenetic tree of the nuclear rDNA ITS region confirms the affiliation of C. asymmetricus to C. ser. Flavi, and its close relationship to C. vitellinus. A new identification key to the species of C. ser. Flavi occurring in Turkey is also presented.

Saffron is the world highest-priced spice because its production requires intensive hand labour. Reduce saffron production costs require containerised plant production under controlled conditions and expand the flowering period. Controlling the flowering process and identify the factors involved in saffron flowering is crucial to introduce technical improvements. The research carried out so far in saffron has allowed an extensive knowledge of the influence of temperature on the flower induction, but the molecular mechanisms controlling flowering induction processes are largely unknown. The present study is the first conducted to isolate and characterize a regulator gene of saffron floral induction the Short Vegetative Phase (SVP) gene, which represses the floral initiation genes in the temperature response pathway, which involved in saffron flower induction. The results obtained from both phylogenetic analysis and T-coffee alignment confirms that the isolated sequence belongs to the SVP gene clades of MADS-box gene family. Gene expression analysis in different developmental stages revealed the highest expression of SVP transcript (CsSVP) during the dormancy and the vegetative stages, but decrease when flower development initiated and it was the least in late September when flower primordia are developed. Furthermore, its expression increased in the apical bud when corms are storage at 9-10 ºC, thus inhibiting flower induction. Additionally, comparison of the CsSVP transcript in apical buds from big and small corms, differing in their flowering capacity, indicates that the CsSVP transcript is present only in vegetative buds. Taken together, these results suggested inhibitory role of the SVP gene.

The possibility of measuring the gas-phase velocity in a two-phase mixture through the use of neutron noise techniques is demonstrated in the zero-power reactor CROCUS of the Ecole Polytechnique Fe...

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disease. Our study aimed to determine the effect of saffron supplement on clinical outcomes and metabolic profiles in patients with active RA. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 66 women older than 18 years old received 100 mg/day either saffron supplement in the intervention group (n = 33) or matched placebo in the placebo group (n = 33) for a period of 12 weeks. Sixty-one patients (30 in the control and 31 in the saffron group) remained for the final analysis. No adverse effects were reported by the patients. Saffron supplementation significantly decreased the number of tender (-1.38 ± 1.66 vs. 0.10 ± 0.40, p .001) and swollen (-2.12 ± 2.34 vs. 0.63 ± 2.79, p .001) joints, pain intensity based on visual analogue scale (-18.36 ± 15.07 vs. -2.33 ± 5.04), p .001), and disease activity score (DAS28) (-0.75 ± 0.67 vs. 0.26 ± 0.77, p .001) at the end of intervention between the two groups and in saffron group compared with baseline values. Physician Global Assessment (p = .002) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were significantly improved after intervention (24.06 ± 12.66 vs. 32.00 ± 14.75, p = 0.028). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein reduced at the end of the intervention in the saffron group compared with baseline values (12.00 ± 7.40 vs. 8.82 ± 7.930, p = .004). Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and malondialdehyde were decreased, and total antioxidant capacity were increased, but their differences between the two groups were not significant (p .05). According to the results, saffron supplements could positively and significantly improve clinical outcomes in RA patients.

Based on previous molecular analysis, it has been established that Crocus reticulatus is not a separate species with wide heterogeneity and distribution, but a species aggregate. The aim of this research is to present, for the first time, a comparative overview of the morphological and leaf anatomical characters of two species from the Crocus reticulatus aggregate, Crocus danubensis and Crocus variegatus, and to indicate the taxonomic significance of the leaf anatomical characters within this taxa. We included 17 quantitative and 13 qualitative characters in the morphological analysis and 20 quantitative parameters in the anatomical analysis, measured on cross sections of the leaves. The degree of variability between the species is displayed using statistical PCA and CDA analyses. The key morphological differences between the species are the color of the perigone and the perigone throat, while the values of all the characters measured are higher for C. variegatus. The key anatomical differences between the species are the size of the largest vascular bundles of leaves (area of the xylem, phloem and sclerenchyma) and the size and shape of the leaf cross sections. Cross sections of the leaves of C. variegatus are smaller, with mostly two ribs and a smaller parenchyma area. The leaf cross sections of C. danubensis are bigger, with four ribs and a larger parenchyma area. The results confirm our hypothesis that the leaf anatomical features are very significant for differentiating these taxa.

Background Recently, many compounds or extracts from natural sources are used for reducing facial aging and wrinkles. Objective This study investigates the preparation and evaluation of the safety and efficacy of saffron extract and avocado oil used for anti-wrinkle topical cream. Methods and materials Oil in water cream was prepared containing avocado oil and the saffron extract. Accelerated stability tests were carried out due to 6 months accordingly through the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guideline. For clinical studies, topical cream was applied by twenty healthy volunteers daily, for 12 weeks. Improvement in wrinkle grading by a Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GIAS), depth and volume of the nasolabial fold, thickness, and density of dermis, and determination of the skin biophysical parameters were evaluated at the baseline, 6th and 12th week. Result During the period of storage, the formulation showed no variation in physicochemical properties. The clinical evaluation showed at least one-grade improvement in GIAS in 30% and 45% of participants, after 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. Subjects were "moderately satisfied" with the treatment. In addition, the area and volume of nasolabial folds were significantly reduced. Moreover, net elasticity (R5) and gross elasticity (R2) showed a significant increase after 12 weeks of treatment. There was no report of allergic reactions, and no changes in skin hydration occurred during the treatment. Conclusion The results of this study showed that saffron extract and avocado oil anti-wrinkle topical cream is an efficient and safe treatment for facial skin rejuvenation.

Colored apocarotenoids accumulate at high concentrations in few plant species, where display a role in attraction of pollinators and seed dispersers. Among these apocarotenoids, crocins accumulate at high concentrations in the stigma of saffron and are responsible for the organoleptic and medicinal properties of this spice. Phytoene synthase and Orange protein are key for carotenoid biosynthesis and accumulation. We previously isolated four phytoene synthase genes from saffron with differential roles in carotenoid and apocarotenoid biosynthesis. However, the implications of Orange genes in the regulation of apocarotenoid accumulation are unknown. Here, we have identified two Orange genes from saffron, with different expression patterns. CsOr-a was mainly expressed in vegetative tissues and was induced by light and repressed by heat stress. Both CsOr-a and CsOr-b were expressed in stigmas but showed a different profile during the development of this tissue. The interactions of CsOr-a and CsOr-b were tested with all the four phytoene synthase proteins from saffron and with CsCCD2. None interactions were detected with CCD2 neither with the phytoene synthase 2, involved in apocarotenoid biosynthesis in saffron. The obtained results provide evidence of different mechanisms regulating the phytoene synthase enzymes in saffron by Orange for carotenoid and apocarotenoid accumulation in saffron.

Saffron is a valued herb, obtained from the stigmas of the C. sativus Linn (Iridaceae), with therapeutic effects. It has been described in pharmacopoeias to be variously acting, including as an anti-depressant, anti-carcinogen, and stimulant agent. The therapeutic effects of saffron are harbored in its bioactive molecules, notably crocins, the subject of this paper. Crocins have been demonstrated to act as a monoamine oxidase type A and B inhibitor. Furthermore, saffron petal extracts have experimentally been shown to impact contractile response in electrical field stimulation. Other research suggests that saffron also inhibits the reuptake of monoamines, exhibits N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonism, and improves brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling. A host of experimental studies found saffron/crocin to be similarly effective as fluoxetine and imipramine in the treatment of depression disorders. Saffron and crocins propose a natural solution to combat depressive disorders. However, some hurdles, such as stability and delivery, need to be overcome. United States Department of Agriculture | Ref. 2020-38821-31113 National Institute of Food and Agriculture | Ref. NC.X337-5-21-170-1 National Institute of Food and Agriculture | Ref. NC.X341-5-21-170-1

Saffron (

Objective Isolating high-quality RNA is a basic requirement while performing high throughput sequencing, microarray, and various other molecular investigations. However, it has been quite challenging to isolate RNA with absolute purity from plants like Crocus sativus that are rich in secondary metabolites, polysaccharides, and other interfering compounds which often irreversibly co-precipitate with the RNA. While many methods have been proposed for RNA extraction including CTAB, TriZol, and SDS-based methods, which invariably yield less and poor quality RNA and hence it necessitated the isolation of high-quality RNA suitable for high throughput applications. Results In the present study we made certain adjustments to the available protocols including modifications in the extraction buffer itself and the procedure employed. Our method led to the isolation of clear and non-dispersive total RNA with an RNA Integrity Number (RIN) value greater than 7.5. The quality of the RNA was further assessed by qPCR-based amplification of mRNA and mature miRNAs such as Cs-MIR166c and Cs-MIR396a.

Background At present, oral antidepressants are commonly used in the clinical treatment of depression. However, the current drug treatment may lead to more serious adverse reactions. Therefore, we focus on Chinese traditional medicine, trying to find an effective and safe alternative or complementary medicine. Crocus sativus (saffron) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which is typically used in the clinic to regulate anxiety, insomnia, amnesia, and other mental disorder. The study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effect of ethanol extract of saffron (EES) on corticosterone (CORT)- induced injury in PC12 cells and further explored its potential mechanism. Methods The authenticity of saffron and the active components of EES were identified by a water test and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry system. The screening of cytotoxicity for PC12 cells was incubated with EES in different concentrations for 24 h, and the protective efficacy of EES on CORT (500 μM) -induced PC12 cell injury, cell viability was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of EES-protected PC12 cells were analyzed using the RNA-seq method, and the results were analyzed for GO and KEGG enrichment. The results of RNA-seq were verified by qPCR analysis. Results The saffron was initially identified as authentic in the water test and 10 compounds were identified by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC)- Mass Spectrometry (MS). The results of CCK-8 demonstrated that EES at concentrations above 640 μg/mL exerted a certain cytotoxic effect, and PC12 cells pretreated with EES (20, 40, and 80 μg/mL) significantly reversed the 500 μM CORT-induced cell death. RNA-seq analysis showed that EES regulated 246 differential genes, which were mainly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway. Dusp5, Dusp6, Gadd45b, Gadd45G, and Pdgfc were further validated by qPCR. Experimental data showed that the results of qPCR were consistent with RNA-seq. Conclusions These findings provide an innovative understanding of the molecular mechanism of the protective effect of EES on PC12 cells at the molecular transcription level, and Dusp5, Dusp6, Gadd45b, Gadd45g, and Pdgfc may be potential novel targets for antidepressant treatment.

In Persian Medicine (PM), PD (brain-based tremor) is a known CNS disorder with several therapeutic and preventive options. In their medical textbooks and pharmacopeias, Persian great scientists such as Rhazes (854-925 AD), Avicenna (980-1037 AD), and Jorjani (1042-1136 AD), have discussed pharmacological and nutritional strategies for the prevention, slowing progression, and treatment of PD. In the present study, we surveyed plant- and animal-based foods recommended by PM for the prevention and treatment of CNS-related tremors. In vivo and in-vitro pharmacological evidence supporting the beneficial effects of PM-recommended foods in prevention and alleviating PD, major active phytochemicals along with the relevant mechanisms of action were studied. Several PM plants possess potent antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and PD preventing properties. Garlic and allicin, cabbage and isothiocyanates, chickpea seed and its O-methylated isoflavones biochanin A and formononetin, cinnamon, and cinnamaldehyde, saffron and its crocin, crocetin, and safranal, black cumin and its thymoquinone, black pepper and piperine, pistachio and genistein and daidzein, and resveratrol are among the most effective dietary itemsagainst PD. They act through attenuating neurotoxin-induced memory loss and behavioral impairment, oxidative stress, and dopaminergic cell death. PM-recommended foods can help alleviate PD progression and also discovering and developing new neuroprotective anti-PD pharmaceuticals.

Saffron Crocus sativus L. (C. sativus) is a flower from the iridaceous family. Crocin, saffron’s major constituent, and saffron have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. In this work, the neuroprotective effects of saffron and crocin are being investigated in a repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) mouse model. A weight drop model setup was employed to induce mild brain injury in male albino BABL/c mice weighing 30–40 g. Saffron (50 mg/kg) and crocin (30 mg/kg) were administrated intraperitoneally 30 min before mTBI induction. Behavioral tests were conducted to assess behavioral deficits including the modified neurological severity score (NSS), Morris water maze (MWM), pole climb test, rotarod test, and adhesive test. The levels of TNF alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), malonaldehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured. Histological analysis of different brain parts was performed. Both saffron and crocin demonstrated marked improved neurological, cognitive, motor, and sensorimotor functions. Besides, both compounds significantly reduced the oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. No abnormal histological features were observed in any of the injured groups. Saffron extract and crocin provide a neuroprotective effect in a mouse model of rmTBI by decreasing oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and behavioral deficits.

Mephedrone, also known as 4-methylmethcathinone, is growing into a prominent recreational drug for young people. When it came to detecting mephedrone, limited efforts were made using electrochemical sensors. As a result, this application depicts the fabrication of a new, sensitive, selective, and economical electrochemical sensor capable of detecting mephedrone by using silver nanoparticles capped with saffron produced through electropolymerization to modify carbon paste electrodes (CPEs). Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were capped with saffron (AgNPs@Sa) using a green method. AgNPs@Sa were studied using electron scanning microscopy (SEM) and UV-vis spectroscopy. The sensor was evaluated under the optimum condition to determine its analytical features. The results showed that this procedure had a wide linear range, low detection limit and sufficient reproducibility. Furthermore, the sensor posed sufficient stability. Moreover, it was applied in the determination of mephedrone in urine samples, showing the potential applicability of this electrochemical sensor in real sample analysis.

In the framework of the European project CORTEX, included in the H2020 program, the experimental campaign carried out with the CROCUS reactor, at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland, aims at setting up methodologies and tools for the analysis and the interpretation of neutron noise in view of their industrial applications. An important part of the CORTEX project deals with code development and validation. In this paper, a new methodology for the simulation of neutron noise has been formulated and implemented in the APOLLO3 code. The method is based on an improved point-kinetics model employed in a fully heterogeneous 2D transport calculation. In this work, the theoretical derivation and the successive validation of the model are presented, comparing the Cross-Power Spectral Densities (CPSD) of measured and computed detector responses. Future work will consist in extending the application of the method to the analysis of 3D configurations, in particular for full reactor studies.

In the current study the possibility of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) cultivating using semi-saline water was investigated at different planting dates. The salinity of irrigation water and soil were 2.9 and 5.8 dS m−1, respectively. The results showed that saffron had an acceptable potential for cultivation using semi-saline water in saline soils. The early planting dates went through the developmental stages faster, meaning saffron corms sown in early October sprouted earlier, flowers appeared faster and fully flowering occurred earlier. Nevertheless, plant senescence was the same in all planting dates. The highest percentage of corms sprouting and flowering were obtained in the early October planting dates in both years, which were matched with canopy temperature distribution. The highest flowers weight as well as stigma fresh and dry weight were obtained on the 13 October planting date within the 3 years study reaching the maximum values during the third year. Electrolyte leakage was higher in the last planting date, while photosynthesis pigments were more in early to mid-October planting dates. These effects might be related to damage of freezing temperature to physiological processes. Shoot dry weight and water productivity were the highest in early October planting dates. The shoot biomass on October 13 planting date was enough to be considered as a new forage source in semi-saline conditions. It seems that cultivation of saffron with semi-saline water is possible by considering a proper planting date, adequate leaching requirement and accurate irrigation management.

Jeu de mot sur la terminologie pharmaceutique, le safran-excr��ment au final du Quart Livre d��note aussi un contexte politique. Des Adages d���Erasme aux ethnographies de la Renaissance, la chemise de safran symbole d���un luxe d��cadent devient l���habit national du �� sauvage irlandais ��, mauvais alli�� de la France finalement soumis �� l���Angleterre. Du comique philologique �� l���embl��me satirique de l���actualit�� politique, la fin du Quart Livre d��ploie la logique inventive de l�����nigme, ch��re �� Rabelais., The saffron-shit concluding the Quart livre is a pun on pharmaceutical terms; it is also a political reference. From Erasmus���s Adages to Renaissance ethnographies, the saffron shirt, first a shorthand for decadent luxury, becomes the national dress of the ���wild Irish,��� France���s unreliable ally who ultimately lost to England. By weaving philological wit into a satirical emblem of current affairs, the end of the Quart Livre magnifies the inventive logic of the enigma so dear to Rabelais.

Crocus is a taxonomically complex genus, characterized by high intra- and inter-specific variability. Five wild Crocus taxa - Crocus biflorus, C. longiflorus, C. neapolitanus, C. siculus and C. thomasii from three different areas of Southern Italy (Calabria, Basilicata and Sicily) have been investigated. We considered both flower morphological traits (inner and outer perigone segments, style branches and anthers) and the chemical profile of specialised metabolites (apocarotenoids: crocins; flavonoids: flavonols) in style branches, which were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with a diode array detector and mass spectrometry (HPLC-UV-DAD-ESI-MS). Saffron (C. sativus) was also included as the 'control' species. The length of perigone tube, outer and inner tepals, anthers and style branches gave the highest contribution to the discrimination of different taxa. Concerning the specialised metabolite profiles, 20 flavonols and 24 crocins have been identified and quantified in the Crocus extracts and used to discriminate among samples, confirming that Crocus taxa can be considered as an important natural source of these substances. The chemical profiles of the different populations showed some distinctive qualitative and quantitative patterns that contributed to a certain degree of discrimination among species, in fact, flavonoids content range is comprised between 2.7 and 145.9 mg/g, whereas crocins range between 19.8 and 604.0 mg/g. It is thus hypothesized that the combination of morphological and phytochemical screenings may be an effective methodology to characterize wild Crocus genotypes from Southern Italy, also in comparison to C. sativus (saffron).

The continuous strive for more efficient and reliable nuclear power plants is leading to increasing complexity in the design and operations of reactors. As a consequence, comprehensive analyses are required to assess the reactor's safety during normal and accidental conditions. Validated simulation tools with high-fidelity capabilities, i.e., at the pin or sub-pin scale, are necessary to predict local neutronics effects in the core. However, the scarcity of high-resolution in-core experimental data imposes limitations to the validation of such high-fidelity pin-resolved neutronics codes. The challenges in performing online high-resolution in-core experiments are numerous: from the accessibility of in-core locations to the availability of neutron detection technologies with adequate dimensions and online capabilities. In the present thesis, the development of a novel miniature and minimalistic (MiMi) neutron detection technology is presented, allowing unprecedented spatial resolution for the online study of the neutron flux in zero-power research reactors. The MiMi neutron detectors are tested in the EPFL zero-power reactor CROCUS and used to build a data set of high-resolution neutronics experiments in CROCUS, including measurements of local gradients and directionality of neutron flux, and the local impact of a fuel rod displacement. As the next level of development, a three-dimensional (3D) full-core mapping system named SAFFRON, consisting of 149 MiMi neutron detectors distributed in-core, is designed and installed in CROCUS. Static thermal neutron flux maps are measured in absolute terms and between different core configurations, e.g., water level vs. control rod operation at criticality. The obtained results open up the investigation of a variety of space-dependent neutronics phenomena in CROCUS.

Saffron, the dried stigma of Crocus sativus L., has a long history of use in the treatment of depression in traditional Chinese medicine and Islamic medicine. The unique aroma of saffron, primarily derived from its volatile oil, has been widely used by folk to mitigate anxiety and depression via sniffing because the aroma of saffron has a pleasant and invigorating effect.This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect and the underlying mechanism of saffron essential oil (SEO) in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS).In this study, compounds of SEO were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, while network pharmacology was used to predict potential active compounds, antidepressant targets, and related signaling pathways of SEO. The CUMS depression model was further used to explore the therapeutic effect and possible mechanism of SEO. During the modeling period, mice were regularly administered fluoxetine (3.6 mg/kg, i.g.) or diluted SEO (2%, 4%, and 6% SEO, inhalation). The antidepressant and neuroprotective effects of SEO were evaluated by behavior tests (the open field test, the sucrose preference test, the tail suspension test, and the forced swimming test), hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Nissl staining. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to measure dopamine (DA), 5-serotonin (5-HT), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in serum. The relative abundance of Raf1, MEK1, P-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, P-CREB1/CREB1, BDNF, and P-Trk B/Trk B in the hippocampus was determined using western blot (WB).According to the network pharmacology analysis, seven active SEO compounds mediated 113 targets related to depression treatment, most of which were enriched in the 5-HT synapse, calcium signaling pathway, and cAMP signaling pathway. In vivo experiments indicated that fluoxetine and SEO improved depression-like behaviors in depressed mice. The levels of 5-HT, DA, BDNF, and GABA in serum increased significantly. Histopathological examinations revealed that fluoxetine and SEO ameliorated neuronal damage in the hippocampus. WB analysis showed that the relative expressions of Raf1, MEK1, P-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, P-CREB1/CREB1, BDNF, and P-Trk B/Trk B were significantly higher in the fluoxetine and SEO groups than in the CUMS group.Overall, these findings suggest that SEO significantly alleviates the depressive symptoms in CUMS exposed mice and partially restores hippocampal neuronal damage. Meanwhile, the best efficacy was observed in 4% SEO. Furthermore, the antidepressant mechanism of SEO is primarily dependent on the regulation of the MAPK-CREB1-BDNF signaling pathway.

Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, comes from the Crocus sativus stigmas. Saffron grows well in the areas with the cold winters and warm dry summers, which have a positive effect on the quality of the raw material obtained. This explains the interest in saffron cultivation and production in Ukraine. Since 2015, large-scale saffron cultivation for food purposes has been started in various regions of Ukraine. Cultivation methods, environmental factors of different regions differ and directly affect on the composition and quality of biologically active compounds of raw materials. In addition, according to recent pharmacological studies, saffron stigma exhibit a wide range of biological activity: anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anticonvulsant and other actions that are caused by the composition of biologically active compounds of the saffron stigmas – crocin, picrocrocin and safranal. Therefore, the aim of the work was to establish the content of crocin, safranal and picrocrocin in Crocus rstigmas grown in different regions of Ukraine in accordance with the requirements of ISO 3632. For research, we used saffron stigmas (Crocus sativus L.) harvested in Kherson, Zaporizhia, Vinnytsia, Odessa, Chernihiv regions in Ukraine in October 2018 and the sample of commercial saffron from Italy (Migros Bio, 2018). The quality of the raw material was established in accordance with ISO 3632 according to the indicators: weight loss of drying, ash total, content of picrocrocin, crocin and safranal by UV-Vis spectroscopy. In the saffron samples the weight loss of during and the ash total ranged from 6.7–9.2% to 4.3–6.4%, respectively. The content of picrocrocin ( 257 нм nm) in saffron samples ranged from 90 in Kherson and up to 101 in the Chernihiv sample; safranal content ( 330 nm) ranged from 34 for Chernihiv to 42 in the Kherson sample; crocin content ( 440 nm) of 228 in Vinnitsa and up to 262 in Zaporozhye. The obtained data showed that all samples of Ukrainian saffron belong to the first quality category according to ISO classification. In the commercial sample from Italy, the test showed a high content of safranal (330 nm was 59) and crocin (440 nm was 259). Different values between regions and a commercial sample are usually due to different environmental conditions and cultivation practices. Crocus sativus is an important medicinal and food plant that has been successfully cultivated in Ukraine for food purposes and is of great economic importance. The quality of Ukrainian saffron from different regions has been determined to ISO 3632. The 2018 crop samples are in compliance with international standards and are of category I. It is important that crocin and safranal exhibit high anticancer and antioxidant activity, so growing in our country stable high content of BACs, makes it possible to use saffron not only in the food industry, but also makes it a potentially relevant raw material for the pharmaceutical industry. This study provides significant information on the quality and prospects of saffron production in Ukraine, as both the food and pharmacological raw materials.

To investigate the effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on lipid profile, glycemic and antioxidant status in overweight/obese individuals with prediabetes.In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the prediabetic patients were randomly assigned to receive saffron (15 mg/d) pills or placebo for eight weeks. Serum levels of lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and diphenylpycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity were assessed biochemically at baseline and at 8 weeks after treatment. The adverse events, if any, were also recorded.Seventy-five of participants (36 in treatment and 39 in placebo groups) completed the study. Within-group comparisons revealed a significant effect of saffron supplementation on FBS (118.11 ± 3.55 vs. 109.14 ± 6.23), HbA1c (5.85 ± 0.12 vs. 5.70 ± 0.11), and DPPH (11.06 ± 3.24 vs. 13.46 ± 3.33) levels (P 0.005 for all). In adjusting models, there was a significant reduction in FBS by -7.97 mg/dL, and HbA1c by -0.15% in saffron group compared to placebo. Moreover, saffron intake tended to increase in DPPH radical scavenging activity (2.4% vs. -0.85% in saffron and placebo groups, respectively). However, no significant changes in anthropometric measures, lipid profile, and renal markers were observed after saffron intake compared with placebo.Saffron supplementation could improve glycemic and antioxidant indices in overweight/obese individuals with prediabetes, however, no beneficial effect was observed on lipid profile and anthropometric parameters. (IRCT20120913010826N19).

The chemical compositions of 15 saffron samples from 11 countries (Morocco, India, Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Iran, Lithuania, Ukraine, Australia, and Azerbaijan) were evaluated. The samples were analyzed regarding the impact of environmental factors on the composition of apocarotenoids and phenolic constituents. Quantification of saffron metabolites was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography. It was found that the high content of chlorogenic acid (0.2 mg/g, Ukraine) and ferulic acid (0.28 mg/g, India) was controlled by the duration of solar radiation during plant development. The accumulation of caffeic acid (the higher content 4.88 mg/g, Ukraine) in stigmas depended on the average air temperature. In contrast, the total crocins content according to the correlation analysis depended on the duration of solar radiation, the solar UV index, and the soil type. Rutin was found in all samples (0.83-8.74 mg/g). The highest amount of crocins (average 382.45 mg/g) accumulated in saffron from Italy and Ukraine. Crocins, picrocrocin, safranal, and rutin can further serve as saffron quality markers. All validation parameters were satisfactory and high-performance liquid chromatography methods could be successfully applied for the composition assessment of saffron metabolites. Saffron extracts showed the highest antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli (MICs 62.5-125 µg/ml).

Crocus sativus L. (saffron) has been traditionally used as a food coloring or flavoring agent, but recent research has shown its potent pharmacological activity to tackle several health-related conditions. Crocus sp. leaves, and petals are the by-products of saffron production and are not usually used in the medicine or food industries. The present study was designed to determine the chemical composition of the water and ethanolic extracts of C. sativus leaves and test their cytotoxic activity against melanoma (IGR39) and triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines by MTT assay. We also determined their anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral activities. HPLC fingerprint analysis showed the presence of 16 compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acids, xanthones, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids, which could contribute to the extracts’ biological activities. For the first time, compounds such as tectoridin, iristectorigenin B, nigricin, and irigenin were identified in Crocus leaf extracts. The results showed that mangiferin (up to 2 mg/g dry weight) and isoorientin (8.5 mg/g dry weight) were the major active ingredients in the leaf extracts. The ethanolic extract reduced the viability of IGR39 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells with EC50 = 410 ± 100 and 330 ± 40 µg/mL, respectively. It was more active than the aqueous extract. Kaempferol and quercetin were identified as the most active compounds. Our results showed that Crocus leaves contain secondary metabolites with potent cytotoxic and antioxidant activities.

Crocus istanbulensis (B.Mathew) Rukšāns is one of the most endangered Crocus species in the world and has an extremely limited distribution range in Istanbul. Our recent field work indicates that no more than one hundred individuals remain in the wild. In the present study, we used genome skimming to determine the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequences of six C. istanbulensis individuals collected from the locus classicus. The cp genome of C. istanbulensis has 151,199 base pairs (bp), with a large single-copy (LSC) (81,197 bp), small single copy (SSC) (17,524 bp) and two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,236 bp each. The cp genome contains 132 genes, of which 86 are protein-coding (PCGs), 8 are rRNA and 38 are tRNA genes. Most of the repeats are found in intergenic spacers of Crocus species. Mononucleotide repeats were most abundant, accounting for over 80% of total repeats. The cp genome contained four palindrome repeats and one forward repeat. Comparative analyses among other Iridaceae species identified one inversion in the terminal positions of LSC region and three different gene (psbA, rps3 and rpl22) arrangements in C. istanbulensis that were not reported previously. To measure selective pressure in the exons of chloroplast coding sequences, we performed a sequence analysis of plastome-encoded genes. A total of seven genes (accD, rpoC2, psbK, rps12, ccsA, clpP and ycf2) were detected under positive selection in the cp genome. Alignment-free sequence comparison showed an extremely low sequence diversity across naturally occurring C. istanbulensis specimens. All six sequenced individuals shared the same cp haplotype. In summary, this study will aid further research on the molecular evolution and development of ex situ conservation strategies of C. istanbulensis.

This work deals with the study of the drying kinetics of

Metabolic dysfunction (MD) is a major health problem threatening the life quality of menopausal women. Saffron has been widely used in herb prescriptions for treating menopausal syndrome. However, the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of saffron are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effect of crocin, the major ingredient of saffron and its active metabolite in blood, crocetin, on MD and lipid metabolism in ovariectomized (OVX) mice and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The present study showed that intragastric treatment of crocin prevented weight gain, fat accumulation, and insulin resistance in OVX mice by increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Mechanistically, crocin influenced adipose tissue homeostasis by regulating adipogenic and lipolytic factors, which was strongly associated with the restoration of the downregulated ERβ function in white adipose tissue (WAT). In vitro, crocetin facilitated lipid metabolism in an ERβ-dependent manner. Our results demonstrated the beneficial effects of crocetin/crocin-mediated intervention against metabolic dysfunction, revealing a prospective therapeutic application in menopausal women.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally with an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018 and a sustained rise in its incidence in both developing and developed countries. According to the WHO, about 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer. Despite the emergence of many pioneer therapeutic options for patients with cancer, their efficacy is still time-limited and noncurative. Thus, continuous intensive screening for superior and safer drugs is still ongoing and has resulted in the detection of the anticancer properties of several phytochemicals. Among the spices, Crocus sativus L. (saffron) and its main constituents, crocin, crocetin, and safranal, have attracted the interest of the scientific community. Pharmacological experiments have established numerous beneficial properties for this brilliant reddish-orange dye derived from the flowers of a humble crocus family species. Studies in cultured human malignant cell lines and animal models have demonstrated the cancer prevention and antitumor activities of saffron and its main ingredients. This review provides an insight into the advances in research on the anticancer properties of saffron and its components, discussing preclinical data, clinical trials, and patents aiming to improve the pharmacological properties of saffron and its major ingredients.

As a valuable medicinal and edible plant, Crocus sativus L. has had wide applications since ancient times. Herein, a comprehensive approach for characterization of constituents in saffron was established based on the combination of targeted and non-targeted strategies. A targeted UPLC-ESI/MS

Introduction Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Reduction in blood insulin level alters brain function by inducing oxidative stress with changes in dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmission, ultimately leading to neuropsychological symptoms. The efficacy of currently available psychotropic drugs is not satisfactory. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the beneficial effects of a combination of the natural herbs, saffron and chamomile, in treating diabetes and its resultant neuropsychological effects using a rodent model of diabetes mellitus. Method The rats were randomly divided in to eight groups (n = 10), healthy control (HC), diabetic control (DC) and six groups of diabetic rats treated with various concentrations and combinations of saffron and chamomile. Diabetic treatment groups individually received methanolic extract and water decoction of chamomile (30 mg/kg) and saffron (10mg/kg) and their combined half doses (saffron 5mg/kg and chamomile 15mg/kg) for two weeks. Open field test (OFT) and forced swim test (FST) were used to measure the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of herbs, respectively. Finally, biochemical, and neurochemical estimations were made. Results The present study suggests the therapeutic effects of herbs especially in co-administrated decoction, against diabetes with improved antioxidant profile and enhanced levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects were evident with improvements in the OFT and FST. Examination of the cortex of the diabetic group revealed cellular damage and tangle formation, which indicates advanced stages of dementia. Conclusion This study shows that the use of a combination of saffron and chamomile improves diabetes control and reduces its related psychiatric effects.

Crocin, as a nutraceutical component of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), possesses numerous therapeutic effects. In the current study, a crocin-loaded chitosan/alginate (CS/ALG) nanocarrier was developed for oral delivery. The influence of preparation variables including pH and the concentrations of CS, ALG, and calcium chloride (CaCl

To compare the efficacy of different dosage regimens of saffron supplementation on improving sleep quality among healthy adults, patients with insomnia or type 2 diabetes and patients under Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT).PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library and other databases were searched from inception until October 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy saffron supplementation on sleep quality were included. Data were extracted independently by 2 investigators and assessed the study quality by the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The measurements include Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Restorative Sleep Questionnaire (RSQ).The pooling of the effect sizes showed that saffron group achieve a notable treatment effect on PSQI (MD: -2.14; 95% CI: -2.86 to -1.42; P 0.01), ISI (MD: -2.63; 95% CI: -3.70 to -2.55; P 0.01) and RSQ (MD: 7.05; 95% CI: 1.48 to 12.62; P = 0.01) compared with placebo group.Saffron supplementation as a treatment for improving sleep quality have promising clinical application as its great improvement on all efficacy outcomes and no serious adverse advents occurred as the dose was increased. The dose of 100 mg saffron supplementation per day was proved to achieve excellent and more stable curative effect on improving sleep quality in our subgroup analysis. However, further investigation is necessary to confirm the efficacy and long-term safety of different doses of saffron for insomnia.

Chronic inflammation is one of the major challenges in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our primary aim was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) supplementation and concurrent training in obese men with T2DM.Sixty obese men with T2DM (age = 39 ± 5 years; body mass = 93.9 ± 6 kg) were randomly assigned to four groups; concurrent training + placebo (CT; n = 15), saffron supplementation (S; n = 15), concurrent training + saffron supplementation (CTS; n = 15), or control (CON; n = 15). The participants in the CT group performed concurrent training (resistance + aerobic) three times per week for 12 weeks and received daily one pill of placebo (maltodextrin); the participants in the S group supplemented with one pill of 100 mg of saffron daily, and the participants in the CTS group participated in both saffron and training intervention while CON group continued regular lifestyle (no training and no supplementation). Inflammatory markers, body composition (evaluated by a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance device; Jawon X-Contact 356), and metabolic profile were evaluated before and after interventions.All three interventions significantly (P .05) decreased TNF-α (CT = -4.22, S = -1.91, CTS = -9.69 pg/mL), hs-CRP (CT = -0.13, S = -0.1, CTS = -0.32 ng/mL), IL-6 (CT = -6.84, S = -6.36, CTS = -13.55 pg/mL), IL-1β (CT = -8.85, S = -6.46, CTS = -19.8 pg/mL), FBG (CT = -6.97, S = -2.45, CTS = -13.86 mg/dL), insulin (CT = -0.13, S = -0.03, CTS = -0.21 mU/L), HOMA-IR (CT = -0.12, S = -0.04, CTS = -0.21), HbA1c (CT = -0.17, S = -0.11, CTS = -0.26%), and increased IL-10 (CT = 1.09, S = 0.53, CTS = 2.27 pg/mL) concentrations. There was a positive correlation between changes in BFP with hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α, and IL-10 concentrations across the intervention groups. Additionally, significant differences were observed between the changes for all variables in the CTS group compared to CT, S and CON groups (P .05).It seems that an interaction of saffron supplementation and concurrent training has more efficient effects on anti-inflammatory status compared to saffron supplementation or concurrent training alone.

Crocins in commercial liquid saffron extracts (Saffr’activ®) were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a diode array detector (DAD) and mass spectrometry (MS). The impact of storage on the qualities of the saffron extract were studied with HPLC-DAD-MS by exposing trans-4-GG crocin to environmental factors. Light and temperature induced degradation after only one week. Trans-4-GG crocin was totally hydrolyzed when stored at 60 °C and exposed to light. A quick and reliable method using HPLC-DAD was then developed to improve quantification of crocins in commercial liquid saffron extracts. An internal standard quantification method that uses a response factor, corrected with the molecular weight of each crocin, improved results for old saffron extracts.

Saffron is derived from the stigmas of the flower Crocus sativus L. The drying process is the most important post-harvest step for converting C. sativus stigmas into saffron. The aim of this review is to evaluate saffron’s post-harvest conditions in the development of volatile compounds and its aroma descriptors. It describes saffron’s compound generation by enzymatic pathways and degradation reactions. Saffron quality is described by their metabolite’s solubility and the determination of picrocrocin, crocins, and safranal. The drying process induce various modifications in terms of color, flavor and aroma, which take place in the spice. It affects the aromatic species chemical profile. In the food industry, saffron is employed for its sensory attributes, such as coloring, related mainly to crocins (mono-glycosyl esters or di-glycosyl polyene).

Rheumatic diseases (RDs) are often complicated by chronic symptoms and frequent side-effects associated with their treatment. Saffron, a spice derived from the Crocus sativus L. flower, is a popular complementary and alternative medicine among patients with RDs. The present systematic review aimed to summarize the available evidence regarding the efficacy of supplementation with saffron on disease outcomes and comorbidities in patients with RD diagnoses. PubMed, CENTRAL, clinicaltrials.gov and the grey literature were searched until October 2021, and relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were screened for eligibility using Rayyan. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane’s Risk of Bias-2.0 (RoB) tool. A synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) was performed by vote counting and an effect direction plot was created. Out of 125 reports, seven fulfilled the eligibility criteria belonging to five RCTs and were included in the SWiM. The RCTs involved patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, and evaluated outcomes related to pain, disease activity, depression, immune response, inflammation, oxidative stress, health, fatigue and functional ability. The majority of trials demonstrated some concerns regarding overall bias. Moreover, the majority of trialists failed to adhere to the formula elaborations suggested by the CONSORT statement for RCTs incorporating herbal medicine interventions. Standardization of herbal medicine confirms its identity, purity and quality; however, the majority of trials failed to adhere to these guidelines. Due to the great heterogeneity and the lack of important information regarding the standardization and content of herbal interventions, it appears that the evidence is not enough to secure a direction of effect for any of the examined outcomes.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Saffron and its active ingredient, crocin, as a natural antioxidant in the treatment of type II diabetes.A total of 150 uncontrolled type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients were selected based on inclusion criteria, randomly divided into three groups (crocin, saffron and placebo) for three months' clinical trial. Fasting blood glucose (FBS), insulin level, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, kidney and liver function tests were performed before and three months after the study. The patients were followed every two weeks for possible clinical side effects.Our results showed that after three months of treatment with crocin and saffron, FBS reduction was significant in all groups (P-value 0.05). In addition, reduction of HbA1c was significant in the crocin and saffron groups compared to placebo group. Comparison between groups showed that treatment with crocin and saffron led to a significant reduction in HbA1c than placebo, and FBS level significantly reduced only in crocin compared to saffron and placebo groups. In addition, changes in lipid profile were not significant in any of the three groups. Also, there was no significant difference in liver and liver parameters in all three groups. Inter-group comparison of insulin levels showed significant difference only between the saffron and placebo groups.Crocin can be effective in controlling the level of FBS and HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Two polysaccharides from Crocus sativus petals (PCSPs), PCSPA and PCSPB, presented immunopotentiatory activity through activating macrophages via MAPK and NF-κB pathway. In this study, two PCSPs were investigated for the adjuvant effects and underlying mechanisms using ovalbumin (OVA) in mice. PCSPA and PCSPB remarkably not only boosted the OVA-specific IgG antibody and its isotype titers, but strengthened splenocyte proliferation and natural killer cell activities in immunized mice. Both PCSPs also dramatically triggered the production of Th1- and Th2-cytokines and facilitated the gene expression of Th1- and Th2-cytokines and transcription factors in OVA-stimulated splenocytes. In mechanisms, two PCSPs rapidly elicited the gene and protein expression of cytokines and chemokines, promoted the recruitment and antigen uptake of immune cells in the injected-muscles, and augmented the migration and antigen transport of immune cells to the draining lymph nodes. These findings demonstrated that PCSPs enhanced and improved immune responses and simultaneously elicited Th1- and Th2-immune responses to OVA through activating innate immune microenvironment, and that they could act as promising vaccine adjuvant candidates.

Saffron is a unique plant in many respects and its cellular processes are regulated at multiple levels. The genetic makeup in the form of eight chromosome triplets (2n = 3x = 24) with a haploid generic content (genome size) of 3.45 Gbp is decoded into different types of RNA by transcription. The RNA then translates into peptides and functional proteins, sometimes involving post-translational modifications too. The interactions of genome, transcriptome, proteome and other regulatory molecules ultimately result in the complex set of primary and secondary metabolites of saffron metabolome. These complex interactions manifest in the form of a set of traits ‘phenome’ peculiar to saffron. The phenome responds to the environmental changes occurring in and around saffron and modify its response in respect of growth, development, disease response, stigma quality, apocarotenoid biosynthesis, etc. Understanding these complex relations between different yet interconnected biological activities is quite challenging in saffron where classical genetics has a very limited role owing to its sterility, and the whole genome sequencing has not been done. Omics-based technologies are immensely helpful in overcoming these limitations and develop a better understanding of saffron biology. In addition to creating a comprehensive picture of the molecular mechanisms involved in apocarotenoid synthesis, stigma biogenesis, corm activity, flower development, etc. omics-technologies will ultimately lead to the engineering of saffron plants with improved phenome. In this review, we discuss the role of omics-technologies and bioinformatics tools in studying saffron biology, and in its improvement.

Nanoencapsulation of saffron extract (SE) components into the rapeseed lecithin nanoliposomes were performed by sonication of their aqueous dispersions as a green process. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) results exhibited that empty and SE loaded nanoliposomes (SENL) had average sizes in range of 118-138 nm, negative zeta potentials (−32.0 to −46.8 mV) and polydispersity index (PDI) less than 0.3 during storage for 28 days at 4 °C. Encapsulation efficiency of crocin was approximately 30%. The 70% of crocin released from SENLs within 5 h in PBS solution. Pullulan-based films were fabricated by incorporation of empty and SE loaded nanoliposomes into pullulan solution through casting method. The mechanical resistance and thermal stability of the films reduced by addition of nanoliposomes. FTIR and thermal characterizations indicated that SE was successfully encapsulated in the nanoliposomes and film matrix with high thermal stability. Incorporation of nanoliposomes enhanced the oxygen barrier properties of the films, while it didn't significantly affect the water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films. The obtained edible films or coatings can provide additional benefits due to unique flavor and color of saffron. In addition, the utilization of SE, can provide benefits for health-allegation from SE antioxidant capacity.

Saffron is a unique plant in many aspects, and its cellular processes are regulated at multiple levels. The genetic makeup in the form of eight chromosome triplets (2n = 3x = 24) with a haploid genetic content (genome size) of 3.45 Gbp is decoded into different types of RNA by transcription. The RNA then translates into peptides and functional proteins, sometimes involving post-translational modifications too. The interactions of the genome, transcriptome, proteome and other regulatory molecules ultimately result in the complex set of primary and secondary metabolites of saffron metabolome. These complex interactions manifest in the form of a set of traits ‘phenome’ peculiar to saffron. The phenome responds to the environmental changes occurring in and around saffron and modify its response in respect of growth, development, disease response, stigma quality, apocarotenoid biosynthesis, and other processes. Understanding these complex relations between different yet interconnected biological activities is quite challenging in saffron where classical genetics has a very limited role owing to its sterility, and the absence of a whole-genome sequence. Omics-based technologies are immensely helpful in overcoming these limitations and developing a better understanding of saffron biology. In addition to creating a comprehensive picture of the molecular mechanisms involved in apocarotenoid synthesis, stigma biogenesis, corm activity, and flower development, omics-technologies will ultimately lead to the engineering of saffron plants with improved phenome.

Background Saffron is a traditional herbal medicine that has been used to treat various ailments such as depressive mood. However, the findings of several meta-analyses regarding anti-depressive properties of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) are controversial. The current umbrella meta-analysis was carried out to determine the magnitude and direction of saffron administration on depression. Methods Relevant studies were searched in international databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Library up to June 2021. Meta-analysis studies investigating the effects of saffron on depression were considered to include in the study. Random-effects model was used to perform the meta-analysis. Additional analyses including subgroup and sensitivity analyses were carried out. Results Overall, 7 meta-analyses were included in the study. The results demonstrated that the consumption of saffron resulted in a significant reduction in BDI scores (ES: −3.87; 95% CI: −5.27, −2.46). However, saffron did not change the HAMD scores (ES: −2.10; 95% CI: −5.05, 0.86, p = 0.164) and mixed scores (HAM-D/BDI/DASS) (ES: 0.02; 95% CI: −0.39, 0.43,p = 0.941). Conclusion Present umbrella meta-analysis demonstrated that saffron intake might contribute to alleviation of depression disorder, however, it cannot be considered as a single therapeutic approach to treat depression.

and amis: Diabetes is one of the major medical problems, which can lead to damage to cells or organs in various parts of the body. Saffron as herbal medicine has contained several active ingredients, including safranal, flavonoids, crocetin, and crocin, which are effective in modulating oxidative stress and inflammation, which can play the main role in reducing the effects of diabetes. However, so far, the effect of saffron on diabetes inflammation has not been evaluated in the form of systematic review studies. The purpose of this systematic study was to evaluate the evidence obtained from in-vitro, animal, and clinical trials studies on the effects of saffron on inflammation in diabetes.The present systematic review was conducted according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statements. In this systematic review, databases such as Embase, Pubmed, SCOPUS, ProQuest, and sciences direct database were searched from the beginning to February 2021. All eligible in-vitro, animal and human studies that examined the effect of saffron on inflammatory factors in diabetes were published in the form of a full article in English.In the end, only 20 of the 596 articles met the criteria for analysis. Of the 20 articles, 3 were in-vitro studies, 13 were animal studies, and 4 were human studies.The findings of this systematic study (Except for two studies) suggest that saffron supplementation with potential anti-inflammatory properties may reduce the expression of the inflammatory pathway and the production of inflammatory products in diabetes.