The study aimed to investigate the effects of acute ingestion of saffron (SAF) on physiological (i.e., heart rate and blood lactate) and perceptual (i.e., ratings of perceived exertion [RPE] and feeling scale) measures in response to a repeated-sprint ability test (RSS) in healthy young males (N = 22; mean ± SD: age, 21.7 ± 1.24 yrs.). All participants completed two experimental trials with a one-week washout period using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. In each session, the participants were randomly chosen to receive either a capsule of saffron (300 mg) (SAF session) or a capsule of lactose (PLB session) two hours before performing the RSS.No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found for heart rate, RPE, and feeling scale between the SAF or PLB sessions at pre- and post-RSS. There were no significant changes (p > 0.05) in peak time, total time, fatigue index, and blood lactate in either the SAF or PLB sessions. Acute SAF ingestion did not significantly improve RSS performance nor physiological and perceptual measures in active young males. Future trials should address the topic by using shortened/prolonged higher doses of SAF on biological, physical, physiological, and perceptual responses to acute and chronic exercise.

The mechanisms by which low light accelerates starch macromolecules degradation by auxin and gibberellin (GA) in geophytes during sprouting remain largely unknown. This study investigated these mechanisms in saffron, grown under low light (50 μmol m-2 s-1) and optimal light (200 μmol m-2 s-1) during the sprouting phase. Low light reduced starch concentration in corms by 34.0 % and increased significantly sucrose levels in corms, leaves, and leaf sheaths by 19.2 %, 9.8 %, and 134.5 %, respectively. This was associated with a 33.3 % increase in GA3 level and enhanced auxin signaling. Leaves synthesized IAA under low light, which was transported to the corms to promote GA synthesis, facilitating starch degradation through a 228.7 % increase in amylase activity. Exogenous applications of GA and IAA, as well as the use of their synthesis or transport inhibitors, confirmed the synergistic role of these phytohormones in starch metabolism. The unigenes associated with GA biosynthesis and auxin signaling were upregulated under low light, highlighting the IAA-GA module role in starch degradation. Moreover, increased respiration rate and invertase activity, crucial for ATP biosynthesis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, were consistent with the upregulation of related unigenes, suggesting that auxin signaling accelerates starch degradation by promoting energy metabolism. Upregulated of auxin signaling (CsSAUR32) and starch metabolism (CsSnRK1) genes under low light suggests that auxin directly regulate starch degradation in saffron corms. This study elucidates that low light modulates auxin and GA interactions to accelerate starch degradation in saffron corms during sprouting, offering insights for optimizing agricultural practices under suboptimal light conditions.

UNASSIGNED: Esthetic orthodontic wires are preferred for their ease to fit in with natural tooth color, but their susceptibility to staining in the oral environment poses a concern. Various Coatings such as Teflon and Epoxy aim to enhance appearance and biocompatibility but may still result in discoloration. Understanding the color stability of these wires under different staining conditions is crucial for a better and enhanced treatment plan.
UNASSIGNED: This study intended to assess the color stability of esthetic orthodontic wires under various staining solutions that are often used in daily life.
UNASSIGNED: Color changes of Teflon and Epoxy-coated esthetic orthodontic wires were meticulously measured at baseline, 7, 14, and 21-day intervals utilizing the precise CIE Lab* color measurement system. A total of thirty-two samples of wires from each brand were prepared (n= 8/group) and immersed in staining solutions (coffee, tea, cola, and saffron). The color change within and between the groups was statistically evaluated (p< 0.05).
UNASSIGNED: Significant variations in color stability were observed across different staining solutions. Saffron emerged as the most potent agent, inducing the most pronounced color changes, whereas cola demonstrated the least impact. Furthermore, Epoxy-coated wires consistently exhibited superior color stability compared to their Teflon-coated counterparts across all staining solutions and time intervals.
UNASSIGNED: This study underlines the significance for orthodontists to consider staining agents\' possible effects on orthodontic wires into account when selecting the orthodontic wires. The findings suggest that Epoxy-coated wires hold promise in mitigating discoloration issues during orthodontic therapy.

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric conditions worldwide, with an annual escalation in prevalence. The serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) metabolism through the gut-brain axis has been revealed to be related to the development of depression. Our previous study demonstrated that Lactococcus lactis WHH2078 alleviated depression in mice by shaping the gut microbiome composition and 5-HT metabolism. However, little research has explored the synergistic effects of probiotics and natural mental health-improving products. In this study, three natural products (saffron, l-theanine, and phosphatidylserine), either individually or in combination, were orally administrated for 4 weeks in chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced mice, and their depressive behaviors, hippocampal 5-HT, and serum corticosterone were assessed. Saffron demonstrated improvement of the depressive-like behaviors via multiple behavioral tests and reversed the declined concentration of 5-HT and increased concentration of corticosterone. Following an initial screening, saffron was chosen to be combined with WHH2078, referred to as WHHMOOD™. Furthermore, the effects of WHHMOOD were evaluated in mice with depressive-like behaviors. WHHMOOD reduced immobility time in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test, increased the time spent in the central area in open field test, and reduced the serum corticosterone level. Besides, WHHMOOD improved the CRS-induced gut microbial dysbiosis by reversing gut microbial diversity and the abundances of Ligilactobacillus, Candidatus Arthromitus, and Erysipelatoclostridium. Compared to WHH2078, WHHMOOD treatment significantly increased the travel distance and hippocampal 5-HT level in mice. In conclusion, WHHMOOD exhibited prophylactic effects on depressive-like in CRS mice, which may act as a promising agent for improving the symptoms of depression.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory illness of the gastrointestinal tract (GI), characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation and tissue destruction. It affects an increasing number of individuals worldwide who suffer from Crohn\'s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Despite substantial advances in understanding the underlying causes of IBD, the available treatments remain restricted and are sometimes accompanied by severe consequences. Consequently, there is an urgent need to study alternate therapeutic options. This review assesses the present drugs, identifies their limitations, and proposes the use of saffron, a natural plant with great therapeutic potential based on preclinical and clinical investigations. Saffron has gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating various ailments due to its established bioactive compounds possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review covers how saffron impacts the levels of calprotectin, an inflammatory marker, for various inflammatory responses in multiple diseases including IBD. Data from clinical trials were assessed to determine the efficacy and safety of using saffron to counter inflammation in multiple diseases. Studies have shown that saffron may protect against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through several mechanisms by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), reducing oxidative stress through antioxidant effects, enhancing mucosal barrier function by upregulating tight junction proteins, and modulating the gut microbiota composition to promote beneficial bacteria while suppressing pathogenic ones; these combined actions contribute to its therapeutic potential in managing and alleviating the symptoms of IBD. This will enable future research endeavors and expedite the translation of saffron-based interventions into clinical practice as a valuable adjunctive therapy or a potential alternative to conventional treatments, thereby enhancing the quality of life for individuals suffering from inflammatory diseases including IBD.

Most research on saffron has focused on its composition and beneficial effects, while the culinary perspective to enhance its gastronomic potential remains unexplored. This study aims to define the transfer of the main compounds responsible for color, flavor, and aromatic properties, evaluating three critical variables: temperature (60 °C, 80 °C and 100 °C), infusion time (ranging from 10 to 30 min), and the composition of the medium (water, oil, and water/oil). Samples were analyzed using the LC-QTOF MS/MS and ISO 3632-1:2011 methods. The major compounds were crocins, including trans-crocin and picrocrocin. Among the flavonoids, kaempferol 3-O-sophoroside stands out. Regarding extraction conditions, crocins, glycoside flavonoids, and picrocrocin were enhanced in water, the former in 100% water and at low temperatures, while picrocrocin proved to be the most stable compound with extraction favored at high temperatures. The variable with the greatest incidence of picrocrocin isolation seemed to be the concentration of water since water/oil compositions reported higher concentrations. Safranal and kaempferol were enriched in the oil phase and at lower temperatures. This study provides a chemical interpretation for the appropriate gastronomic use of saffron according to its versatility. Finally, the determination of safranal using the ISO method did not correlate with that obtained using chromatography.

Saffron, renowned for its aroma and flavor, is susceptible to adulteration due to its high value and demand. Current detection methods, including ISO standards, often fail to identify specific adulterants such as safflower or turmeric up to 20% (w/w). Therefore, the quest continues for robust screening methods using advanced techniques to tackle this persistent challenge of safeguarding saffron quality and authenticity. Advanced techniques such as time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), with its molecular specificity and high sensitivity, offer promising solutions. Samples of pure saffron and saffron adulterated with safflower and turmeric at three inclusion levels (5%, 10%, and 20%) were analyzed without prior treatment. Spectral analysis revealed distinct signatures for pure saffron, safflower, and turmeric. Through principal component analysis (PCA), TOF-SIMS effectively discriminated between pure saffron and saffron adulterated with turmeric and safflower at different inclusion levels. The variation between the groups is attributed to the characteristic peaks of safflower and the amino group peaks and mineral peaks of saffron. Additionally, a study was conducted to demonstrate that semi-quantification of the level of safflower inclusion can be achieved from the normalized values of its characteristic peaks in the saffron matrix.

UNASSIGNED: Acrylamide (ACR) is a neurotoxic agent whose damage could be attenuated by antioxidants administration. Crocetin is a saffron-derived antioxidant that has neuroprotective effects. This study evaluates the protective effects of trans-sodium crocetinate (TSC) and its water-soluble derivative, Bis-N-(N-methylpyprazinyl) crocetinate (BMPC) against ACR neurotoxicity.
UNASSIGNED: PC12 cells were treated with TSC and BMPC (1.95, 3.9, 7.81, 15.62, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 μM) for 24 hr. ACR was then added at a concentration of 6.5 mM (IC50), and cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide. In the in vivo study, male Wistar rats were treated with ACR (50 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) for 11 days alone or in combination with TSC and BMPC (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) or vitamin E (200 IU/kg, i.p.). Motor impairments were then evaluated. The cerebral cortex of sacrificed rats was taken for the malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels measurement.
UNASSIGNED: In vitro studies showed that TSC at a concentration of 7.81 μM and BMPC at concentrations of 3.9, 7.81, and 15.62 μM exhibited the lowest toxicity in acrylamide administration. In the in vivo study, pretreatment with 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg of TSC ameliorated behavioral impairments, but BMPC could not attenuate them. GSH and MDA were improved by 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg TSC and 2.5 mg/kg BMPC.
UNASSIGNED: TSC and BMPC administration improved behavioral index and oxidative stress injuries in Wistar rats exposed to ACR through MDA reduction and GSH content enhancement in the cerebral cortex.

BACKGROUND: Saffron, a natural remedy with potential antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, has gained attention as a potential therapeutic option.
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of saffron versus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating depression and anxiety.
METHODS: Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database, were searched from inception to April 31, 2023.
METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing saffron intervention with SSRIs in adults with depression or anxiety were included.
METHODS: Random-effects meta-analysis using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and risk ratio (RRs) with their 95% CIs calculated continuous and binary outcomes, respectively. Meta-analysis of 8 studies assessing depression outcomes revealed a nonsignificant difference between saffron and SSRIs in reducing depressive symptoms (SMD = 0.10l 95% CI: -0.09 to 0.29). Four studies reporting anxiety outcomes showed a nonsignificant difference between saffron and SSRIs in reducing anxiety symptoms (SMD = 0.04; 95% CI: -0.22 to 0.29). With regard to safety, participants receiving saffron had fewer adverse events than the SSRI group (risk difference: -0.06; 95% CI: -0.09, -0.04; I2: 0%).
CONCLUSIONS: Saffron could be a potential SSRI alternative to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms with fewer adverse events. Further research with larger sample sizes and in diverse populations is warranted to validate these findings and explore potential moderators of treatment response.
BACKGROUND: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023443236.

Saffron (Crocus sativus) floral by-products are a source of phenolic compounds that can be recovered and used in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic industries. This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic compounds\' extraction using green extraction techniques (GETs) in saffron floral by-products and to explore the influence of selected extraction techniques on the phytochemical composition of the extracts. Specifically, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), subcritical water extraction (SWE), and deep eutectic solvents extraction (DESE) were used. Phenolic compounds were identified with (HR) LC-ESI-QTOF MS/MS analysis, and the quantitative analysis was performed with HPLC-PDA. Concerning the extraction techniques, UAE showed the highest amount for both anthocyanins and flavonoids with 50:50% v/v ethanol/water as solvent (93.43 ± 4.67 mg/g of dry plant, dp). Among SWE, extraction with 96% ethanol and t = 125 °C gave the best quantitative results. The 16 different solvent mixtures used for the DESE showed the highest amount of flavonoids (110.95 ± 5.55-73.25 ± 3.66 mg/g dp), while anthocyanins were better extracted with choline chloride:butane-1,4-diol (16.0 ± 0.80 mg/g dp). Consequently, GETs can be employed to extract the bioactive compounds from saffron floral by-products, implementing recycling and reduction of waste and fitting into the broader circular economy discussion.