| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4313803 | Behavioural Brain Research | 2011 | 8 Pages |
Brain aging is characterized by cognitive decline and memory deficits that could be the result of oxidative stress and impaired cholinergic function. In this study, the effects of a daily, 7-day, intraperitoneal administration of saffron on cognitive functions were examined in both healthy adult (4 months old) and aged (20 months old), male Balb-c mice (n = 8/group), by passive avoidance test. Whole brain homogenates (minus cerebellum) were collected for examination of brain oxidative markers, caspase-3 and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Results showed that saffron-treated mice exhibited significant improvement in learning and memory, accompanied by reduced lipid peroxidation products, higher total brain antioxidant activity and reduced caspase-3 activity in both age groups of mice. Furthermore, salt- and detergent-soluble AChE activity was significantly decreased only in adult mice. Thus, we showed, for the first time, that the significant cognitive enhancement conferred by saffron administration in mice, is more closely related to the antioxidant reinforcement. Next, we compared the effect of saffron (1–250 μg/mL), crocetin and safranal (1–125 μM) on H2O2-induced toxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Both saffron and crocetin provided strong protection in rescuing cell viability (MTT assay), repressing ROS production (DCF assay) and decreasing caspase-3 activation. These data, together with earlier studies suggest that crocetin is a unique and potent antioxidant, capable of mediating the in vivo effects of saffron.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (135 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Aging is accompanied by cognitive impairment and oxidative stress. ► Saffron administration enhances rodent performance in passive avoidance test. ► Cognitive enhancement is closely related to the cerebral antioxidant reinforcement. ► Cerebral acetylcholinesterase is decreased in adult mice after saffron administration. ► Saffron and crocetin protect SH-SY5Y cells against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity.
