Memory enhancing effects of saffron in aged mice are correlated with antioxidant protection.
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 H(2)O(2)-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.
Laboratory of Human & Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece.
Magdalini A
MA
Papandreou
Maria
M
Tsachaki
Spiros
S
Efthimiopoulos
Paul
P
Cordopatis
Fotini N
FN
Lamari
Marigoula
M
Margarity
D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000378:metabolism; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000494:pharmacology; D053148:Caspase 3 / Q000378:metabolism; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D027622:Crocus; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000633:toxicity; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D016877:Oxidants / Q000633:toxicity; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000031:analogs & derivatives
D000975:Antioxidants; D016877:Oxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; C487773:trans-sodium crocetinate; D014801:Vitamin A; D002338:Carotenoids; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D000110:Acetylcholinesterase; D053148:Caspase 3