title: The effect of Crocus sativus extract on human lymphocytes' cytokines and T helper 2/T helper 1 balance.
abstract: The effects of macerated extracts of Crocus sativus (Family Iridaceae) (saffron) on cell viability and cytokine release of stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and nonstimulated cells were examined. The effects of three concentrations of macerated extract, dexamethasone, and saline on cell viability and production of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were evaluated. In cells stimulated with PHA, different concentrations of the extract significantly inhibited cell viability of lymphocytes (P<.001 for all concentrations). High concentrations of the extract (500 μg/mL) also inhibited secretion of IFN-γ in stimulated cells and IL-10 secretion in both stimulated and nonstimulated cells (P<.05 for all cases). The effects of high and low concentrations of the extract (500 and 50 μg/mL, respectively) on IL-4 secretion were lower than that of dexamethasone (P<.05 to P<.001). The extract showed a stimulatory effect on IFN-γ and IL-4 secretion in nonstimulated cells. The ratios of IFN-γ to IL-4 in the presence of all concentrations of saffron on stimulated cells were significantly higher than for the control group (P<.05 to P<.01). These results indicated that the extract of saffron leads to increased ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Pharmaceutical Research Center, Buali Institute, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. boskabadymh@mums.ac.ir
authors.forename: Mohammad Hossein
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Boskabady
authors.forename: Seyedh Masoumeh
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Seyedhosseini Tamijani
authors.forename: Houshang
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rafatpanah
authors.forename: Abadolrahim
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rezaei
authors.forename: Azam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alavinejad
mesh_terms: D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D027622:Crocus / Q000737:chemistry*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism*; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000378:metabolism*; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000378:metabolism*; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D058408:Th1-Th2 Balance / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D010936:Plant Extracts; D016753:Interleukin-10; D015847:Interleukin-4; D003907:Dexamethasone; D007371:Interferon-gamma