title: The Extract of Crocus sativus and Its Constituent Safranal, Affect Serum Levels of Endothelin and Total Protein in Sensitized Guinea Pigs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The effect of the extract of Crocus sativus and its constituent, safranal on inflammatory markers in sensitized guinea pigs was examined.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ovalbumin (OA) sensitized guinea pigs were given drinking water alone (group S), or drinking water containing three concentrations of safranal, three concentrations of extract and one concentration of dexamethasone, (n=6, for all groups) and serum levels of endotheline-1 (ET-1) and total protein (TP) were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Serum levels of ET-1 and TP in group S were significantly higher than control group (P<0.01 for ET-1 and P<0.001 TP). Treatment of S animals with dexamethasone, most concentrations of the extract and safranal significantly reduced serum levels of ET-1 and TP compared to group S (P <0.01 to P <0.001). The effects of one concentration of the extract and safranal were significantly higher than dexamethasone (P <0.05 to P <0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A preventive effect of the extract of C. sativus and its constituent safranal on serum inflammatory markers in sensitized guinea pigs was shown.
authors.affiliation: Applied Physiology Research Centre, and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Zahra
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Gholamnezhad
authors.forename: Hamed
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Koushyar
authors.forename: Goltaj
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Byrami
authors.forename: Mohammad Hossein
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Boskabady
keywords: Asthma; Crocus sativus; Endotheline; Inflammation; Safranal; Sensitization