The Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on Oxidative Stress Markers in the Hippocampus of Experimental Models of MS

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ethanolic extract of saffron on oxidative stress markers in the hippocampus of experimental models of MS. Materials and Methods: Induction of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) was carried out by direct single injection of 0.01 % ethidium bromide (EB) into the Cornu ammonis (CA1) of hippocampal formation. One week after MS induction, animals received intrahippocampal (5 μg/rat and 10 μg/rat) injection of the saffron. At the end, the bilateral hippocampi were dissected to measure oxidative stress parameters. one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test were used for Statistical analyses activity. Results: Hippocampal injection of EB had no effect on catalase (CAT) activity, but it induced significant increment of antioxidant enzymes GPx and SOD (P<0.05). Short-term local injection of saffron extract significantly reduced the activity of GPx and SOD enzymes (P<0.05). But the activity of CAT was significantly increased following microinjection of saffron extract (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of the present study show that the local injection of EB may cause increased production of free radicals. Antioxidant capacity and activity are increased. Saffron extract as a potent antioxidant modulates oxidative stress markers, probably through scavenging of ROS and clearing of cells milieu from free radicals.

Keywords: Oxidative stress, Multiple sclerosis, Saffron, Hippocampus