crocin and Atherosclerosis

Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) has long been known for multiple target therapeutic uses. The plant metabolism is well investigated and the main metabolites related to saffron organoleptic qualities are crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal. Particularly, the most abundant of them, such as crocin and safranal, are investigated for their multiple biological activities and known as potential drugs. We aimed to review the constituent features of the plant, along with its potential therapeutic effects in depression, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, cancer, and sexual dysfunction. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and EMBASE, with particular attention to preclinical and clinical studies. Although saffron and its components showed potential clinical applications, further investigations are necessary to confirm the effective use of "Red Gold" and its real applications in clinical practice.

Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Animals; Atherosclerosis; Carotenoids; Crocus; Cyclohexenes; Depression; Glucosides; Humans; Neoplasms; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Terpenes; Vitamin A

The phytochemistry, cardiovascular pharmacology, toxicology, side effect, and further development prospects of Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis (GJE) and its main constituents crocins and iridoid glycosides were studied. Numerous studies have confirmed that crocins and iridoid glycosides had effects of antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-ischemic brain injuries, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-hypertension, and so on. Some of them might be related to several attractive pharmacodynamic actions of GJE such as promoting endothelium growth, protecting neurons, and inducing their differentiation. Both of them make it possible for GJE to prevent and cure thromboembolism and cardiovascular diseases well. From our own basic pharmacological research of GJE extract on several rat models, it has been known that GJE extract markedly prolonged bleeding time and inhibited platelet aggregation and thrombosis. It has significant proliferation effect on both endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells as well. As the mechanisms of GJE on those diseases were discussed and summarized, questions about its genetoxicity and hepatotoxicity were also discussed during its safety study to make the foundation for long-term medication and clinical research in the near future.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antioxidants; Atherosclerosis; Cardiotonic Agents; Carotenoids; Disease Models, Animal; Fruit; Gardenia; Hyperlipidemias; Hypoglycemic Agents; Iridoid Glycosides; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Rats

Topics: Animals; Atherosclerosis; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1; Carotenoids; CD36 Antigens; Cholesterol; Foam Cells; Liver X Receptors; Mice; PPAR gamma; Proprotein Convertase 9; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt

Topics: Animals; Atherosclerosis; Carotenoids; Cholesterol; Cognitive Dysfunction; Diet, High-Fat; Mice; Neuroinflammatory Diseases