Protective effect of Crocus sativus stamens extract on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage in rat kidney

Crocus sativus is a medicinal plant supposedly possessing various biological activities. Currently, it is evaluated only by the medicinal properties of its stigma and many parts of this plant are unused. This work contributes to the valorization of C.sativus stamens by exploring the property of methanolic extract to prevent gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Twenty Wistar rats (weight 250 ± 30g) were assigned into four equal groups (n = 5), and among the assigned groups,  group 1 was given only distilled water (Control), group 2 received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of gentamicin (GEN) 80 mg/kg/d, group 3 received the combination of gentamicin (80 mg/kg/d, i.p.) and oral administration of a lower dose of C. sativus methanolic extract (250 mg/kg/d), while the group 4 received the combination of gentamicin (80 mg/kg/d, i.p.) and oral administration of a higher dose of C. sativus methanolic extract (500 mg/kg/d). The injection of gentamicin for the nephrotoxicity induction and post-treatment with methanolic extract was carried out once a day for 15 days. For nephrotoxicity evaluation, biochemical and histopathological analyses were performed. The estimation of serum and urinary creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, sodium levels was carried out with the help of Architect Ci 4100 Analyzer. Oxidative stress was assessed by the determination of renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) levels. The results of the study suggested that gentamicin injection induced a significant (p < 0.01) elevation in serum renal biochemical parameters and oxidative stress indices. The methanolic extract of C. sativus significantly (p < 0.05) reduced serum creatinine, urea, and sodium levels, with an improvement in the histopathological results of gentamicin-induced alterations. Furthermore, pretreatment with plant extracts improved hepatic antioxidant status, by the elevation of the CAT and reducing the lipid peroxidation level (MDA) in tissues. The present study suggests that the methanolic extract of C. sativus stamens has an interesting nephroprotective effect on the renal lesions induced by GEN in modulating renal parameters and oxidative stress on Wistar rats

Biological effects and pharmacological activities of saffron of Crocus sativus

The medicinal uses of saffron (Crocus sativus Linnaeus) have a long history beginning in Asian countries since the Late Bronze Age. Recent studies have validated its potential to lower the risk of several diseases. Saffron has been suggested to be effective in the treatment of a wide range of disorders including coronary artery diseases, hypertension, stomach disorders, dysmenorrhea and learning and memory impairments. In addition, different studies have indicated that saffron has anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, antidiabetic, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic activities. The anticonvulsant and anti-Alzheimer properties of saffron extract were shown in human and animal studies. The efficacy of Crocus sativus in the treatment of mild to moderate depression was also reported in clinical trial. Many of these medicinal properties of saffron can be attributed to a number of its compounds such as crocetin, crocins and other substances having strong antioxidant and radical scavenger properties against a variety of radical oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines

Effects of different culture media on the growth and in vitro preservation of Phytophthora infestans

Des prospections de Phytophthora infestans, agent responsable du mildiou, ont été effectuées au champ dans six localités productrices de la pomme de terre dans la région de Berkane, et deux autres dans les banlieues d’Oujda. Des échantillons de tubercules de pomme de terre ont également été ramenés de cinq chambres froides. Sur un total de 49 échantillons récoltés, dont 34 échantillons feuilles et 15 échantillons tubercule, seulement 23 isolats ont été identifiés, dont 22 isolats issus des feuilles et un isolat issu des tubercules. La méthode de repiquage directe des sporocystes a été la plus fiable et la plus réussie par rapport aux autres méthodes. Le milieu de culture PP congelé a été utilisé dans ce travail pour l’isolement et la purification de P. infestans sans antibiotique. Cinq milieux de culture ont été utilisés (PDA, DFPDT, PP, CMA et NYDA) pour suivre différents paramètres caractérisant le champignon, entre autres la couleur, l’aspect, le diamètre des colonies mycéliennes, la vitesse quotidienne de croissance mycélienne, la survie du mycélium à 4°C et à 20°C et le taux de sporulation. Tous ces paramètres précités sont plutôt meilleurs dans les milieux DFPDT, PP et PDA, moyens dans NYDA et faibles dans CMA. La vitesse de croissance mycélienne des isolats sur milieu PP gélosé la plus élevée a été enregistré pour l’isolat ISOSLM avec 9,51 mm/jour et la plus faible a été enregistré pour l’isolat ISOACH avec 3,64 mm/jour. Mots clés: Phytophthora infestans, pomme de terre, milieu de culture, isolement, Oriental, MarocProspecting for Phytophthora infestans, the causative agent of downy mildew, was carried out in the field in six potato-producing localities in the Berkane region and four in the suburbs of Oujda. Samples of potato tubers were also brought from five cold storage rooms. Out of a total of 49 samples collected, including 34 from leaves and 15 from tubers, only 23 isolates were identified, including 22 from leaves and one from tubers. The direct sporocyst passage method was the most reliable and successful compared to other methods. Frozen PP culture medium was used for the isolation and purification of P. infestans. Five culture media (PDA, DFPDT, PP, CMA and NYDA) were used to monitor the various parameters characterizing the fungus, including color, appearance, diameter of mycelial colonies, daily rate of mycelial growth, the survival of the mycelium at 4°C and at 20°C and the rate of sporulation. All these parameters are rather better in the DFPDT, PP and PDA media, average in NYDA and weak in CMA. Keywords: Phytophthora infestans, potato, culture medium, isolation, Oriental, Moroccontal, Morocc

Valorization of Moroccan Crocus sativus L. By-products: Foliar Spraying of Aqueous Tepal Extract Stimulates Growth and Confers Antioxidant Properties in Eggplant Seedling under Greenhouse Conditions

The valorization of Crocus sativus L. by-products has become important given its interesting content of bioactive molecules. In the present study, aqueous tepal extract (ATE) studied eggplant seedling’s growth and physiology under a plastic tunnel. ATE was foliage sprayed 3 times every 15 days, with various concentrations (1 mg/mL, 2 mg/mL, 3 mg/mL) in addition to a treatment containing 2 mg/mL of tepals and 0.6 mg/mL of stigmas (T+S). The concentration of 2 mg/L ATE significantly (p≤0.05) increased the plant’s height, the chlorophyll content, and decreased antioxidant activity and MDA (malondialdehyde). However, the concentration 3 mg/mL inhibited the plant growth; increased the content of ascorbic acid and polyphenol; and resulted in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activities increases, indicating oxidative stress (p≤0.05). On the other hand, T+S significantly influenced some parameters analyzed. Our findings demonstrate that ATE can act as a biostimulant at 2 mg/mL to enhance eggplant growth in plastic tunnel production and used in plant stress situations

Antioxidant properties and hepatoprotective effect of Croccus sativus stamens against carbon tetrachloride‑induced liver injury in rats

Background: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is one of the commonly used models for the induction of liver injury and screening of the hepatoprotective activity of different drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective activity and possible underlying mechanisms of methanolic and hydroethanolic extracts of Croccus sativus stamens using a model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats. Methods: Methanolic and hydroethanolic extracts was daily orally administered to rats at the doses of 250 mg/kg, prior to double intraperitoneal injection of 1% CCl4 on 7 days and 14 days. Their activities were compared with silymarin (250 mg/kg) for 14 days. Parameters of hepatic and renal function, lipid profile, and oxidative stress were evaluated in rat serum and tissues. Results: The results indicated that CCl4 injection in rats increased plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanin aminotransferase (ALT), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activities, which were normalized by methanolic, and hydroethanolic pretreatment. In addition, administration of both extracts with CCl4 significantly inhibited alterations of kidney indices in the serum levels of creatinine and urea. Moreover, CCl4 administration increased the lipid peroxidation level (MDA) in tissues that is signifanctly reduced by the Methanolic and hydroethanolic extract of the plant. Methanolic and hydroethanolic treatment improved hepatic antioxidant status, by the elevation of the CAT and GSH level in CCl4‑administered rats. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated the potential effect of Croccus sativus stamens as a protector against liver injury. Mediated possibly by their antioxidant properties. Which are comparable to those of the standard hepatoprotective compound silymarin

Phytochemical characterization and multifaceted bioactivity assessment of essential oil from Ptychotis verticillata Duby: Anti-diabetic, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-inflammatory activity

The aim of this study is to explore the pharmacological properties of the essential oil derived from Ptychotis verticillata Duby (PVEO), a medicinal plant native to Morocco, focusing on its antidiabetic, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, the study aims to characterize the phytochemical composition of PVEO and evaluate its potential as a natural therapeutic alternative for various health conditions. To achieve this, phytochemical analysis was conducted using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Furthermore, in vitro assessments were conducted to investigate PVEO's antidiabetic activity by inhibiting α-amylase, xanthine oxidase, and α-glucosidase. Tests were also undertaken to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of PVEO on RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as well as its efficacy as an anti-tyrosinase agent and its lipoxygenase inhibition activity. The results of the phytochemical analysis revealed that PVEO is rich in terpene compounds, with percentages of 40.35 % γ-terpinene, 22.40 % carvacrol, and 19.77 % β-cymene. Moreover, in vitro evaluations demonstrated that PVEO exhibits significant inhibitory activity against α-amylase, xanthine oxidase, and α-glucosidase, indicating promising antidiabetic, and anti-gout potential. Furthermore, PVEO showed significant anti-tyrosinase activity, with an IC50 of 27.39 ± 0.44 μg/mL, and remarkable lipoxygenase inhibition (87.33 ± 2.6 %), suggesting its candidacy for dermatoprotection. Additionally, PVEO displayed a dose-dependent capacity to attenuate the production of NO and PGE2, two inflammatory mediators implicated in various pathologies, without compromising cellular viability. The findings of this study provide a solid foundation for future research on natural therapies and the development of new drugs, highlighting the therapeutic potential of PVEO in the treatment of gout, diabetes, pigmentation disorders, and inflammation

Antioxidant Activity, Metal Chelating Ability and DNA Protective Effect of the Hydroethanolic Extracts of Crocus sativus Stigmas, Tepals and Leaves

The present study investigated the antioxidant activity, metal chelating ability and genoprotective effect of the hydroethanolic extracts of Crocus sativus stigmas (STG), tepals (TPL) and leaves (LV). We evaluated the antioxidant and metal (Fe2+ and Cu2+) chelating activities of the stigmas, tepals and leaves of C. sativus. Similarly, we examined the genotoxic and DNA protective effect of these parts on rat leukocytes by comet assay. The results showed that TPL contains the best polyphenol content (64.66 µg GA eq/mg extract). The highest radical scavenging activity is shown by the TPL (DPPH radical scavenging activity: IC50 = 80.73 µg/mL). The same extracts gave a better ferric reducing power at a dose of 50 µg/mL, and better protective activity against β-carotene degradation (39.31% of oxidized β-carotene at a 100 µg/mL dose). In addition, they showed a good chelating ability of Fe2+ (48.7% at a 500 µg/mL dose) and Cu2+ (85.02% at a dose of 500 µg/mL). Thus, the antioxidant activity and metal chelating ability in the C. sativus plant is important, and it varies according to the part and dose used. In addition, pretreatment with STG, TPL and LV significantly (p < 0.001) protected rat leukocytes against the elevation of percent DNA in the tail, tail length and tail moment in streptozotocin- and alloxan-induced DNA damage. These results suggest that C. sativus by-products contain natural antioxidant, metal chelating and DNA protective compounds, which are capable of reducing the risk of cancer and other diseases associated with daily exposure to genotoxic xenobiotics