1 research outputs found
Crocus sativus Extract Tightens the Blood-Brain Barrier, Reduces Amyloid β Load and Related Toxicity in 5XFAD Mice
Crocus sativus, commonly known as
saffron or Kesar, is used in Ayurveda and other folk medicines for
various purposes as an aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, and expectorant.
Previous evidence suggested that Crocus sativus is linked to improving cognitive function in Alzheimer’s
disease (AD) patients. The aim of this study was to in vitro and in
vivo investigate the mechanism(s) by which Crocus sativus exerts its positive effect against AD. The effect of Crocus sativus extract on Aβ load and related
toxicity was evaluated. In vitro results showed that Crocus sativus extract increases the tightness of
a cell-based blood-brain barrier (BBB) model and enhances transport
of Aβ. Further in vivo studies confirmed the effect of Crocus sativus extract (50 mg/kg/day, added to mice
diet) on the BBB tightness and function that was associated with reduced
Aβ load and related pathological changes in 5XFAD mice used
as an AD model. Reduced Aβ load could be explained, at least
in part, by Crocus sativus extract
effect to enhance Aβ clearance pathways including BBB clearance,
enzymatic degradation and ApoE clearance pathway. Furthermore, Crocus sativus extract upregulated synaptic proteins
and reduced neuroinflammation associated with Aβ pathology in
the brains of 5XFAD mice. Crocin, a major active constituent of Crocus sativus and known for its antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory effect, was also tested separately in vivo in 5XFAD
mice. Crocin (10 mg/kg/day) was able to reduce Aβ load but to
a lesser extent when compared to Crocus sativus extract. Collectively, findings from this study support the positive
effect of Crocus sativus against AD
by reducing Aβ pathological manifestations