Crocetin, a Carotenoid Derived from Saffron (<b><i>Crocus sativus</i></b> L.), Improves Acetylcholine-Induced Vascular Relaxation in Hypertension

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is associated with endothelial dysfunction characterized by decreased vasorelaxation. Crocetin, a bioactive compound of saffron, exhibits favorable cardiovascular properties. We analyze the vasomodulatory effects of crocetin in hypertension. Methods: Myographical experiments were performed to compare the relaxation induced by acetylcholine (ACH) on aortic rings from normotensive (Wistar) and hypertensive (SHR) rats, incubated with or without crocetin or saffron extract and <smlcap>L</smlcap>-NAME or indomethacin. Extracts were also assayed in deendothelialized rings. UV-vis spectrophotometry and HPLC-DAD were used to characterize and quantify the saffron used. Results: Crocetin enhanced the ACH relaxations in aorta from hypertensive (strongly) and normotensive rats (weakly). Saffron extract did not modify this. Crocetin plus <smlcap>L</smlcap>-NAME abolished the relaxant response in SHR but not in Wistar aorta. Crocetin plus indomethacin did not modify the indomethacin response in either SHR or Wistar aorta. Crocetin in rubbed segments did not modify the ACH responses. In contrast, saffron increased this response in rubbed segments from SHR but not Wistar rats. Conclusion: Crocetin exerts healthy vasomodulatory effects in hypertension, strongly improving endothelium-dependent ACH relaxations via endothelial nitric oxide but not the cyclooxygenase pathway. This work proposes that crocetin supplements are a possible complement in the therapy of hypertension.

The Natural Carotenoid Crocetin and the Synthetic Tellurium Compound AS101 Protect the Ovary against Cyclophosphamide by Modulating SIRT1 and Mitochondrial Markers

“…Crocetin has also been administrated to healthy adult human volunteers, demonstrating that it is beneficial also in humans [ 71 , 72 ]. Although only one paper reported the prevention by crocetin of CPM side effects on the bladder and liver [ 73 ], a plethora of publications reveals that crocetin can provide protection against OS induced by toxicants or underlying disorders in numerous organs, tissues, and cells [ 49 – 52 , 74 – 78 ].…”

Polyketides from the Mangrove-Derived Endophytic Fungus Nectria sp. HN001 and Their α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity

“…HN001, isolated from a fresh branch of the mangrove plant Sonneratia ovata , had led to the isolation and characterization of four new polyketides: nectriacid A ( 1 ), nectriacid B ( 2 ), nectriacid C ( 3 ), and 12-epicitreoisocoumarinol ( 4 ), as well as three known compounds: citreoisocoumarinol ( 5 ), citreoisocoumarin ( 6 ), and macrocarpon C ( 7 ) ( Figure 1 ). Previous studies showed that linear polyene derivatives exhibited anti-inflammatory [ 13 ], antihypertensive [ 14 ], antibacterial [ 15 ], and antifungal activities [ 16 ]. In this report, compounds ( 1 – 7 ) from the Nectria sp.…”

Anti‑hypertensive effect of crocin and hesperidin combination in high‑fat diet treated rats

“…Besides, there are other reports on the antihypertensive effects of other active ingredients and extracts of Crocus sativus (41)(42)(43). Some of these studies examined possible acute antihypertensive effects of CRO and crocetin (40,42,43). In this context, Shafei et al (40) showed that CRO 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg attenuated MAP, SBP and HR induced by angiotensin II.…”