Crocus sativus L. Petal Extract Inhibits Inflammation and Osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264.7 Cell Model

Abstract

The dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) are traditionally processed to produce saffron, a spice widely used as a food coloring and flavoring agent, which is important in the pharmaceutical and textile dye-producing industries. The labor-intensive by-hand harvesting and the use of only a small amount of each flower cause saffron to be the most expensive spice in the world. Crocus sp. petals are by-products of saffron production and represent an interesting raw material for the preparation of extracts intended for health protection in the perspective of a circular economy. In the present study, ethanolic extract from Crocus sativus L. petals (Crocus sativus L. petal extract, CsPE) was tested on macrophages by in vitro models of inflammation and osteoclastogenesis. The extract was found to be endowed with anti-inflammatory activity, significantly reducing the nitric oxide production and IL-6 release by RAW 264.7 murine cells. Moreover, CsPE demonstrated an anti-osteoclastogenic effect, as revealed by a complete inhibition of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive osteoclast formation and a decreased expression of key osteoclast-related genes. This study, which focuses on the macrophage as the target cell of the bioactive extract from Crocus sativus L. petals, suggests that the petal by-product of saffron processing can usefully be part of a circular economy network aimed at producing an extract that potentially prevents bone disruption.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activities of Portuguese Prunus avium L. (Sweet Cherry) By-Products Extracts

“…The hydroethanolic extract of flowers showed cell viability between 80% and 90% ( Figure 1 E). Similar results were obtained by Orabona and co-workers [ 26 ] for Crocus sativus L. by-products. Based on these results, we can assume that the concentrations used are safe and non-toxic for further studies.…”

Bioactive Components and Biological Activities of Crocus sativus L. Byproducts: A Comprehensive Review

“…Saffron petal extracts can inhibit NO-synthase and decrease IL-6 release by lipopolysaccharide-treated pro-inflammatory RAW 264.7 macrophages in concentrations ranging from 80 to 640 μg/mL. 45 In a similar report, saffron petal extract significantly suppressed nitric oxide production, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expressions, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-1β transcription of lipopolysaccharide induced RAW 264.7 cell lines. 62 In a paw-edema test in mice, inflammation was reduced by oral administration of saffron byproduct extracts for 1 h, and the effects lasted until the end of the experiment, reaching a maximum of 77.33% after 4 h, followed by petal extract (70.50%), and leaf and corm extracts showed moderate but significant (p < 0.05) inhibitory activities of 53.29% and 47.47%, respectively.…”

“…Therefore, the regulation of pro-inflammatory processes by phytochemicals represents a significant aspect of their potential applications in the treatment of these diseases. 45,61 Researches have shown that saffron byproducts extracts have potent anti-inflammatory activity. Saffron petal extracts can inhibit NO-synthase and decrease IL-6 release by lipopolysaccharide-treated pro-inflammatory RAW 264.7 macrophages in concentrations ranging from 80 to 640 μg/mL.…”

“…Therefore, the regulation of pro-inflammatory processes by phytochemicals represents a significant aspect of their potential applications in the treatment of these diseases. , Researches have shown that saffron byproducts extracts have potent anti-inflammatory activity. Saffron petal extracts can inhibit NO-synthase and decrease IL-6 release by lipopolysaccharide-treated pro-inflammatory RAW 264.7 macrophages in concentrations ranging from 80 to 640 μg/mL . In a similar report, saffron petal extract significantly suppressed nitric oxide production, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expressions, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-1β transcription of lipopolysaccharide induced RAW 264.7 cell lines …”

“…When the inflammatory response is not regulated, it can lead to increased levels of inflammatory mediators, which may lead to the development of several diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hepatopathy, and hypertension. Therefore, the regulation of pro-inflammatory processes by phytochemicals represents a significant aspect of their potential applications in the treatment of these diseases. , Researches have shown that saffron byproducts extracts have potent anti-inflammatory activity. Saffron petal extracts can inhibit NO-synthase and decrease IL-6 release by lipopolysaccharide-treated pro-inflammatory RAW 264.7 macrophages in concentrations ranging from 80 to 640 μg/mL .…”