The Effect of Crocus sativus Extract on Human Lymphocytes' Cytokines and T Helper 2/T Helper 1 Balance

Abstract

The effects of macerated extracts of Crocus sativus (Family Iridaceae) (saffron) on cell viability and cytokine release of stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and nonstimulated cells were examined. The effects of three concentrations of macerated extract, dexamethasone, and saline on cell viability and production of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were evaluated. In cells stimulated with PHA, different concentrations of the extract significantly inhibited cell viability of lymphocytes (P<.001 for all concentrations). High concentrations of the extract (500 μg/mL) also inhibited secretion of IFN-γ in stimulated cells and IL-10 secretion in both stimulated and nonstimulated cells (P<.05 for all cases). The effects of high and low concentrations of the extract (500 and 50 μg/mL, respectively) on IL-4 secretion were lower than that of dexamethasone (P<.05 to P<.001). The extract showed a stimulatory effect on IFN-γ and IL-4 secretion in nonstimulated cells. The ratios of IFN-γ to IL-4 in the presence of all concentrations of saffron on stimulated cells were significantly higher than for the control group (P<.05 to P<.01). These results indicated that the extract of saffron leads to increased ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4.

Effectiveness of a Crocus sativus Extract on Burn Wounds in Rats

“…Several studies have demonstrated many pharmacological properties such as anti-oxidant [11,12], anti-inflammatory [13,14], antitumor [15], and antidepressant [16] in saffron. Boskabady [17], Byrami [18], and Feyzi [19] have shown that the saffron extract and specifically safranal increased the ratio of interferon-γ to interleukin-4, indicating their effect on T-helper 1/ T-helper 2 balance. Therefore, saffron extract may improve the inflammatory diseases associated with T-helper h1/T-helper 2 imbalance.…”

Safranal of Crocus sativus L. Inhibits Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase and Attenuates Asthma in a Mouse Model of Asthma

“…Further, C . sativus has been demonstrated to increase IFN‐γ to IL‐4 ratio in human lymphocytes and hence affect Th1 and Th2 balance in them (Boskabady et al ., ). The effect of C .…”

“…These studies demonstrated that C. sativus or safranal has significant therapeutic effects on lung pathology , tracheal hyperresponsiveness and have an inhibitory effect on inflammatory cytokine release, NO, and nitrite production (Boskabady et al, 2014), endotheline-1, and total protein secretion (Gholamnezhad et al, 2013) and recruitment of inflammatory cells to the lungs in sensitized guineapigs (Mahmoudabady et al, 2013). Further, C. sativus has been demonstrated to increase IFN-γ to IL-4 ratio in human lymphocytes and hence affect Th1 and Th2 balance in them (Boskabady et al, 2011). The effect of C. sativus extract and its constituent, safranal, has been examined on the inflammatory changes of sensitized guinea-pigs.…”

Effect of saffron supplementation on symptoms of depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…6 Saffron constituents also have antiinflammatory, immune-regulating, and antioxidant properties, including the modulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. [7][8][9][10][11] In addition, studies using animal stress models have confirmed that saffron modulates HPA axis activity by reducing plasma corticosterone concentrations. 12,13 Finally, support for the neuroprotective effects of saffron and its constituent, crocin, is derived from studies demonstrating positive effects on the neurotrophin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in animal stress models.…”