Editorial

152 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue “Saffron (Crocus sativus, L.): Omics and Other Techniques in Authenticity, Quality, and Bioactivity Studies”

by Maria Tsimidou and Petros A. Tarantilis

Molecules 2017, 22(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22010010 - 23 Dec 2016

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4463

Abstract

Saffron spice is derived from the dried red stigmas of the Crocus sativus, L. flower[...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Saffron (Crocus sativus, L.): Omics and Other Techniques in Authenticity, Quality and Bioactivity Studies)

Research

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1678 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic and Epigenetic Approaches for the Possible Detection of Adulteration and Auto-Adulteration in Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Spice

by Giovanna Soffritti, Matteo Busconi, Rosa Ana Sánchez, Jean-Marie Thiercelin, Moschos Polissiou, Marta Roldán and José Antonio Fernández

Molecules 2016, 21(3), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21030343 - 11 Mar 2016

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 8367

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is very expensive and, because of this, often subject to adulteration. Modern genetic fingerprinting techniques are an alternative low cost technology to the existing chemical techniques, which are used to control the purity of food products. Buddleja officinalis [...] Read more.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is very expensive and, because of this, often subject to adulteration. Modern genetic fingerprinting techniques are an alternative low cost technology to the existing chemical techniques, which are used to control the purity of food products. Buddleja officinalis Maxim, Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, Curcuma longa L., Carthamus tinctorius L. and Calendula officinalis L. are among the most frequently-used adulterants in saffron spice. Three commercial kits were compared concerning the ability to recover PCR-grade DNA from saffron, truly adulterated samples and possible adulterants, with a clear difference among them, mainly with the processed samples. Only one of the three kits was able to obtain amplifiable DNA from almost all of the samples, with the exception of extracts. On the recovered DNA, new markers were developed based on the sequence of the plastid genes matK and rbcL. These primers, mainly those developed on matK, were able to recognize saffron and the adulterant species and also in mixtures with very low percentages of adulterant. Finally, considering that the addition of different parts of saffron flowers is one of the most widespread adulterations, by analyzing the DNA of the different parts of the flower (styles, stamens and tepals) at the genetic and epigenetic level, we succeeded in finding differences between the three tissues that can be further evaluated for a possible detection of the kind of fraud. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Saffron (Crocus sativus, L.): Omics and Other Techniques in Authenticity, Quality and Bioactivity Studies)

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438 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

On the Traceability of Commercial Saffron Samples Using ¹H-NMR and FT-IR Metabolomics

by Roberto Consonni, Stella A. Ordoudi, Laura R. Cagliani, Maria Tsiangali and Maria Z. Tsimidou

Molecules 2016, 21(3), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21030286 - 29 Feb 2016

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 5634

Abstract

In previous works on authentic samples of saffron of known history (harvest and processing year, storage conditions, and length of time) some biomarkers were proposed using both FT-IR and NMR metabolomics regarding the shelf life of the product. This work addresses the difficulties [...] Read more.

In previous works on authentic samples of saffron of known history (harvest and processing year, storage conditions, and length of time) some biomarkers were proposed using both FT-IR and NMR metabolomics regarding the shelf life of the product. This work addresses the difficulties to trace back the “age” of commercial saffron samples of unknown history, sets a limit value above which these products can be considered substandard, and offers a useful tool to combat saffron mislabeling and fraud with low-quality saffron material. Investigations of authentic and commercial saffron samples of different origin and harvest year, which had been stored under controlled conditions for different lengths of time, allowed a clear-cut clustering of samples in two groups according to the storage period irrespectively of the provenience. In this respect, the four-year cut off point proposed in our previous work assisted to trace back the “age” of unknown samples and to check for possible mislabeling practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Saffron (Crocus sativus, L.): Omics and Other Techniques in Authenticity, Quality and Bioactivity Studies)

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2627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insight of Saffron Proteome by Gel-Electrophoresis

by Gianluca Paredi, Samanta Raboni, Francesco Marchesani, Stella A. Ordoudi, Maria Z. Tsimidou and Andrea Mozzarelli

Molecules 2016, 21(2), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21020167 - 29 Jan 2016

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6249

Abstract

Saffron is a spice comprised of the dried stigmas and styles of Crocus sativus L. flowers and, since it is very expensive, it is frequently adulterated. So far, proteomic tools have never been applied to characterize the proteome of saffron or identify possible [...] Read more.

Saffron is a spice comprised of the dried stigmas and styles of Crocus sativus L. flowers and, since it is very expensive, it is frequently adulterated. So far, proteomic tools have never been applied to characterize the proteome of saffron or identify possible cases of fraud. In this study, 1D-Gel Electrophoresis was carried out to characterize the protein profile of (i) fresh stigmas and styles of the plant; (ii) dried stigmas and styles from different geographical origins (Spanish, Italian, Greek and Iranian) that had been stored for various periods of time after their processing; and (iii) two common plant adulterants, dried petals of Carthamus tinctorius L. and dried fruits of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. A selective protein extraction protocol was applied to avoid interference from colored saffron metabolites, such as crocins, during electrophoretic analyses of saffron. We succeeded in separating and assigning the molecular weights to more than 20 proteins. In spite of the unavailability of the genome of saffron, we were able to identify five proteins by Peptide Mass Fingerprinting: phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase 3, heat shock cognate 70 KDa protein, crocetin glucosyltransferase 2, α-1,4-glucan-protein synthase and glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-2. Our findings indicate that (i) few bands are present in all saffron samples independently of origin and storage time, with amounts that significantly vary among samples and (ii) aging during saffron storage is associated with a reduction in the number of detectable bands, suggesting that proteases are still active. The protein pattern of saffron was quite distinct from those of two common adulterants, such as the dried petals of Carthamus tinctorius and the dried fruits of Gardenia jasminoides indicating that proteomic analyses could be exploited for detecting possible frauds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Saffron (Crocus sativus, L.): Omics and Other Techniques in Authenticity, Quality and Bioactivity Studies)

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1125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibitory Effect of Crocin(s) on Lens α-Crystallin Glycation and Aggregation, Results in the Decrease of the Risk of Diabetic Cataract

by Fereshteh Bahmani, Seyedeh Zahra Bathaie, Seyed Javid Aldavood and Arezou Ghahghaei

Molecules 2016, 21(2), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21020143 - 26 Jan 2016

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5837

Abstract

The current study investigates the inhibitory effect of crocin(s), also known as saffron apocarotenoids, on protein glycation and aggregation in diabetic rats, and α-crystallin glycation. Thus, crocin(s) were administered by intraperitoneal injection to normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The cataract progression was recorded [...] Read more.

The current study investigates the inhibitory effect of crocin(s), also known as saffron apocarotenoids, on protein glycation and aggregation in diabetic rats, and α-crystallin glycation. Thus, crocin(s) were administered by intraperitoneal injection to normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The cataract progression was recorded regularly every two weeks and was classified into four stages. After eight weeks, the animals were sacrificed and the parameters involved in the cataract formation were measured in the animal lenses. Some parameters were also determined in the serum and blood of the rats. In addition, the effect of crocin(s) on the structure and chaperone activity of α-crystallin in the presence of glucose was studied by different methods. Crocin(s) lowered serum glucose levels of diabetic rats and effectively maintained plasma total antioxidants, glutathione levels and catalase activity in the lens of the animals. In the in vitro study, crocin(s) inhibited α-crystallin glycation and aggregation. Advanced glycation end products fluorescence, hydrophobicity and protein cross-links were also decreased in the presence of crocin(s). In addition, the decreased chaperone activity of α-crystallin in the presence of glucose changed and became close to the native value by the addition of crocin(s) in the medium. Crocin(s) thus showed a powerful inhibitory effect on α-crystallin glycation and preserved the structure-function of this protein. Crocin(s) also showed the beneficial effects on prevention of diabetic cataract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Saffron (Crocus sativus, L.): Omics and Other Techniques in Authenticity, Quality and Bioactivity Studies)

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Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Bioaccessibility of Crocetin Sugar Esters from Saffron in Infusions Rich in Natural Phenolic Antioxidants

by Stella A. Ordoudi, Anastasia Kyriakoudi and Maria Z. Tsimidou

Molecules 2015, 20(10), 17760-17774; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules201017760 - 25 Sep 2015

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6023

Abstract

The present study aims to examine whether and to what extent the bioaccessibility of the major saffron apocarotenoids, namely crocetin sugar esters (CRTSEs), is affected by the presence of strong water-soluble antioxidants, ingredients of the herbs found in commercial tea blends with saffron. [...] Read more.

The present study aims to examine whether and to what extent the bioaccessibility of the major saffron apocarotenoids, namely crocetin sugar esters (CRTSEs), is affected by the presence of strong water-soluble antioxidants, ingredients of the herbs found in commercial tea blends with saffron. An in vitro digestion model was applied to infusions from these products to investigate the possible changes. All of the studied infusions were rich in total phenols (9.9–22.5 mg caffeic acid equivalents/100 mg dry infusion) and presented strong DPPH radical scavenging activity regardless of the composition of the corresponding herbal blends. RP-HPLC-DAD and LC-MS analysis enabled the grouping of the infusions into hydroxycinnamic acid-rich and in flavan-3-ol-rich ones. CRTSEs in herbal tea infusions were found to be significantly more bioaccessible (66.3%–88.6%) than those in the reference saffron infusion (60.9%). The positive role of strong phenolic antioxidants (caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid) on the stability of CRTSEs was also evidenced in model binary mixtures. On the contrary, cinnamic acid, exerting no antioxidant activity, did not have such an effect. Our findings suggest that strong radical scavengers may protect the crocetin sugar esters from oxidation during digestion when present in excess. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Saffron (Crocus sativus, L.): Omics and Other Techniques in Authenticity, Quality and Bioactivity Studies)

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1347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Crocetin Esters and Crocetin from Crocus sativus L. on Aortic Contractility in Rat Genetic Hypertension

by Silvia Llorens, Andrea Mancini, Jessica Serrano-Díaz, Anna Maria D’Alessandro, Eduardo Nava, Gonzalo Luis Alonso and Manuel Carmona

Molecules 2015, 20(9), 17570-17584; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules200917570 - 22 Sep 2015

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 7329

Abstract

Background: Endothelial dysfunction, characterized by an enhancement in vasoconstriction, is clearly associated with hypertension. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) bioactive compounds have been recognized to have hypotensive properties. Recently, we have reported that crocetin exhibits potent vasodilator effects on isolated aortic rings from [...] Read more.

Background: Endothelial dysfunction, characterized by an enhancement in vasoconstriction, is clearly associated with hypertension. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) bioactive compounds have been recognized to have hypotensive properties. Recently, we have reported that crocetin exhibits potent vasodilator effects on isolated aortic rings from hypertensive rats. In this work, we have aimed to analyze the anticontractile ability of crocetin or crocetin esters pool (crocins) isolated from saffron. Thus, we have studied the effects of saffron carotenoids on endothelium-dependent and -independent regulation of smooth muscle contractility in genetic hypertension. Methods: We have measured the isometric responses of aortic segments with or without endothelium obtained from spontaneously hypertensive rats. The effects of carotenoids were studied by assessing the endothelial modulation of phenylephrine-induced contractions (10⁻⁹–10⁻⁵ M) in the presence or absence of crocetin or crocins. The role of nitric oxide and prostanoids was analyzed by performing the experiments with L-NAME (NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester) or indomethacin (both 10⁻⁵ M), respectively. Results: Crocetin, and to a minor extent crocins, diminished the maximum contractility of phenylephrine in intact rings, while crocins, but not crocetin, increased this contractility in de-endothelizated vessels. In the intact vessels, the effect of crocetin on contractility was unaffected by indomethacin but was abolished by L-NAME. However, crocetin but not crocins, lowered the already increased contractility caused by L-NAME. Conclusions: Saffron compounds, but especially crocetin have endothelium-dependent prorelaxing actions. Crocins have procontractile actions that take place via smooth muscle cell mechanisms. These results suggest that crocetin and crocins activate different mechanisms involved in the vasoconstriction pathway in hypertension. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Saffron (Crocus sativus, L.): Omics and Other Techniques in Authenticity, Quality and Bioactivity Studies)

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Review

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419 KiB

Open AccessReview

Constituents of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) as Potential Candidates for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders and Schizophrenia

by Nikolaos Pitsikas

Molecules 2016, 21(3), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21030303 - 02 Mar 2016

Cited by 67 | Viewed by 11480

Abstract

Anxiety disorders and schizophrenia are common public health issues. The dried stigma of the plant Crocus sativus L., (C. sativus) commonly known as saffron are used in folk medicine for various purposes. Several lines of evidence suggest that C. sativus, [...] Read more.

Anxiety disorders and schizophrenia are common public health issues. The dried stigma of the plant Crocus sativus L., (C. sativus) commonly known as saffron are used in folk medicine for various purposes. Several lines of evidence suggest that C. sativus, crocins and safranal are implicated in anxiety and schizophrenia. Here, I intend to critically review advances in research of these emerging molecules for the treatment of anxiety and schizophrenia, discuss their advantages over currently used anxiolytics and neuroleptics, as well remaining challenges. Current analysis shows that C. sativus and its components might be a promising class of compounds for the treatment of the above mentioned psychiatric diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Saffron (Crocus sativus, L.): Omics and Other Techniques in Authenticity, Quality and Bioactivity Studies)

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