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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Protective effects of saffron extract and crocin supplementation on fatty liver tissue of high-fat diet-induced obese rats

Authors: Maryam Mashmoul, Azrina Azlan, Norhafizah Mohtarrudin, Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof, Huzwah Khaza’ai, Hock Eng Khoo, Mehdi Farzadnia, Mohammad Taher Boroushaki

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Saffron is the dried stigma of Crocus sativus L. flower which commonly used as a natural remedy to enhance health and even fights disease in the Middle-East and Southeast Asian countries.

Methods

This study was aimed to investigate protective effect of saffron extract and crocin in fatty liver tissue of high-fat diet induced obese rats. A total of 36 healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into six groups. Two groups served as controls, a normal diet (ND) and a high-fat diet (HFD). The other four groups were each supplemented with saffron extract and crocin at concentrations of 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight/day for 8 weeks. All groups except ND were fed with HFD until end of the study. At baseline, blood sample was collected for determination of levels of hepatic marker enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatise and albumin. Liver sample was collected, weighed and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for further histopathological examination.

Results

Saffron extract and crocin at concentrations of 40 and 80 mg/kg had dose-dependently alleviated levels of liver enzymes and histopathological changes in diet-induced obese rat model compared to control (HFD group).

Conclusion

This study suggested that saffron extract and crocin supplements have hepatoprotective effect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and HFD-induced liver damage.
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Metadata
Title
Protective effects of saffron extract and crocin supplementation on fatty liver tissue of high-fat diet-induced obese rats
Authors
Maryam Mashmoul
Azrina Azlan
Norhafizah Mohtarrudin
Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof
Huzwah Khaza’ai
Hock Eng Khoo
Mehdi Farzadnia
Mohammad Taher Boroushaki
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-016-1381-9

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