Natural Compounds from Saffron Petals Reduce Oxidative Damage in Skin Cells

Jenn Hoskins
19th September, 2024

Natural Compounds from Saffron Petals Reduce Oxidative Damage in Skin Cells

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers from Zhejiang University of Science and Technology found that saffron petals, usually discarded as waste, contain high levels of beneficial flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol
  • Quercetin and kaempferol from saffron petals significantly increased antioxidant capacity and enzyme activity in skin cells, protecting them from oxidative stress
  • Quercetin was more effective than kaempferol in boosting antioxidant defenses by regulating a key cellular pathway, suggesting its potential to prevent oxidative damage
Saffron petals, often discarded as waste after the harvest of saffron spice, have been found to contain significant phytochemical components such as quercetin and kaempferol. Recent research conducted by Zhejiang University of Science and Technology[1] has highlighted the potential of these petals in alleviating oxidative damage in human cells. The study analyzed the flavonoid and crocin content in different parts of the saffron plant. It was found that the stigma of saffron is rich in crocin and picrocrocin, compounds known for their health benefits. However, the petals contained higher amounts of flavonoids, specifically quercetin (4.03 ± 0.33 mg g-1 DW) and kaempferol (47.80 ± 0.60 mg g-1 DW), compared to other parts of the plant. To understand the protective effects of these flavonoids, the researchers incubated B16 cells (a type of skin cell) with quercetin and kaempferol extracted from saffron petals. The results showed that both quercetin (10-30 μmol L-1) and kaempferol (20-30 μmol L-1) significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the activity of NADPH:dehydrogenase quinone-1 (NQO1), an enzyme that plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative stress. Notably, quercetin was more effective than kaempferol in boosting NQO1 activity and T-AOC. The study further revealed that quercetin from saffron petals induces NQO1 expression by regulating the kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Keap1/Nrf2) signaling pathway. This pathway is essential for cellular defense against oxidative damage, suggesting that quercetin can protect B16 cells from oxidative stress-induced damage. These findings align with previous studies that have explored the bioactive properties of saffron and its by-products. For instance, earlier research demonstrated the nutraceutical efficacy of various saffron extracts, including their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antidepressant properties[2]. The stigma ethanolic extract (SEE) of saffron showed significant pharmacological activities, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent. Additionally, the antimicrobial activities of saffron stamen extracts have been documented, showing their effectiveness against foodborne pathogens[3]. Moreover, the antioxidant effects of flavonoid glycosides from saffron biowaste have been established, with quercetin-3-O-sophoroside (Q-3-sop) showing strong antioxidant properties[4]. The current study builds on these findings by demonstrating the specific mechanisms through which quercetin and kaempferol from saffron petals can alleviate oxidative damage in human cells. The research from Zhejiang University of Science and Technology suggests that saffron petals, often considered as waste, possess significant potential as a functional food. By enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and increasing the total antioxidant capacity in cells, these petals could help prevent diseases caused by oxidative stress. This study underscores the importance of utilizing saffron by-products, not only to reduce waste but also to exploit their health benefits.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Quercetin and kaempferol from saffron petals alleviated hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in B16 cells.

Published 17th September, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.13887

Related Studies

2) Potential Nutraceutical Benefits of In Vivo Grown Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) As Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Anticoagulant, and Antidepressant in Mice.

https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9111414

3) Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Characterization of a Non-Polar Extract of Saffron Stamens in Food Matrix.

https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10040703

4) Novel Insight into Utilization of Flavonoid Glycosides and Biological Properties of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Flower Byproducts.

https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.0c04076


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