The effect of safranal,a constituent of Crocus sativus (saffron),on tracheal responsiveness,serum levels of cytokines,total NO and nitrite in sensitized guinea pigs

Background: the effect of safranal (one of the constituents of crocus sativus) on ovalbumin (ova) sensitized guinea pigs was examined. methods: one group of sensitized guinea pigs were given drinking water alone (group s),three groups drinking water containing three concentrations of safranal and one group contain dexamethasone (s + d). tracheal responses (tr) of the animals to methacholine as effective concentration causing 50% of maximum response (ec 50 m),tr to 0.1% ova,relative to contraction induced by 100 μm methacholine,il-4,ifn-γ,total no and nitrite levels in serum were measured. results: the tr to both methacholine and ova,the level of total no,nitrite and il-4 significantly increased but ifn-γ and ifn-γ/il-4 ratio was decreased in group s compared controls (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). the tr to both methacholine and ova in treated animals with dexamethasone and all concentrations of safranal were significantly decreased compared to s group (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). the level of serum il-4 in treated guinea pigs was significantly decreased but ifn-γ and ifn-γ/il-4 ratio was increased compared to s group (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). the levels of total no and nitrite were significantly decreased in treated groups compared to sensitized group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). conclusion: these results showed a preventive effect for safranal on tracheal responses and serum cytokine,total no and nitrite levels as well as increased th1/th2 balance in sensitized guinea pigs. © 2014 institute of pharmacology,polish academy of sciences. published by elsevier urban & partner sp. z o.o. all rights reserved.