Neuroprotective effects of crocin I and II in an ischemia-reperfusion injury model

BackgroundCrocin I and II are derived from the medicinal plant Crocus sativus L. (Saffron), and their neuroprotective effects have been attracting more and more attention. However, their protective effect against cerebral apoplexy induced by hypoxia has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to clarify the roles of crocin I and II in protecting against ischemic injury.\n\nMaterials/MethodsWe generated a rat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model using a reversible cerebral artery occlusion suture method and found changes in amino acid neurotransmitters in the frontal cortex after drug administration. We also identified changes in mRNA expression of Bcl2, Bax, Casp3, P38, and NFkb1 in the frontal cortex and changes in antioxidant indices in the brain.\n\nResultsCrocin I and II both had protective effects on ischemic/anoxic injury in vivo by downregulating the expression of Casp3 and Nfkb1 mRNA and the steady-state levels of excitatory amino acids/inhibitory amino acids during ischemia and reperfusion and by improving the total antioxidant capacity and total superoxide dismutase activities during ischemia. We also found that crocin I and II had synergistic effects when used together.\n\nConclusionsThese findings displayed that crocin I and II could protect animal model against ischemic and anoxic injury and provided new evidence for both molecules potential medicinal value.