Saffron stigma extract and crocin play an important neuroprotective role in therapeutic measures against benzo[a]pyrene-induced behavioral alterations in zebrafish

Abstract

Saffron is a well-known expensive spice, which has many pharmacological properties against a variety of ailments. Saffron stigma and leaf contain apocarotenoids and bioactive phytochemicals having therapeutic potential against human disorders. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are one of the most common toxins in today’s aquatic environment. Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a high molecular weight PAHs prototype, and reported as a potent neurotoxicant, which is profoundly contaminating the environment. The present study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of Saffron stigma extracts and crocin, on B[a]P-induced behavioral changes, altered antioxidant activities, and neurodegeneration in zebrafish. The behavioral responses monitored through the light-dark preference test and novel tank diving test suggested that B[a]P treated zebrafish group showed alteration in anxiolytic-like behavior. Animals exhibited their native behavior when treated alone with Saffron Stigma Extract (SSE) and crocin, an apocarotenoid which also reduced the altered behavior induced by B[a]P. The SSE and crocin stimulated the antioxidant activities with an accumulation of reduced glutathione and catalase enzymes, indicating a protective role against B[a]P-induced oxidative stress and behavioral deficits. The histopathological studies showed the percentage change of pyknotic cell counts in the Periventricular Gray Zone region of the Optic Tectum was 1.74 folds high in B[a]P treated animals as compared to control. Furthermore, the treatment of SSE and crocin reduced the pyknosis process induced by B[a]P-mediated neurodegeneration, possibly due to a better protective mechanism. Future studies may reveal the detailed mechanisms of action of potent SSE and crocin like bioactive compounds having neuroprotective potentials against neurodegenerative diseases.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Saffron
• benzo[a]pyrene
• apocarotenoids
• neurobehavior
• pyknosis

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Anchrom Laboratory, Mulund, Mumbai for the assistance in analysing the HPTLC data and Neurobiology Laboratory, Ravenshaw University for giving permission to use the behavioral apparatus for performing the behavioral test and histopathological studies.

Authors contributions

Khirod Kumar Sahoo and Manorama Patri designed, conceptualized, supervised, and participated in writing the manuscript. Namita Muduli and Sai Aparna performed the experiments, analyzed and interpreted the data, and wrote the manuscript. All have given their consent for approval of the final publication of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

All supportive data are available in the supplementary material.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Govt. of India [EMR/2016/003094], DST, Govt. of Odisha [ST-SCST-MISC-0015–2019] and OHEPEE, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack.