Crocus sativus Extract Tightens the Blood-Brain Barrier, Reduces Amyloid β Load and Related Toxicity in 5XFAD Mice.

ABSTRACT: Crocus sativus, commonly known as saffron or Kesar, is used in Ayurveda and other folk medicines for various purposes as an aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, and expectorant. Previous evidence suggested that Crocus sativus is linked to improving cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The aim of this study was to in vitro and in vivo investigate the mechanism(s) by which Crocus sativus exerts its positive effect against AD. The effect of Crocus sativus extract on Aβ load and related toxicity was evaluated. In vitro results showed that Crocus sativus extract increases the tightness of a cell-based blood-brain barrier (BBB) model and enhances transport of Aβ. Further in vivo studies confirmed the effect of Crocus sativus extract (50 mg/kg/day, added to mice diet) on the BBB tightn

SUBMITTER: Batarseh YS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5559303 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature