The Effect of Crocin on Oxidative Stress Compared to Saffron Aqueous Extract, Glycerol and Myoinositol in Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent and intricate disease globally. Despite various available treatments, there is no cure for it, and it is still associated with significant socioeconomic challenges. Small molecules with antioxidant activity and stabilizing effect on protein structure piqued our interest as potential antiglycating agents to decrease diabetes complications. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate and compare the antioxidant potential of Crocin with saffron aqueous extract (SAE) and two polyols (Glycerol and Myoinositol) in T2DM rats. Method: Neona­­­­­­tal male Wister rats were randomly divided into two groups. Diabetic groups at 3-5 days of birth received streptozotocin (STZ) (90 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injection. After eight weeks, both groups were divided into subgroups and treated with SAE, Crocin, Glycerol, or Myoinositol. After five months, rats were sacrificed and their serum oxidative parameters and liver antioxidant enzymes were evaluated. Result: Crocin (100 mg/kg) significantly decreased advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and increased ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) in serum of diabetic rats. Moreover, the reduction in liver catalase and superoxide dismutase specific activities, as well as glutathione (GSH) concentration in diabetic rats’ liver significantly increased after treatment with the same amount of Crocin. There were no significant changes in advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and Nitric Oxide (NO). Conclusion: Among the mentioned treatments, Crocin at 100 mg/kg was more effective than SAE, Glycerol, and Myoinositol in decreasing AGEs, increasing serum antioxidant capacity, and increasing the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes and GSH.