Romanian Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences
 

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SAFFRON PETALS AS A POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC AGENT IN OBESE WISTAR RATS: A MULTI-TARGET APPROACH TO LIPID METABOLISM AND REDOX HOMEOSTASIS

KARIMA ROUIGUEB 1, HALIMA RIGHI 2, BOUCHRA LOUKIDI 1, REDA BETTIOUI 3, AMINA BENMOSTEFA 4, SELMA NABILA BABA HAMED 4, OUARDA SARIYAH AYACHI 5, NASSIMA MOKHTARI SOULIMANE 1*

¹ Laboratory of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biochemistry of Nutrition, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe, University of Tlemcen, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria
2 Center of Scientific and Technical Research in Physico-Chemical Analysis (CRAPC), Natural Products and Food Sciences Laboratory, BP 384, Bou-Ismail, RP 42004, Tipaza, Algeria
3 Laboratory of Human Actions' Valorization for Protection of Environment and Application in Public Health, University of Tlemcen, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria
4 Tlemcen University Hospital Centre (CHU Tlemcen), Tlemcen 13000, Algeria
5 Health and Biotechnology Division, National Research Centre of Biotechnology (CRBT), Constantine, Algeria

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The petals of the saffron (Crocus sativus L.) are the main by-product of the saffron industry. They are a source of several bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which have a significant effect in preventing various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effects of Algerian Saffron petal extract (SPE) through an in vivo study. An obese rat model was orally administered SPE at different doses (20, 40, and 100 mg/kg b.w./day). Then plasma and tissue lipid parameters, lipase activities, glycemia, and redox biomarkers were assessed. Our results showed that SPE treatment significantly reduced body weight, prevented adiposity, hepatic steatosis and modulated the activities of lipid metabolismrelated enzymes. Furthermore, SPE alleviated hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress, and importantly, enhanced the antioxidant defenses in obese rats. In conclusion, our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of this saffron by-product against obesity and its related metabolic disorders.