Intake of saffron reduces γ-radiation-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice

AbstractSaffron (SAF), the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus, is commonly used for flavoring and coloring food. Studies on bioactivity of SAF have demonstrated its in vivo antioxidant activity. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of SAF intake on γ-radiation (RAD) induced (a) chromosomal damage, (b) oxidative stress in liver and brain, and (c) histopathological effects in the intestinal cells and male germ cells in mice. Freeze-dried aqueous extract of SAF was used for the experiments. Our preliminary cell-free DNA nicking assay using pBR322 DNA revealed protective effects of freeze-dried SAF extract against hydroxyl radical induced DNA damage. For the in vivo investigations, freeze-dried SAF extract in distilled water was administered by gavage (40 mg/kg b.w.) to male Swiss albino mice for six consecutive days. On the sixth day, the animals were exposed to RAD (1 or 2 Gy) and sacrificed 24 h later to collect bone marrow cells for assessing chromosomal damage by measuring micronucleated polychroma...