Abstract

In this study, antianxiety-like behavior of aqueous, ethanolic and acetonitrile Crocus sativus L. extracts have been investigated in forced-swimming stress in rats. In addition, main metabolites crocin and safranal were quantified in all extracts using HPLC. Different doses of extracts (10, 30, 60 mg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) in a 9-day period, meanwhile, swimming stress was performed for 15 minutes in four sessions (days 3, 5, 7 and 9). The time performing the followings was measured: immobility, swimming and struggling. Moreover, free fatty acids, glucose, corticosterone and  HSP70 were measured. The outcomes demonstrated saffron decreased stress significantly by prolonging immobility and decreasing the active behavior swimming, without much effect on struggling. The extracts also showed significant reduction in levels of the stress biomarkers. With having the highest amount of safranal and the lowest amount of crocin, comparing the other extracts, acetonitrile has been identified as the most effective extract in reducing anxiety. The saffron extracts probably proved anti-stress and sedative properties, partly due to distinct proportion and synergistic impact of the active constituents. On the other hand, crocin and safranal have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory powers that may aid to mediate this protective central impact. Regarding these information, saffron may have the potential to be employed in clinical practice.

Key words: HPLC method, antianxiety-like behavior, Crocus sativus L. (saffron), forced-swimming stress, rat, stress biomarkers.