International Journal of PharmTech Research - 2009

Background: Kashmiri saffron is considered as a panacea for several disease conditions. The cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in several diseases and hence antioxidants have significant importance in disease management. This study elucidates the free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition of crocin from Crocus sativus. Methods: Free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation were evaluated by DPPH (1, 1- diphenyl 2- picryl hydrazyl) assay, FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay, Fe 2+ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation and hydroxyl radical scavenging. Results: The total crocin isolated from the Crocus sativus showed potent DPPH radical scavenging capacity. 0.1% of the total crocin showed 29.36% DPPH radical scavenging activity and, 0.5% showed 44.52% where as 1.0% showed 50.07% DPPH radical scavenging activity equivalent to 0.019% of trolox . The crocin at a concentration of 0.1% showed ferric reducing ability equivalent to 0.058% of trolox, for 1.0% ferric reducing ability was equivalent to 0.356% of trolox. The IC 50 value of crocin in inhibiting lipid peroxidation was 179 ± 6.7 where as the IC50 value of crocin for hydroxyl radical scavenging was 227 ± 3.8. It was considered statically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our preclinical studies demonstrate that crocin is effective in inhibiting free radical formation and also to scavenge the free radicals. Our data also suggest that the lipid peroxidation inhibiting effects of crocin induced by Fe 2+ ascorbate system and shows potential for treatment/or prevention.