Possible therapeutic effects of<i>Crocus sativus</i>stigma and its petal flavonoid, kaempferol, on respiratory disorders
Majid Kianmehr, Mohammad Reza Khazdair
Abstract
CONTEXT: has been used for the treatment of liver disorders, coughs, and as an anti-inflammatory agent for eyes. OBJECTIVE: stigma and its petal flavonoid (kaempferol) on respiratory disorders with several mechanisms such as anti-inflammatory, and smooth muscle relaxant effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ', 'saffron', 'kaempferol', 'airway inflammation', and 'smooth muscle relaxant' were searched. RESULTS: reduced nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels and inflammatory cytokines in the lung tissue. Saffron and kaempferol reduced white blood cells (WBCs) and the percentage of neutrophils and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Moreover, saffron reduced tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and ovalbumin on tracheal smooth muscles. In addition, kaempferol reduced the total leukocyte and eosinophil counts similar to the effect of dexamethasone and also showed relaxant effects on smooth muscle. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: and its petal flavonoid, kaempferol, showed relatively potent therapeutic effects on respiratory disorders by relaxation of tracheal smooth muscles via stimulatory or blocking effects on β-adrenoceptor and muscarinic receptors, respectively. Saffron and kaempferol also decreased production of NO, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in respiratory systems.