Effect of safran, safranal and crocin which are active ingredients of Saffron (Crocus) on erythrocyte fragility and hematological parameters in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rats

INTRODUCTION: Carbon tetrachloride is a toxic chemical and well known for its carcinogenic property. Intoxication with carbon tetrachloride causes serious liver injury and it is used as an experimental model for triggering liver related diseases. Saffron (Crocus) species are well known bulbous ornamental and aromatic plants. Many of the saffron species are used in ethnomedicinal practices. In addition both saffron species and their ingredients are also subject to scientific research.
METHODS: In this study 72 rats were divided into 9 groups (n=8 in each group). Groups were set as control, olive oil, carbon tetrachloride, safran, safranal, crocin, carbon tetrachloride + safranal, carbon tetrachloride + crocin. Administrations were conducted for 7 days. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility and some selected hematological parameters were assessed.
RESULTS: Results state significant increase in erythrocyte fragility due to carbon tetrachloride and amelioration due to active ingredients of saffron. Among hematocrit, hemoglobin and red blood cell count parameters only significant alteration was observed in safran with an increase in red blood cell count.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Different administration schemes can be evaluated in future studies in order to assess detailed impact of saffron constituents on hematological parameters and erythrocyte integrity.