P 22: Antihypoxic Effect of Saffron Extract in Mouse Model of Hypoxic Ischemia

Introduction: Stroke causes high rate of mortality in different societies. The medicinal uses of saffron (Crocus sativus) have a long history. Some metabolites derived from saffron stigmas exert numerous therapeutic effects due to hypolipidemic, antitussive, antioxidant, antidiabetic activities and many others. Materials and Methods:  Experiment performed with 120 mice (25-35g) keeping in standard condition to accessing water, food and laboratory temperature.  Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups of ten, each for 3 separate experiments. For control group administered 0/5cc normal saline. Second group administered phenytoin 100mg/kg as potent neuroprotective agent. Third group administered 80 mg/kg aqueous extract of saffron providing from Ghaenat area of southern Khorasan IP and fourth group administered phenobarbital 20mg/kg. In 3 designed experiments, mice situated in a tight glass container in hypoxic condition. In first experiment hypoxic condition done with closed container, second experiment added soda lime as CO2 absorbent and third experiment done with substitution of N2 for O2. Survival time calculated from closing the door until stopping of respiration. Data analyzed by prism 6 software. As the case of normal distribution, results reported as Mean±SE and for abnormal distribution as Median±IQR. Results: Results of experiment 1 (without soda lime) showed that phenytoin and saffron have significant antihypoxic effect. In experiment 2 (+ soda lime), although the saffron extract indicated significant effect in contrast to control group but its effect not as more as phenytoin. Experiment 3 (N2), saffron group indicated antihypoxic effects like experiment 1. Conclusion: According to mentioned experiments, saffron extract probably has neuroprotective effect but it is necessary to do supplement experiment.  We suggest to study neuroprotective effects of saffron with hypoxic and ischemia intervention for different compounds of this extract.