Amelioration of Disease Manifestations by Saffron Extract in a Mouse Model of Collagenase-Induced Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative, age-related joint disease involving bone remodeling and damage to articular cartilage. OA is the most common form of arthritis, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Given the limited efficacy of current therapies, there is growing interest in natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Crocus sativus L., known as saffron, contains more than 150 biologically active compounds with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a promising candidate for modulating OA-related processes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of saffron extract on immune cell function, osteoclast differentiation, and joint pathology in collagenase-induced osteoarthritis (CIOA) mouse model. OA was induced by intra-articular injection of Collagenase type IA, followed by daily treatment with saffron extract for 30 days. Flow cytometry, apoptosis, Western blot and proliferation assays were performed to analyze the phenotype and activity of bone marrow and synovium cells, as well as histological evaluation of joint tissues. Saffron therapy promoted an anti-inflammatory immune profile, reduced T-cell apoptosis and proliferation, and inhibited osteoclast differentiation. These changes were accompanied by improved histological manifestations of the joints. Overall, the findings suggest that saffron may modulate key inflammatory and cellular mechanisms involved in OA, although further research is needed to confirm its therapeutic relevance in humans.