Assessment of Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Safranal on CCI4-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rats.

The present study aimed to determine the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of safranal on damage induced by CCl4. Experimental animals were divided into five groups. The first group was determined as the control group and no treatment was conducted. Second group rats were administered 1 mL/kg-day CCI4 during the experiment. Rats in Groups 3, 4 and 5 were administered 1 mL/kg-day CCI4 and 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg; 100 mg/kg safranal, respectively via gavage. Oxidative-antioxidant parameters, liver function enzymes and inflammatory cytokine levels were determined in liver samples obtained from the rats. Data analysis demonstrated that oxidative stress and inflammation markers were significantly higher in CCI4 administered groups (p<0.05). Antioxidant parameters in high-dose safranal administered groups were not different when compared to the control group. Safranal had ameliorating effects on the increased liver function enzymes activities in CCI4 administered groups. In conclusion, it was observed that CCI4 administration led to hepatic damage and increased oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine levels. It was observed that particularly high-dose administration of safranal promoted the antioxidant system. Safranal administration was not effective on IL-1β levels. However, high-dose (100 mg/kg) safranal was found to be inflammatory against TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines. In conclusion, it can be said that safranal has an anti-inflammatory potential and has a strong antioxidative effect.