Crocus sativus improves cognitive functions and reduces anxiety-like behavior in aged rats exposed to chronic cold temperature-induced stress.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic cold stress acts as an influential environmental stressor that disrupts neuro-behavioral functions, which include anxiety responses, cognitive performance, mood regulation, and stress susceptibility. In spite of the growing recognition of cold-induced neuropathology, effective therapeutic strategies remain limited. Crocus sativus (saffron) extract, and its principle bioactive constituents (crocin, crocetin, safranal) have emerged as effective neuroprotectants. They elicit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have beneficial effects on cognitive functions, memory, and anxiety-related behaviors. However, their potency in cold-induced neuropathology remains obscure.

METHODS: Structured phytochemical characterization of saffron extract was performed using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant profile of the extract using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity was analyzed, along with the assessment of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and moisture content. Chronic cold exposure was induced at 4°C for 30 min/day over a period of 4 weeks. Neurobehavioral parameters of general exploration, anxiety, and memory were evaluated using established behavioral assessment paradigms of open field, elevated plus maze, Y-maze, and novel object recognition, respectively.

RESULTS: Phytochemical characterization of saffron extract confirmed the presence of major bioactive constituents, including crocin and safranal. Additionally, a high phenolic and flavonoid content was supported by a robust antioxidant activity in vitro. Behavioral analysis revealed that cold stress significantly impaired memory and increased anxiety-like behavior, whereas oral supplementation of saffron extract reduced anxiety, improved spontaneous alternation and enhanced object recognition memory.

CONCLUSION: Saffron extract enhances neurobehavioral functions, significantly ameliorating cold stress-induced cognitive deficits and anxiety-like behavior. While these findings support its neuroprotective potential in stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders, the underlying mechanisms require further investigation.