Effect of aqueous‐ethanol extract from Crocus sativus (saffron) on guinea‐pig isolated heart

Abstract

In this study, the effects of an aqueous-ethanol extract from Crocus sativus on heart rate and contractility were examined. Isolated guinea-pig hearts were perfused through the aorta in a Langendorff mode. Heart rate and contractility were determined in the presence of four concentrations of the extract (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 mg%) and diltiazem (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 microm) in perfused heart with: (1) ordinary Krebs solution (group 1, n = 9), (2) calcium-free Krebs solution (group 2, n = 7). In group 1, three higher concentrations of diltiazem (1, 10 and 100 microm), but only the highest (5.0 mg%) and two higher concentrations (1.0 and 5.0 mg%) of the extract caused significant reduction in heart rate and contractility, respectively (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). In group 2, the highest (100 microm) and two higher concentrations (10 and 100 microm) of diltiazem (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01), but only the highest concentration of the extract showed significant reductions in the heart rate and contractility (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). There were significant negative correlations between concentrations of the extract and diltiazem and their effects in both groups (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). These results suggested a potent inhibitory effect of aqueous-ethanol extract from C. sativus on the calcium channel of guinea-pig heart.

Protective effects of saffron (Crocus sativus) against lethal ventricular arrhythmias induced by heart reperfusion in rat: A potential anti-arrhythmic agent

“…In agreement with previous findings, our study confirmed the depressant effect of saffron on atrio-ventricular conductivity as PR prolongation and lengthening of the refractory period as QTc prolongation in the in vivo model. On the other hand, it is documented that the extract of saffron has a potent inhibitory effect on the calcium channel of guinea-pig isolated heart (Boskabady et al, 2008). Inhibition of calcium channel can cause the reduction of the slope of pacemaker potential, and hence slowing the electrical conductivity of the heart.…”

“…Saffron through prolonging the action potential and effective refractory period, seen as prolonged QT interval on ECG, may prevent the occurrence of the re-entry currents and hence lethal ventricular arrhythmias. On the other hand, regarding the inhibitory effect of saffron on calcium channels (Boskabady et al, 2008), similar to anti-arrhythmic drugs of class 4, it is possible that a part of its anti-arrhythmic effect prevents calcium entry into cells during heart ischemia.…”

Medicinal plants with cardiovascular effects (part 2): plant based review

“…There were significant negative correlations between concentrations of the extract and diltiazem and their effects in both groups (p<0.01 to p<0.001). The results suggested a potent inhibitory effect of aqueous-ethanol extract from Crocus sativus on the calcium channel of guinea-pig heart [113].…”

Crocin-Induced Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation in Isolated Rat Aorta

“…It has been shown that the aqueous-ethanol extract of C. sativus possesses a potent inhibitory effect on heart rate and contractility of guinea pig heart via calcium channelblocking effect (25). Furthermore, the hypotensive effect of C. sativus petals extract has been shown in rats (26).…”