Saffron (Crocus Sativus Linnaeus) based protection against Aflatoxin B1 induced organ damage in rats

Saffron is well-known for its anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Saffron's nutritional and medicinal properties support its numerous uses as a flavouring and herbal remedy. This study investigated the protective efficacy of saffron administration against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced toxicity in adult male Wistar albino rats during an experimental period of 21 days. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a common mycotoxin of soils and foodstuffs. Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups (Control group, AFB1 group, Saffron group, and AFB1+ Saffron group), and their body weights were measured on days 1, 7, 14, and 21. Blood samples were collected on the 21st day for haematological and biochemical studies (testosterone, kidney and liver function tests, and oxidative stress markers). Tissue samples from testes, liver, and kidney were subjected to histological examinations. The results depicted a significant decrease in the body weights after 7, 14, and 21 days of Saffron, AFB1, and AFB1+ Saffron treatments in comparison to control. Haematological investigations showed that basophils, platelets, monocytes, lymphocytes, and eosinophils greatly increased compared to the control group, whereas neutrophils and eosinophils dramatically decreased. There was a significant rise in the serum levels of uric acid, creatinine, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde. Contrarily, testosterone levels notably reduced in AFB1-administered rats as compared to controls. AFB1 group exhibited several histological modifications in testes, liver, and kidney tissues. Oxidative stress biomarkers, testosterone, kidney and liver functions, and haematological parameters of the AFB1+ Saffron group remained similar to the control group. Kidney and liver tissues of Saffron-treated rats also displayed normal structure similar to the control group, which confirmed its protective efficacy against AFB1-induced toxicity. Saffron's bioactive components and antioxidant and pharmacological properties might have contributed to its promising anti-AFB1-toxicity potential.