Effects of Saffron (<i>Crocus sativus</i> L.) vs. Folic Acid on Spleen Structure and Function in Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a serious perinatal complication that weakens neonatal immune function, rendering affected infants highly susceptible to infections and consequently increasing their risk of morbidity and mortality. This vulnerability results from impaired development of vital immune organs, particularly the spleen. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and immunoprotective effects of saffron vs. folic acid supplementation on the spleen of IUGR rat models induced through dietary restriction. Researchers divided 25 rat pups into four groups derived from adult Rattus norvegicus. The third group received saffron (15.68 mg/kg of body weight/day), while the fourth group received folic acid (1.5 mg/kg of body weight/day) from pregnancy through postnatal day 21. The study investigated birth weight, spleen index, histopathology, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression. Birth weight significantly differed between the IUGR control group and those treated with saffron and folic acid. The spleen index showed a significant difference between the IUGR control group and the saffron-treated group. Spleen histopathology analysis revealed significant differences in white pulp components: periarteriolar lymphoid sheath (PALS), follicles, marginal zone, germinal center (GC) and red pulp between the IUGR control group and the group treated with folic acid. There were notable variations in TNF-α expression between the IUGR control group and the groups who received saffron and folic acid. The findings suggest that saffron can potentially increase birth weight and prevent spleen tissue damage due to IUGR. A decrease in inflammatory cytokines in the spleen indicates the organ-protective mechanism, possibly through anti-inflammatory effects.