Abstract
Crocus sativus is a spice with various pharmacological properties. Crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal
are the main compositions of saffron that have recently been considered in the therapy
of many diseases. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed presence
of these compounds in our saffron extract. This study was carried out to evaluate
the effect of saffron on burn wound healing at an in vivo model. Saffron was topically applied on burn wounds in rats; the percentage of wound
closure, wound contraction, and the levels of main cytokines and growth factors were
measured. The saffron extract was also applied to evaluate the proliferation and migration
of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells using in vitro scratch assay and resulted in active proliferation and migration of the HDF cells
in a dose-dependent manner. A clear enhanced healing was observed in the saffron-treated
wounds compared to the silver sulfadiazine and negative control groups. Decreased
expression of interleukin-1β and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) during the inflammatory phase demonstrated the role of saffron in promoting wound
healing. In addition, enhanced TGF-β1 expression during the proliferative phase and basic fibroblast growth factor during
the remodeling phase represented regenerative and anti-scarring role of saffron, respectively.
Our histological and biochemical findings also confirmed that saffron significantly
stimulated burn wound healing by modulating healing phases. Therefore, saffron can
be an optimal option in promoting skin repair and regeneration. Application of this
herbal medicinal drug should be encouraged because of its availability and negligible
side effects.
Key words
Crocus sativus
- Iridaceae - interleukin-1
β
- wound healing - scratch assay