Background and objectives: Positive role of saffron in human health promotion has been investigated in widespread researches. Anticancer property, neuroprotection, protection of cardiovascular system and several positive properties are reported for saffron customers. The aim of this study was assessment of saffron weakness against light damage in rat retina. Methods: Gene profiles of control samples (C group) and light damage (L) groups were extracted from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and compared with similar samples in the presence of saffron. The unprotected differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were evaluated via network analysis and pathway investigation. The critical genes which were not protected by saffron were identified and discussed. Results: Numbers of 67 DEGs were investigated via protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, pathway assessment, and action map investigation. Findings indicated that STAT1, JUN, FOS, and STAT3 were the crucial genes that were not protected by saffron against light damage in rat retina. Conclusion: It may be necessary that consumption of saffron require a suitable protocol to avoid from possible disadvantages; however, saffron is well known for its benefits in human nutrition.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection rises the risk of emerging psycho-behavioral disorders, including schizophrenia and epilepsy. The widespread outbreak of T. gondii and its relation with psychiatric diseases raises the possibility of applying antipsychotic medications to control this parasite or parasite-based drugs to reduce neurological complications. According to reports, haloperidol prevented T. gondii tachyzoites from multiplying in culture. Animals receiving the medication did not, however, survive longer or develop fewer cysts during acute and chronic phase, respectively. In this study, the parasite’s repetitive DNA fragment REP529, the bradyzoite-specific protein BAG1, and the tachyzoite-specific protein SAG1 were quantified in mice brains treated with haloperidol by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) technique. Similar to the typical anti-toxoplasmosis drug, Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ), the therapy with haloperidol suppressed the Toxoplasma and lowered all the BAG1, SAG1, and REP529 copy counts in mouse brains (P < 0.0001). In addition, haloperidol reduced brain TNF expression similarly to TMP/SMZ (P < 0.0001). Mice brain histology revealed a substantial decrease in lymphocyte perivascular infiltration, glial nodules, and cyst formation the same as the TMP/SMZ group. Our findings offer concrete proof of the effectiveness of the mood-stabilizing and antipsychotic medication haloperidol in treating persistent Toxoplasma infection. These findings may be used to modify treatment plans for psychotic patients and create new potent anti-Toxoplasma medications.

The effect of alcoholic extracts of leaf from Araucaria bidwillii Hook. [ABH] (Family: Araucariaceae) was evaluated in experimental models of pain and inflammation. Oral administration of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of leaf extracts of ABH were used for the above study. The leaf extract at 300 and 200 mg/kg showed significant reduction in acetic acid induced writhings in mice with a maximum effect of 65.1% reduction at 300 mg/kg dose. In hot plate method the percentage of pain inhibition was found to be 81.69% and 66.1% with both the tested dose of the leaf extract respectively. The effect produced by the alcoholic extract at the highest dose was comparable to that of acetyl salicylic acid at 100 mg/kg (91.52%). The alcoholic extracts of A. bidwillii showed significant inhibition in carrageenan (18.61%, 32.12% and 45.64%) and serotonin (32.81%, 38.68% and 40.75%) induced hind paw oedema in rats at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of the ABH extract respectively. The anti-inflammatory effects showed by the extract were comparable to that of standard indomethacin 5 mg/kg (68.51% and 63.28%). The results suggest that the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of the extracts as claimed in folklore medicine, which may be mediated via both peripheral and central mechanisms. 

Polyphenols are micronutrients with an extensive range of biological characteristics including a reduction in inflammation features. Pistachio is rich in polyphenols, and therefore, contains the anti-inflammatory potential for various anti-inflammatory conditions. To date, beneficial anti-inflammatory effects of pistachio or its derivatives have been demonstrated in several inflammatory conditions such as colitis and paw edema. A number of conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders have also been found to benefit from pistachio supplementation. Growing evidence suggests that pistachio could be more widely used in inflammatory conditions. Pistachio and its derivatives seem to exert anti-inflammatory effects through several direct and indirect mechanisms. However anti-inflammatory properties of pistachio need to be further investigated in the context of other inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory and autoimmune arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous, tendonitis etc.