Planta Med 2009; 75 - PJ36
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1234841

The protective effect of safranal, a constituent of saffron, on subacute effects of the organophosphate insecticide diazinon in rats

A Timcheh Hariri 1, H Hosseinzadeh 2, A Moallem 1
  • 1Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, I.R Iran
  • 2Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, I.R Iran

As reactive oxygen species have been implied in the toxicity of diazinon (DZN) [1], the protective effect of safranal as an antioxidant [2] was evaluated against DZN subacute toxicity. Rats administered intraperitoneally with doses of 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1ml/kg safranal, were treated with DZN (20mg/kg/day, orally) for 4 weeks. At a high dose of safranal (0.1ml/kg), hematological indices such as Hct, Hgb and RBC (P<0.05) were reduced when treated with DZN. Safranal at lower doses (0.025 and 0.05ml/kg) decreased the higher reticulocyte index induced by DZN (P<0.05). Also safranal at these doses reduced the elevated liver enzyme (SGOT, SGPT and GGT) and uric acid levels which were induced by DZN (P<0.05). Safranal has no effect on histopathological changes in liver, heart and lung and no effect on acetylcholine esterase enzyme changes in RBC induced by DZN. According to the present study, it is concluded that lower doses of safranal reduce some toxic effects of DZN on hematological and biochemical indices and that this effect is not mediated by acetylcholine esterase activity.

Reference: [1] Sutcu, R. et al. (2007) Toxicol. Ind. Health 23:13–17.

2. Assimopoulou, A.N. et al. (2005) Phytother. Res. 19:997–1000.