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. 2025 Jul 21;52(1):741.
doi: 10.1007/s11033-025-10839-y.

Effects of safranal on antidiabetic and endothelial dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Ayten Demirci  1   2 , Ayse Saide Sahin  3 , Burak Cem Soner  4 , Haci Hasan Esen  5
Affiliations

Effects of safranal on antidiabetic and endothelial dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Ayten Demirci et al. Mol Biol Rep. .

Abstract

Objectives: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disorder that requires ongoing treatment. While oral hypoglycemic drugs are commonly used, they do not provide a permanent cure and can have adverse effects. In order to find more effective treatments with fewer adverse effects, researchers are focusing on herbal sources. Saffron extract, known for its therapeutic and aromatic qualities, has shown promising antidiabetic effects in numerous in vivo and clinical studies. This study aims to explore the antidiabetic potential of safranal, an active constituent of saffron, with a specific focus on its ability to protect against diabetes-related endothelial damage.

Methods: In this study, five groups of four-month-old male Wistar albino rats were utilized. A diabetes model was induced using streptozotocin. Relax responses were assessed by various parameters, including blood glucose levels, weight, HbA1c, insulin levels, immunohistochemical analysis for aorta and pancreatic tissues, and relevant genes.

Results: In this study, safranal treatment in three different doses did not affect weight but significantly reduced blood glucose levels depending on the dosage and duration of administration. HbA1c levels decreased, while insulin levels increased in treated rats. Insulin antibody staining in pancreatic tissues increased. Safranal treatment also reduced VCAM-1 gene expression and increased eNOS gene expression in thoracic aortic tissues. Additionally, safranal improved acetylcholine relaxation responses in isolated organ bath examinations.

Conclusion: Safranal demonstrates antidiabetic properties in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and has the potential to protect against diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction.

Keywords: VCAM1; Diabetes; Endothelial dysfunction; Safranal; Treptozotocin.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethical approval: The study was approved by the Laboratory Animal Ethics Committee (ethics committee no. 2020/028) of Necmettin Erbakan University. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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