Crocin protects intestine tissue against carbon tetrachloride-mediated oxidative stress in rats.

Saffron is used in traditional medicine for its hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties as a natural remedy in treatment of diseases. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the protective effect of crocin (one of the main ingredients of saffron) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) damage in intestinal mucosa. MDA, GSH, SOD, CAT, TAS and TOS levels were measured in experimental animal tissue samples and these were compared with histologic lesions induced by CCl4. CCl4 caused an increase in MDA, SOD, CAT and TOS levels and a significant decrease in GSH and TAS levels in rat intestinal tracts. After crocin treatment, serious improvements were observed in histological lesions and biochemical results in the intestinal tract. In conclusion, crocin inhibited the toxic effects induced by CCl4 in the intestine by its strong antioxidant properties.