Crocin attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokines and lipid proxidasion in rat brain following local injection with Ethidium bromide

Abstract Background: Crocin, as a natural based agent, has much anti inflammation and antioxidant properties that has widely applied to reduce problems related to neurodegenerative deficits. Objective: We investigated the effects of Crocin on brain cytokines and Malondialdehyde concentrations in an animal model of demyelization with Ethidium Bromide (EB). Material and Methods: Female Wistar rats were induced by a single injection of 10 μl of 0.1%EB into the Cisterna and assigned in to 7 groups; Control and treatment (3groups received 5,10 & 20mg/kg crocin for 21 days). The levels of TNFα, IL-6, IL-1and MDA were analyzed by paired t-test and ANCOVA with Post-hoc test. Results: TNFα, IL-1, IL-6 and MDA were reduced after 21 days of crocin administration, but significant changes were observed only in crocin 10 mg/kg (p<0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that crocin can attenuate the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lipid proxidation after induction of brain demyelization.