Crocin protects human erythrocytes from nitrite-induced methemoglobin formation and oxidative damage

Sodium nitrite (NaNO₂ ) is a common contaminant of drinking water and food and feed chain. Nitrite induces oxidative damage in humans and animals. In this work, we studied the protective effect of crocin, the active constituent of Crocus sativus (saffron), on NaNO₂ -induced oxidative damage in human erythrocytes. Changes in oxidative stress parameters following NaNO₂ incubation of erythrocytes in presence and absence of crocin were determined. It was found that crocin pre-treatment significantly attenuated NaNO₂ -induced oxidative damage of proteins, lipids, and plasma membrane. Crocin reduced the level of methemoglobin, the primary acute effect of nitrite intoxication. It also improved the antioxidant capacity of cells and NaNO₂ -induced morphological changes in erythrocytes. Crocin is thus a potent protective agent against nitrite-induced cytotoxicity.