Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 28, 2025
An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Published on: September 18, 2013
Cytotoxic Effect of Saffron Stigma Aqueous Extract on Human Prostate Cancer and Mouse Fibroblast Cell Lines
Hassan Ahmadnia, Jalil Tavakkol Afshari1, Jamshid Tabeshpour2
1Immunology Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. tavakolaj@mums.ac.ir.
Purpose:
Several lines of experimental evidence have shown that saffron has anticarcinogenic effects. This study aimed at evaluating the possible anticancer effect of saffron stigma aqueous extract on human prostate cancer (PC3) and mouse fibroblast cells (L929) as non-cancerous control cells.
Materials And Methods:
Saffron stigma aqueous extract at concentrations of 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1600 and 3200 μg/mL were prepared. PC3 and L929 cells were incubated with different concentrations of saffron extracts in different time intervals (24, 48, 72, 96 and 144 hours). MTT assay was used for each cell line to investigate the cytotoxic effect of saffron. Morphological alterations were also observed under light inverted microscope.
Results:
In fibroblast cell line after 24 hours, Saffron extract did not affect significantly the normal cells and they were intact in morphologic view. After 96 hours in the cells with highest concentration (1600 μg/mL), cell death and cellular form changes as well as severe granulation was observed. In prostate cell line after 24 hours, the only changes were observed in cells with the concentration of 1600 μg/mL. The cells were granulated and the form of the cells were spherule. After 72 hours, in group with the concentration of 1600 μg/mL, severe granulation was observed and the cell count decreased and some cells were dead.
Conclusion:
Saffron aqueous extract has an in vitro inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human prostate cell and mouse L929 cells which is dose-dependent.
Insights
Saffron extract shows anticancer effects against prostate cancer cells in vitro. The aqueous extract inhibited human prostate cancer (PC3) cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Cancer Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Saffron (Crocus sativus) exhibits known anticarcinogenic properties.
- Experimental evidence supports saffron's potential in cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anticancer effects of saffron stigma aqueous extract.
- To assess the extract's impact on human prostate cancer (PC3) cells.
- To use mouse fibroblast (L929) cells as a non-cancerous control.
Main Methods:
- Saffron stigma aqueous extract prepared at various concentrations (100–3200 μg/mL).
- PC3 and L929 cells incubated with extract for 24–144 hours.
- MTT assay used to determine cytotoxic effects.
- Morphological changes observed via light microscopy.
Main Results:
- Normal fibroblast cells showed no significant changes at 24 hours.
- At 96 hours and high concentrations, fibroblast cell death and morphological changes were observed.
- Prostate cancer cells exhibited granulation and cell death at 72 hours with high concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Saffron aqueous extract demonstrates in vitro inhibitory effects on prostate cancer cell proliferation.
- The observed effects are dose-dependent.
- Saffron extract also showed inhibitory effects on normal mouse fibroblast cells at higher concentrations and longer incubation times.
