Saffron extract (Safr'Inside™) improves anxiety related behaviour in a mouse model of low-grade inflammation through the modulation of the microbiota and gut derived metabolites

• DOI: 10.1039/d2fo02739a
• Publication Date: 2022-10-29T12:41:02Z
• Authors: Matthew G. Pontifex; Emily Connell; Gwenaelle Le Gall; Line Pourtau; David Gaudout; Cristina Angeloni; Lorenzo Zallocco; Maurizio Ronci; Laura Giusti; Michael Müller; David Vauzour
• Keywords: Modulation (music)

Treatment of anxiety and depression predominantly centres around pharmacological interventions, which have faced criticism for their associated side effects, lack efficacy low tolerability. Saffron, is reportedly well tolerated in humans, has been recognised its antidepressant anti-anxiety properties. Indeed, we previously reported upon the saffron extract supplementation healthy adults with subclinical anxiety. However, molecular aetiology remains unclear. In a rodent model low-grade chronic inflammation, explored impact (Safr'Inside™) supplemented at physiological dose, equated to 22 ± 1.2 mg per day human equivalent dose person 60 kg. Behavioural tests (Open Field task, Y maze, Novel object recognition), caecal 16S rRNA microbial sequencing, 1H NMR metabolomic analysis 2DE brain proteomic analyses were completed probe gut-brain axis interactions. Time occupying centre Open maze (OF) was increased by 62% animals. This improvement anxiety-related behaviour coincided gut shifts, notably Akkermansia, Muribaculaceae, Christensenellacae Alloprevotella significantly response supplementation. Akkermansia Muribaculaceae abundance negatively correlated neurotoxic metabolite dimethylamine reduced Brain highlighted several altered proteins including ketimine reductase mu-crystallin also concentration. Both OF performance. may be indicative novel interaction across contributes disorders.