The synergic effects of Saffron aqua extract and low frequency electromagnetic field on angiogenesis in chick chorioalantoic membrane

Studies both in vivo and in vitro shows anti-cancer effects of saffron. Angiogenesis is required for many physiological and pathological conditions such as tumor growth. On the other hand، many processes are affected by electromagnetic fields. In this study the synergic effects of saffron aqua extract and low-frequency electromagnetic field on angiogenesis were investigated. In this laboratory experimental study، ross fertilized eggs were divided in to 9 groups، including: control، first and second sham groups. 1، 2 and 3 experimental groups (treated by the saffron extract in concentrations as 100، 400 and 800 µg/ml) and experimental groups، 4، 5 and 6 (treatment with saffron with the same concentrations which exposed on 400 gauss intensity electromagnetic field). In the second day of incubation، a window was open on each egg in sterile condition and on the eighth day، 10 µl of saffron extract was injected. In the tenth day in 2 sham groups and 4، 5 and 6 experimental groups. The eggs were exposed on electro-magnetic field for 4 hours. At last in the twelfth day all cases were photographed by photo stereomicroscope and the numbers and lengths of vessels around the sponges were measured by Image J software. Data were analyzed by SPSS and statistic tests such as Tukey & ANOVA. Average length of blood vessels in the experimental group 1، compared with the control group showed no significant decrease (P>0. 05)، while in experimental group 2 and 3 it was significantly increased (P<0. 001). The average number of blood vessels in the experimental group 1، 2 and 3 declined noticeably compared with the control group (P<0. 05). Comparing of branches in blood vessels in second sham group with the control group showed dramatic reduction (P<0. 001). The number of blood vessels and length of branches in the experimental 4 group significantly decreased (P<0. 05)، while this reduction in the fifth and sixth group were significant (P<0. 001). Conclution: The aqueous extract of saffron has dose dependently inhibitory effect on angiogenesis which influences by low-frequency electromagnetic field with 400 Gauss intensity significantly.