Therapeutic potential of safranal in acute bacterial rhinosinusitis: an experimental study

Abstract Background Safranal, a pharmacologically active and potent phytochemical, may exhibit significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in an acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of safranal, a phytochemical with known antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, in an experimentally induced model of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in rats. Methods A total of 35 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: a healthy control group, a rhinosinusitis group induced by Staphylococcus aureus, a cefazolin-treated group, and two safranal-treated groups receiving 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses, respectively. Rhinosinusitis was induced by intranasal instillation of S. aureus, and treatments were administered for 7 days. Biochemical markers of oxidative stress (SOD, MDA, GSH) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) were analysed. Gene expression levels of NF-κB, MMP2, MMP9, and TIMP1 were assessed by qRT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry for PARP1 and PARP2 was performed for histopathological evaluation. Results The S. aureus-induced rhinosinusitis group exhibited significant oxidative stress and inflammation, as evidenced by decreased SOD and GSH levels, elevated MDA, and increased TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels. Safranal treatment, particularly at the high dose (200 mg/kg), significantly restored antioxidant levels, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and suppressed NF-κB, MMPs, and PARP1/2 expression in nasal tissues. Histopathological findings corroborated these results, showing decreased PARP1 and PARP2 immunoreactivity in safranal-treated groups. Conclusion This study provides compelling evidence that safranal, particularly at a high dose of 200 mg/kg, exhibits significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in an experimental model of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. These findings suggest that safranal may be a promising plant-derived alternative for managing rhinosinusitis and reducing antibiotic dependency.