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Context: Saffron extract can inhibit the metabolic disorders induced by stress but the mechanism of action of saffron extract in the central nervous system is not clear.

Objective: The present research investigated the effects of saffron water extract and its constituent, safranal on the behavioral and metabolic signs induced by electroshock stress in male Wistar rats (W: 250–300 g).

Materials and methods: Dried saffron material and maceration method was used for extraction. Animals received intra-amygdala (1, 5, and 10 µg/rat) or intraperitoneal (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) administration of the extract, safranal (Fluka, Germany), or saline 5 or 30 min before stress induction, respectively.

Results: The result showed that stress elevated the corticosterone plasma (115 nmol/L) concentration in the control and intra-amygdala (1, 5, and 10 µg/rat)-treated groups but not in groups that received extract or safranal (55 nmol/L …