TNF and colitis: Kawabata et al. reported that 4 weeks crocin feeding was able to inhibit Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and decrease tumor necrosis factor α expression, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-6, interferon γ, NF-κB, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the colorectal mucosa and increased Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) expression [15].