Crocetin

Description

Crocetin is a natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid that is found in the crocus flower. It forms brick red crystals with a melting point of 285 °C.

Chemical properties

Red, rhomboid crystals.Soluble in pyridine and dilute sodium hydroxide; slightly soluble in water and organic solvents. Combustible.

The Uses of Crocetin

Experimental treatment of arteriosclerosis by increasing oxygen diffusion through arterial walls, thus decreasing buildup of cholesterol.

The Uses of Crocetin

Crocetin is a carotenoid derived from saffron, and is shown to have anticancer effects in both human adenocarcinoma gastric cancer cells and rat model of gastric cancer.

Definition

ChEBI: A 20-carbon dicarboxylic acid which is a diterpenoid and natural carotenoid. Found in the crocus flower, it has been administered as an anti-fatigue dietary supplement.

Anticancer Research

It is a natural apocarotenoid dicarboxylic acid obtained from saffron, and saffron isa spice from the flower of the Saffron crocus and present in the dry stigmas of theplant Crocus sativus which can be used as a food colorant. It is reported to be anovel anticancer agent against hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, lungcancer, skin carcinoma, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. It inhibits the nucleicacid synthesis, enhances antioxidant system, induces apoptosis, hinders growthfactor signaling pathways, and thus affects the growth of cancer cells. It showseffects in the reduction of LPS-induced nitric oxide release; in the reduction ofproduced IL-1β, TNF-α, and intracellular ROS; in the activation of NF-κB; and inthe blockade of LPS (Wang et al. 2012; Gutheil et al. 2012).