a-crocin

Crocin is a water-soluble carotenoid pigment of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Crocin has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, anti-asthma, anti-cancer, and hypolipidemic effects.

Crocin (Gardenia Yellow) is a water-soluble carotenoid pigment of saffron (Crocus sativus L. ) that has been used as a spice for flavoring and coloring food preparations, and in Chinese traditional medicine as an anodyne or tranquilizer. Crocin suppresses tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha-induced apoptosis of pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells by modulating mRNA expressions of Bcl-2 family proteins, which trigger downstream signals culminating in caspase-3 activation followed by cell death. Crocin prevented the activation of nSMase by enhancing the transcription of gamma-glutamylcysteinyl synthase, which contributes to a stable glutathione supply that blocks the activity of nSMase.

Crocin-4, a carotenoid compound found in saffron, possesses potent antioxidant properties and can penetrate the brain. It effectively inhibits the aggregation and deposition of Aβ fibrils, making it useful for Alzheimer's Disease research. Additionally, Crocin-4 demonstrates antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities.

Crocin IV (Dicrocin), a crocetin glycoside belonging to the carotenoid pigments, exhibits significant antioxidant activity [1].

Crocin III (Crocetin-mono-(β-D-gentiobiosyl)-ester) is a crocin derived from saffron (Crocus sutivus L.). Crocins inhibit the cell growth of tumor cells and have anti-inflammatory activity.

Gardenia yellow (Crocin I) has anti atherosclerosis and hypolipidemic effects.