Delving into the Latest Updates on Crocin with Synapse

Overview

Basic Info

Drug Type

Chemical drugs

Synonyms

alpha- Crocin

Target

LIPE

Action

inhibitors

Mechanism

Hormone sensitive lipase inhibitors, Lipid peroxidation inhibitors

Therapeutic Areas

Immune System DiseasesSkin and Musculoskeletal DiseasesEye Diseases+ [5]

Active Indication-

Inactive Indication

Central Serous ChorioretinopathyLipid Metabolism DisordersMalaria+ [2]

Originator Organization

Kyushu University

Active Organization-

Inactive Organization

Kyushu UniversityKyung Hee University

Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

+ [2]

License Organization-

Drug Highest PhasePendingPhase 3

First Approval Date-

Regulation-

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Structure/Sequence

Molecular FormulaC44H64O24

InChIKeySEBIKDIMAPSUBY-RTJKDTQDSA-N

CAS Registry42553-65-1

For years, xanthophylls have been recognized for their potential in medicine. Evidence supports the role of diets rich in algae, fruits, and vegetables in preventing cancer. Due to the complexity of the human body, numerous mechanisms could explain the health benefits of xanthophylls. Various studies have explored their effects on specific diseases. However, the impact of certain xanthophylls, such as crocetin, crocin, and fucoxanthin, on aggressive breast cancer remains unclear. To address this, we examined their effects on human breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231 cells) using Raman spectroscopy and imaging. Our findings revealed that crocetin enhances cancer cell viability by increasing lipid and protein levels, suggesting it does not directly inhibit tumour growth. Crocin redirected cellular metabolism towards lipid accumulation, shown by increased Raman signals at 1444 cm^-1 in lipid droplets/endoplasmic reticulum. Fucoxanthin demonstrated the greatest potential, reducing lipid and protein levels (Raman bands at 1254, 1444, 1654 cm^-1), thereby inhibiting adenocarcinoma progression.

01 Jun 2025·Food and Chemical Toxicology

Protective effects of crocin against gentamicin-induced damage in rat testicular tissue: Modulating the levels of NF-κB/TLR-4 and Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-3 signaling pathways

Article

Author: Kiliçliogli, Metin ; Terim Kapakin, Kubra Asena ; Dogan, Tuba ; Senocak, Esra Aktas ; Yıldırım, Betul Apaydın

This study investigated the protective effects of crocin (CRO) on gentamicin (GM)-induced testicular toxicity in adult rats, focusing on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory pathways such as Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB)/Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR-4) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Caspase-3. Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into six groups: saline only, 25 mg/kg CRO, 50 mg/kg CRO, 80 mg/kg GM, 80 mg/kg GM + 25 mg/kg CRO, 80 mg/kg GM + 50 mg/kg CRO. Treatments were administered intraperitoneally for 8 days. GM increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels and reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in testicular tissue, indicating oxidative stress. Histopathology showed testicular degeneration. It also elevated Bax, Caspase-3, NF-κB, and TLR-4 expression while decreasing Bcl-2 levels, promoting apoptosis and inflammation. CRO treatment counteracted these effects by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, restoring GSH levels, and reducing MDA. Furthermore, CRO exhibited antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties by modulating Bax/Bcl-2 and Caspase-3, and downregulating NF-κB/TLR-4 pathways. This study underscores crocin's protective effects against gentamicin-induced testicular toxicity through the modulation of key signaling pathways, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for aminoglycoside-induced reproductive damage.

01 Jun 2025·Food Chemistry

Structural integrity, bioactive components, and physico-chemical characteristics of Kashmiri saffron (Crocus sativus L.) as affected by different drying techniques

Article

Author: Yaseen, Mifftha ; Jan, Nusrat ; Naseer, Bazila ; Murtaza, Imtiyaz ; Bashir, Shubli ; Zargar, Imtiyaz A ; Hussain, Syed Zameer

This research investigated the effects of shade drying (SD), freeze drying (FD), vacuum drying (VD) and cabinet drying (CD) on saffron stigmas. Results showed FD was most effective in preserving quality, followed by VD, CD, and SD. Drying methods had no significant (p ≥ 0.05) effects on ash, moisture, and acid-insoluble ash contents. Freeze-dried saffron had the lowest water activity (0.533), bulk density (0.145 g/mL), and volume shrinkage ratio (28), with superior color retention (a* 40.09, b* 17.43) and anthocyanin content (0.73 mg C3GE/g DM). FTIR analysis indicated better crocin preservation with FD. Freeze-dried saffron also exhibited highest DPPH radical scavenging capacity (59.63 %), FRAP values (47.26 mmol/kg), ABTS⁺ values (75.51 %), total phenolics (72.41 mg GAE/g), crocin (901.44 mg/g), picrocrocin (9.48 mg/g) and safranal (1.80 mg/g) contents. Microstructural analysis confirmed better cellular integrity with FD, making it the most effective method for preserving saffron quality at -80 °C for 44 h.

100 Deals associated with Crocin

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External Link

KEGG	Wiki	ATC	Drug Bank
-	Crocin	-	DB11874

R&D Status

10 top R&D records.

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Indication	Highest Phase	Country/Location	Organization	Date
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy	Phase 3	Iran	Shiraz University of Medical Sciences	01 Jul 2021
Osteoarthritis, Knee	Phase 3	United States	Mashhad University of Medical Sciences	20 Jul 2016
Lipid Metabolism Disorders	Phase 3	-	Seoul National University Alumni	-
Lipid Metabolism Disorders	Phase 3	-	Kyung Hee University	-
Malaria	Phase 3	-	Seoul National University Alumni	-
Malaria	Phase 3	-	Kyushu University	-
Malaria	Phase 3	-	Kyung Hee University	-
Stroke	Phase 3	-	Kyushu University	-
Stroke	Phase 3	-	Seoul National University Alumni	-
Stroke	Phase 3	-	Kyung Hee University	-