A comprehensive review on anticancer mechanisms of the main carotenoid of saffron, crocin

Abstract

Objectives Crocin is derived from dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. (saffron). It has long been used to prevent and treat various diseases. Although crocin is suggested as one of the most effective cancer therapeutic constituents of saffron stigma, its exact molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we reviewed anticancer effects of crocin and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Key findings While several mechanisms may account for the antitumour activity of crocin, alteration of expression/activity of the genes and also epigenetic changes may be considered as necessary phenomena. These alternations may lead to inhibition of cancer cells' proliferation or/and induction of apoptosis through various mechanism including inhibition of synthesis of DNA and RNA, interaction with cellular topoisomerase, suppression of the telomerase activity and active STAT3, and targeting of microtubules. Moreover, this carotenoid could reverse the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and inhibit metastasis. Conclusions Knowing molecular mechanisms of antitumoral agents could guide us to choose the best chemotherapeutic compound especially for targeted therapy and also provide insights about possible side effects.

Therapeutic effects of Crocin in autoimmune diseases: A review

“…The cellular damage produced by ROS has been associated with many disorders such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore antioxidants' mechanisms discovery is a key role in the management of oxidative stress‐related disorders …”

“…One of the main activities by Crocin is a change in the expression of genes related in the redox system of cells such as GST, GPx, CAT, and SOD. In addition to changes in gene expression levels, interactions with cellular enzymes including SOD proteins or peroxidase have also been reported to induce the antioxidant activity of Crocin . Another mechanism underlying the antioxidant activity of Crocin is the alteration of the stress marker genes in the ER system.…”

“…Another mechanism underlying the antioxidant activity of Crocin is the alteration of the stress marker genes in the ER system. Genes related to ER oxidative stress markers, whose expression is modulated by the Crocin are XBP‐1/s, BiP, PERK, and CHOP . Finally, changes in the epigenetics and changes in telomerase activity by Crocin are also indicative of the ability of Crocin to change at the molecular level of cells and induce antioxidant effects of Crocin …”

“…Therefore antioxidants' mechanisms discovery is a key role in the management of oxidative stress-related disorders. 13 Crocin scavenges free radicals (e.g., superoxide anions) and so could potentially have a protective role for cells against oxidative stress. Crocin is suitable for sperm cryopreservation and in protecting hepatocytes from toxins.…”

“…Crocin and crocetin are the two main carotenoids of saffron. Numerous studies on the pharmacological effects of Crocin have confirmed antidepressant, 9 antiatherosclerotic, 10 anti-platelet aggregation, 11 renoprotective, 12 anti-tumor 13 and anti-oxidant 14,15 properties. Crocin has also been reported to have protective effects against gentamicininduced nephrotoxicity.…”